エピソード

  • The biggest water consumer in the Brazos River Basin might surprise you

    The biggest water consumer in the Brazos River Basin might surprise you
    2026/07/15
    Think you know who the biggest water guzzler is in your area? You might want to sit down for this one. Dive into the data on lakes Possum Kingdom, Granbury, Whitney, Georgetown, and the rest of the crew in the Brazos River Basin. We’ve also got a breakdown of how much water goes to everyday people just trying to hydrate, versus how much power plants use to keep your lights on, as well as what’s lost to evaporation. Mother Nature was no joke in 2025, so tune in to also hear the staggering amount of floodwater Lake Granbury was forced to unleash. We see you, rain 🌧️We’ve tracked the water in the BRA’s Water Supply System, and today we’re showing you what that looks like.Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org. To see the Customer Water Use and Reservoir Accounting Summary graphic mentioned in the episode, go here.If you’d like to learn more about how evaporation affects the water supply in the Brazos River Basin, check out this article on Brazos.org. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Chris Higgins, BRA lead hydrologist, and Don Hood, BRA hydrologistIntro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst. About us: The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves. 📍Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    46 分
  • Want to work for the BRA? Here’s what you need to know

    Want to work for the BRA? Here’s what you need to know
    2026/07/01
    Hydrologist, welder, engineer, plant operator, project manager – there’s a good chance there’s a wider range of positions than you might guess at the Brazos River Authority. And with offices as far North as Possum Kingdom Lake, and far south as Clute and Richwood, you might find something close to home, or better yet, some place you’d actually want to live. So, how do you come to work for the BRA? Tune in to find out. Some of these benefits might just be the exact sign you’ve been looking for to make your next move.Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org.→ Click here to sign up for job alerts.→ Click here to see all job openings.→ Click here if you’d like to read more about careers at the Brazos River Authority. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Crystal Wilde, BRA chief human resources officer, Jennifer Kidd, BRA human resources generalist, and Chantell George, BRA human resources benefits administrator.Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst. About us: The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves. 📍Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    35 分
  • The Water Permit Math Built

    The Water Permit Math Built
    2026/06/15

    After years of development and permitting, concepts and models transformed into a physical source of water supply. Tune in to hear how data, not dirt, created a new source of water in the Brazos River Basin.

    Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority.

    Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org.
    Learn more about the System Operation Permit and Water Management Plan here.

    Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

    Guests: Aaron Abel, BRA water services manager, and Peyton Lisenby, BRA senior water resources planner.

    Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst.

    About us:

    The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves.

    📍Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.


    📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    34 分
  • The Science, Surprises, and Saviors of Sewage

    The Science, Surprises, and Saviors of Sewage
    2026/06/01

    From missing wedding rings to citywide disasters, find out why what you flush (and what you don’t) matters more than you realize. Skip this, and you might just be left holding the plunger and your nose. This is about No. 2 and how wastewater treatment isn’t just a crappy topic — it’s flush with surprises.

    Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority.

    Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org.

    Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

    Guests: Randy Lock, BRA Treatment and Conveyance Manager

    Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst.

    About us:

    The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves.

    📍Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.


    📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    45 分
  • Where to launch, what to know, and how to have a blast

    Where to launch, what to know, and how to have a blast
    2026/05/15
    Plan on renting a jet ski this summer? Itching to take the boat out on the next pretty day?What if your next boat day was totally drama-free and actually pretty epic? Discover the best ramps, avoid rookie mistakes, and get the lowdown on making your next (or first!) visit to lakes Possum Kingdom, Granbury, or Limestone the ultimate boat day. A little planning means less stress and more Texas memories in the Brazos River Basin.Quick access to see:Lake Granbury boat ramps: Lake Granbury Public Use AreasLake Limestone boat ramps: Lake Limestone Public Use AreasPossum Kingdom Lake boat ramps: Possum Kingdom Public Use AreasWe mention a bunch of numbers on this episode, so here they are so you don’t miss them:Lake Granbury Office: 817-573-3212Lake Limestone Office: 903-529-2141Possum Kingdom Lake Office: 940-779-2321Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office: 940-659-2085Stephens County Sheriff’s Office: 254-559-2211 ▷ Check out BrazosBasinNOW.org to view lake level statuses. ▷ If you’d like more details on Possum Kingdom Lake’s Hike & Bike Trails listen to Episode 3.Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Diane Davis, Possum Kingdom Lakes reservoir programs coordinator, Carlos Sanchez, Lake Granbury lake ranger, and Wayne Goldwater, Lake Limestone lake ranger sergeant.Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst. About us: The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves. 📍Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    43 分
  • Get your free kids’ life jacket in Hood County May 16

    Get your free kids’ life jacket in Hood County May 16
    2026/05/01
    Keeping our littlest swimmers safe, the Brazos River Authority Lake Granbury Office is hosting its 8th Annual Water Safety Awareness Day. Bring the kids to get their free life jacket, and while they are there, they can learn to fish, grab a free hot dog, and visit all the kid-friendly booths!Tune in to hear all the details of this free event and then join us from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., May 16, 2026, at Rough Creek Park, 2209 South Morgan St. in Granbury. ➡️ Check out this article for even more information.Hope to see you there!Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Dylan Mayfield, Lake Granbury's reservoir manager, and Cody Yarborough, lake ranger sergeant.Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst. About us: The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves. 📍Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    18 分
  • A guide to monitoring Brazos River Basin water releases

    A guide to monitoring Brazos River Basin water releases
    2026/04/15
    Understanding why, when, and how the BRA moves water can help you manage your risks on the Brazos River Basin’s rivers, lakes, and tributaries. How long does it actually take for water to reach you? And which specific bookmarks do you need on your phone to protect your property? This is your practical guide to the Brazos to make smart decisions for your family and your gear. Learn about the science behind river releases, the danger of shifting buoys, and why the "flood that stole Christmas" reminds us storms don’t come when it’s convenient. If you live on the lake or recreate downstream, "wait and see" isn't a safety plan. Don't go out on the water until you hear this episode.Once you’ve finished, here are the links we said we’d share!Real-time data at BrazosBasinNOWDownstream notification signupRoad closures via DriveTexasUnpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Aaron Abel, BRA water services manager, Peyton Lisenby, BRA senior water resources planner, and Judi Pierce, BRA public information officer.Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst. About us: The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves.📍Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    54 分
  • Keeping Lake Georgetown from running dry

    Keeping Lake Georgetown from running dry
    2026/04/01

    From the 28-mile Williamson County pipeline to the ambitious new drought project connecting Lakes Belton and Stillhouse Hollow, we’re talking to the experts about how pipelines aren’t just about digging trenches. With the Brazos River Basin population expected to double in the next 50 years, it's about balancing water quality, navigating thousands of property easements, and facing the hard truth that the era of cheap water is officially in the rearview mirror. Just how big a role will pipelines play in Texans’ future?

    After you've listened to the episode, check out this awesome profile on BRA’s pipeline supervisor Colton Adkins.


    Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority.

    Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org.


    Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

    Guests: Matt Phillips, BRA deputy general manager, and Brad Brunett, BRA’s chief operations officer.

    Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst.


    About us:
    The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    28 分