Unpacking the Brazos River

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 [email protected]. 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.

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 [email protected]. 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.

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 [email protected]: 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.

From water snake wrestling matches to why a banana on a boat is a ticket to a bad day, tune in to hear why the number of bugs in a given spot affects the water in your favorite fishing location or kayaking trail. We’ve lured in some aquatic scientists who are sharing tales from across the Brazos River Basin and who will make you see your favorite waterway in a whole new light.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 [email protected]: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Jeremy Nickolai, BRA field operations manager, Cory Scanes, BRA aquatic sciences manager, and Ryan Byrge, BRA aquatic scientist.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.

Lakes – you love them, but sometimes they don’t act the way you think they should. We’re swimming through it all to break down why some reservoirs are designed to flood their own parks on purpose, and how there’s a group patrolling the banks of rivers and tributaries to make sure nobody is sneaking an extra sip from the system. Plus, we’re talking about why you can't just flip a switch and change what a dam was built for. Stop ghosting your local hydrology. Whether you’re a lakeside local or just a fan of having enough water to shower, tune in to hear how the experts handle the flow. 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 [email protected]. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Aaron Abel, BRA water services manager, and Chris Higgins, BRA lead hydrologist (capitalization on titles is different than above and below)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.

A drop of rain in Lubbock might end up in a glass of water in Galveston three weeks later.Your favorite weekend spot adjacent to a reservoir might be intentionally underwater. There are a few different day jobs for Texas’ lakes, and they play an important role you might not see.  From keeping the lights on to ensuring the kitchen faucet doesn’t run dry, we’re breaking down the roles they have and what part recreation plays in it all.  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 [email protected]: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Aaron Abel, BRA water services manager, and Chris Higgins, BRA lead hydrologist.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.

Water doesn't magically show up just because people move here. With the Brazos River Basin projected to double in population by 2080, business as usual won't cut it. Join the BRA’s Chief Strategic Officer, Jon King, along with Program Manager Rachel Lane, to answer the question on everyone’s mind: Can we just not build another lake? From 3,000 BC dam history to modern-day geotechnical drilling, we're taking a look at what it really takes to keep Texas from running dry.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 [email protected]: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Jon King, BRA Chief Strategic Officer, Rachel Lane, BRA program managerIntro 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.

This week, we’re sitting down with the BRA’s GM/CEO as he discusses the “bad hobby habit” that launched his 30 years of living and breathing the Brazos River Basin. Learn about how he navigates the urban sprawl affecting our water supply and the $6 million inflationary headaches trolling the basin’s future. It’s a story about passion, a story about progress, and the phone call that started it all. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: David Collinsworth, BRA’s General Manager and CEOIntro 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.

Forget the fancy survival manuals and the jargon. Most of us think a disaster is something that happens to the guy on the news, not to us. We’re getting real about what it takes to actually stay alive when Texas weather turns mean. We're talking "Taco Watches," WWII fighter pilots, and the one simple thing you can do this month to make sure your family is ready for the unthinkable.Because when the sirens go off, it's too late to start wondering where you put the flashlight.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 [email protected]. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Donnie Naylor, BRA emergency manager, Dedrick Page, BRA safety trainer, and Ryan Dirker, City of Waco-McLennan County emergency management coordinator.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.

How cold does the water have to be to cause cold water shock? Probably not as cold as you think. We’re diving into how common mistakes can turn a great day at the lake into a tragedy, and how a simple mantra can help keep you and your loved ones safe.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 [email protected]. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Dylan Mayfield, BRA Lake Granbury reservoir manager and Kyle Lewis, BRA Lake Granbury assistant reservoir manager/project 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.

