Judi Pierce

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 information@brazos.org. Host: 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.  

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 BrazosBasinNOW Downstream notification signup Road closures via DriveTexas 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: 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.

It turns out “River Authority” is a loaded name and lots of folks assume we handle everything that happens on or near the Brazos. From flood control to fish kills to docks and development, we’re explaining what we don’t do — and pointing you to the right place when it’s not us. So, tune in to see which sites you should bookmark when you want to skip a phone call to find out who oversees something. Or call us at 888-922-6272, and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction, whether it’s us or not. Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority.    Here’s a quick recap of some of the agencies discussed during the episode and what they do: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality:Issues and manages water rights and permits Oversees the Brazos Watermaster Program, which ensures each permit holder only takes their allowed amount of water and reports usage regularly Handles pollution reports, fish kill reports, algae concerns, and dumping complaints U.S. Army Corps of EngineersOwns/operates eight reservoirs in the BRA Water Supply System, and many other reservoirs not in that system  Handles flood control on these federal reservoirs  City of WacoOwns and manages Lake Waco and Lake Brazos as water supplies for Waco and surrounding areas Texas Parks & Wildlife DepartmentEnforces fishing regulations and issues sand & gravel permits for any work done on the riverbed (like erosion control or dock construction) Game wardens handle overfishing, illegal motorized vehicles in riverbeds, or other state-law violations on the river County Sheriff’s OfficeCan respond to suspicious or illegal activity on the river  FEMAProvides floodplain information and maps for property owners concerned about flooding risks Go here to read an article on this topic if you don't have time to listen to the podcast. 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: Judi Pierce, BRA public information officer, 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.   📍Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. 📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter.