Texas Porch

Flood control / Water

The San Antonio River Authority manages flood risk across Bexar County

The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) works with the city and county to maintain flood-control dams, update floodplain maps, and operate a real-time sensor network for low water crossings.

The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) is a state-created agency. It manages flood risk across the San Antonio River basin, which covers Bexar County and parts of Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties. SARA runs 41 flood-retention dams in the basin. It also keeps floodplain maps current through agreements with Bexar County, the City of San Antonio, and 19 suburban cities.

SARA works with FEMA on updating flood maps for Bexar County. New maps using modern rainfall and land use data started rolling out in 2023 and 2024. SARA also runs the HALT (High Water Alert Lifesaving Technology) sensor network. Over 200 HALT systems are installed across the region to watch low water crossings in real time and send alerts when water rises. Bexar County approved $21 million to expand and upgrade this system with a next-generation predictive flood warning network.

For flood risk resources, visit sariverauthority.org. Sign up for low water crossing alerts at bexarflood.org. Check your flood zone at the SARA floodplain viewer before buying or building near any creek or drainage channel in Bexar County.

Source to confirm: San Antonio River Authority – Reduce Flood Risk

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