We're talking massive steel gates, legendary Texas pioneers, and why evaporation is truly Lake Limestone’s No. 1 customer. This water supply reservoir is a place where German tourists, traveling preachers, and locals all converge, but keeping this paradise protected is a full-time, hands-on job. Tune in as we hear about replacing more than 40-ton gates using a massive crane barge and dealing with unexpected 10-inch rainfall in this episode on Lake Limestone and its Sterling C. Robertson Dam.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 [email protected]: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: John Dickson, BRA regional lake operations manager, Jackie Scott, BRA assistant reservoir manager and program coordinator, and Scott Davis, BRA 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.

That delicious, buttery gravy, salad dressing, peanut butter, and bacon grease you just washed down the sink can become a slow-motion dynamite for your home's plumbing. Why is Brown Friday the busiest day for plumbers, and how can your own holiday cleanup habits leave you with a disgusting, raw sewage back-up and a repair bill that costs more than your entire feast?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 [email protected]. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Troy Zwerneman, BRA regional operations programs coordinator, and Candice Sheridan, BRA public information coordinator.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.

Growth and water needs are colliding in Eastern Williamson County. We’re unpacking a series of projects ongoing to secure a sustainable water future for the entire region. Learn about the bottlenecks, dealing with 112-degree water, and the radical idea of storing water in underground “bubbles.”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 [email protected]. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Brad Brunett, BRA Chief Operations Officer, and Mandy Cullar, BRA program 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.

How long would it take a rubber ducky to float the Brazos River? Where in the Brazos River Basin does it look like it has snowed because there’s so much salt on the ground?Dive into the surprising history of the Brazos, hear how its mouth moved, and learn the critical role its reservoirs play in ensuring you have a reliable supply of water for everything from drinking to air conditioning. 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 [email protected]: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Judi Pierce, public information officer, and Candice Sheridan, public information coordinator.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. 

Who owns the water in our rivers and lakes? Why do certain people, municipalities, and agencies get water rights? Is a watermaster a superhero or a real person?There are a lot of misconceptions about the answers to these questions, and in this episode, David Collinsworth, BRA’s General Manager and CEO, and Brad Brunett, BRA's chief operations officer, break down the complicated Texas water rights and how they affect you. 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 [email protected]. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: David Collinsworth, BRA’s General Manager and CEO, and Brad Brunett, BRA's chief operations officerIntro 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.

Lace up your boots, inflate those bike tires, and get ready for an adventure at this North Texas reservoir. With 16 miles of "choose your own adventure" trails, a chance to encounter bobcats (and lots of other Texas wildlife,) and a spectacular view of Hell’s Gate, Possum Kingdom Lake has a hike and bike trail you don’t want to miss.  This episode is your trail map to learn how to craft your perfect adventure with a variety of free amenities and discover how the BRA keeps these award-winning trails pristine for your enjoyment 365 days a year. 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 [email protected]. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Troy Weatherhead, BRA Possum Kingdom Lake reservoir manager, and Diane Davis, BRA Possum Kingdom Lake reservoir program coordinator.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.

Tired of feeling a little "fuzzy" on what the Brazos River Authority actually does? Join us as we discuss the Texas-sized problem that led to the BRA’s creation (and how our mission has evolved,) why conservation isn’t just about turning off the faucet, and a surprising look at our role in wastewater treatment – trust us, it’s cleaner than you think. Discover the full scope of the BRA’s responsibilities and how it impacts communities, industries, and agriculture throughout 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 [email protected]. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guest: Matt Phillips, BRA deputy general 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.

Thinking about releasing your unwanted fish into the wild? Think again! These seemingly harmless pets can become invasive nightmares, destroying ecosystems and costing Texans money. We're talking about why that cute goldfish or lush aquarium plant could spell big trouble for Texas waterways. Plus, hear about the fascinating (and sometimes hilarious) details of "fish taxis" and why some fish are just born to travel. 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 [email protected]. Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.Guests: Tiffany Malzahn, BRA chief environmental officer, and Jeremy Nickolai, BRA field operations 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.

We're unraveling the invisible threads connecting your morning shower to a power plant, your garden hose to flood control, and your very existence to one of the most vital lifelines of the state