Tomball approves updated drainage master plan, details $31M for projects

June 13, 2025

The Tomball City Council has signed off on the city’s latest drainage master plan, documenting drainage infrastructure needs and proposed solutions.

The master plan will be the first comprehensive update since the previous iteration, which was published in 2014. As the city grows and develops, the plan will serve as a guide toward identifying drainage issues and implementing capital projects to address existing and future infrastructure needs and provide flood relief.

In an effort to increase resilience from inclement weather in flood-prone areas, the city analyzed various improvement components that play a role in managing flooding. Some of these measures include:

  • Improving outfall channels.
  • Updating storm sewer criteria enhancements.
  • Building regional detention basins.
  • Modifying stream crossings.
  • Installing early flood warning systems.
  • Enhancing ditches.
  • Expanding storm sewers.
  • Coordinating infrastructure.

The city included both a five- and 10-year Capital Plan, targeting nine basins requiring improvements over the next decade. However, in the next five years, the city anticipates investing $31.2 million into only three projects.

J131 Basin has the highest associated cost for improvements at $16.7 million. Currently, the basin – originally designed to handle 100-year conveyance – no longer has the capacity to handle large-scale flood events. Proposed project alternatives include improving detention ponds, storm sewer infrastructure and channel enhancements for connected drainage systems.

M121 Basin will cost $10 million to restructure. The basin currently lacks sufficient outfall depth and natural drainage paths, impeding development. The city plans to remedy these issues by building detention facilities, improving storm sewer infrastructure and reconstructing drainage channels.

The final basin project – M118 Basin – will cost $4.3 million to enhance over the next five years. The basin lacks natural drainage systems, leading to significant issues with conveyance and outfall depth and availability. The project will prioritize building detention basins, storm sewer infrastructure and drainage channels to resolve ongoing flooding issues.

Photo by Joseph Russo from Pexels

Related Content:

Is FEMA as we know it about to be abolished?

Is FEMA as we know it about to be abolished?

National disaster management and recovery efforts may face significant changes according to recent statements made by President Trump. Making comments at the Oval Office, the president announced plans to “phase out” the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after...

read more
New Alamo laws seek to overhaul site and boost tourism

New Alamo laws seek to overhaul site and boost tourism

As renovation work at the Alamo presses onward, legislative action may see control of the historic landmark trade hands. The Texas Legislature approved two bills last week that would shift the site’s management and endorse new public exhibits. Gov. Greg Abbott is left...

read more
Metal License Plates to Replace Temporary Paper Tags in Texas

Metal License Plates to Replace Temporary Paper Tags in Texas

Starting July 1, Texas vehicle buyers will receive metal license plates at the point of purchase, replacing temporary paper tags. The move follows the scheduled enactment of House Bill 718 (HB 718), which was signed into law during the 88th Legislative Session in...

read more
NCTCOG launches $60M grant program for clean fleet upgrades

NCTCOG launches $60M grant program for clean fleet upgrades

The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) will open a Call for Projects this summer to distribute $60 million for updated fleets with clean energy-powered vehicles. Recipients chosen through the North Texas Zero Emissions Vehicles (NTx-ZEV) Project will...

read more

Subscribe: