Flood Control Issues in San Antonio: A Historical Perspective

At JRH Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc., we are deeply rooted in the history and development of San Antonio, Texas, especially when it comes to managing the city's flood control issues. Our civil, structural, and environmental engineering services are tailored to address the unique challenges posed by the region's susceptibility to flooding, particularly flash flooding. This blog post will delve into the historical occurrences of flooding in San Antonio and how our expertise contributes to mitigating these issues.

The Early Years of Flooding in San Antonio

The 19th and Early 20th Century Floods

San Antonio's history with flooding dates back to the 19th century, with significant floods recorded in 1845, 1865, and notably twice in 1913. The city's location, near the San Antonio River and various creeks, has made it prone to flash flooding. The devastating flood of 1921, which resulted in over 50 deaths, was a turning point that highlighted the need for effective flood control measures[3].

JRH Engineering's Role in Flood Control

Engineering Services for Modern Challenges

As a leader in civil, structural, and environmental engineering, JRH Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc. provides comprehensive services to address the flood control and stormwater compliance issues in San Antonio and beyond. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and experience to design and implement solutions that protect against the dangers of flooding.

A Certified Woman-Owned Business (WBE)

JRH Engineering is proud to be a certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), Historically Underutilized Business (HUB), and Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB). These certifications underscore our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the engineering industry, as well as our dedication to serving the community with integrity and excellence[2].

Recent Flooding Events and Responses

The 1993-2014 Flood Events

From 1993 to 2014, San Antonio experienced 129 flood events, resulting in 16 deaths and significant property and crop damage. These events have underscored the ongoing risk of flooding and the importance of continued investment in flood management infrastructure[1].

The "500-Year Flood" of 1998

The tragic flood of 1998 brought unprecedented rainfall and flooding to San Antonio, causing widespread damage and loss of life. This event reinforced the importance of the city's flood control measures and the need for ongoing vigilance[5].

JRH Engineering's Comprehensive Flood Control Solutions

Floodplain Analysis and Environmental Impact Assessments

We conduct thorough floodplain analyses and environmental impact assessments to evaluate the potential impact on your project. This proactive approach is invaluable for planning and designing projects that are resilient against flood-related challenges[2].

Navigating the Texas Permitting Process

Building in the Texas floodplain requires compliance with various state and local regulations. Our expertise in City and County permitting in Texas ensures that your project meets all the necessary precautions to withstand potential flooding[2].

Conclusion: Building a Safer Future with JRH Engineering

JRH Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc. is your trusted partner in developing flood control solutions that safeguard the San Antonio community. Our commitment to quality, combined with our certifications and local expertise, positions us as the ideal choice for your next land development project. Contact us today to ensure your property is protected against the unpredictable forces of nature.

Citations:

- Historical occurrences of flooding in San Antonio: [1]

- JRH Engineering's services and certifications: [2]

- The flood that changed San Antonio: [3]

- JRH Engineering aiding South TX property owners amidst storms: [4]

- 25 years since historic San Antonio flood: [5]

Citations:

[1] https://www.safloodsafe.com/Flood-Facts/Historical-Occurences

[2] https://www.jrhengineering.net/post/building-in-the-tx-floodplain-area-how-jrh-engineering-can-help

[3] https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/flood-changed-san-antonio/

[4] https://www.jrhengineering.net/post/jrh-engineering-aiding-south-tx-property-owners-amidst-storms

[5] https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/news/2023/10/18/san-antonio-flood-25-year-anniversary

[6] https://www.jrhengineering.net/post/navigating-coastal-land-development-in-tx-the-role-of-jrh-engineering

[7] https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2022/10/13/24-years-ago-the-tragic-flood-of-98-came-through-san-antonio/

[8] https://www.jrhengineering.net

[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_1921_San_Antonio_floods

[10] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jrh-engineering-environmental-services-inc_building-in-the-tx-floodplain-area-how-jrh-activity-7118313369211695104-ism7

[11] https://www.sanantoniomag.com/a-look-at-the-1921-san-antonio-flood-100-years-later/

[12] https://www.jrhengineering.net/civil-engineering-land-development

[13] https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/FS-147-99/

[14] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jrh-engineering-environmental-services-inc_land-shopping-for-civil-projects-in-tx-activity-7104847512687034369-q9hM

[15] https://www.sariverauthority.org/services/flood-risk/

Reduce Flood Risk ~ San Antonio River Authority https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsgSZFTXtAg The River Authority uses comprehensive planning, precision protection, strategic partnership, and community preparedness to help communities throughout the San Antonio River Basin reduce the devastating effects of flooding. View […] www.sariverauthority.org