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Flooding in our region is one of the greatest threats to the health of our communities:

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• Peak flows in the region's streams have been increasing over the past 30 years, putting in harm's way even communities that were safe from floods in the past.
   

• Continued sand mining along the San Jacinto River, and construction near streams, lowers water quality in Lake Houston.
   

• If kept on their present trajectory, current construction patterns and practices will continue to lead to more frequent and even more dangerous floods.
   

• A growing international reputation for disastrous flooding could be the greatest threat to the Houston region’s economic development.

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The preservation of natural floodplains is critical to reducing flood risk to people, homes, schools, and businesses. Protecting and preserving natural land is the best first line of defense against flooding:
 

• It is more cost-effective than engineered solutions and far cheaper than buyouts of repeatedly flooded properties.  
   

• More conserved lands means more safe places for water to go without endangering our communities.
   

• Instead of causing runoff instantly like concrete, natural land near streams reduces flooding by slowing down water and also serves to clean water before releasing into the stream.
   

• Protection of connected greenways along streams provides habitat for the for our native plants and animal species, and recreational areas for our families.