The Greens Bayou watershed is located in north Harris County and encompasses portions of the cities of Houston and Humble. The upper reach of Greens Bayou flows from west to east before turning south and flowing into the Houston Ship Channel. The watershed covers about 212 square miles and includes four primary streams: Greens Bayou, Halls Bayou, Garners Bayou, and Reinhardt Bayou. (Learn more about efforts in Halls Bayou here)
There are about 308 miles of open streams, including the primary streams and tributary channels. Based on the 2010 U.S. Census, the estimated population of the Greens Bayou watershed is 528,720, making it one of the more populous watersheds in the county.
Like much of Harris County, the Greens Bayou watershed is flood prone. The high-density development in the area combines with significant floodplains to cause high damages during frequent flood events. Much of the development in the watershed occurred prior to our current understanding of floodplains and restrictions on building in the floodplains.
The Flood Control District has projects in progress across the watershed, building on decades of investment in the area. Presently, more than $115.7 million are allocated to the Greens Bayou watershed, including bond program, partnership and Flood Control District funds, and all projects listed in the 2018 Bond Program have been initiated. As of April 2021, six stormwater detention basins are either complete or in construction in the mid-reach section of the watershed alone.