The Science, Surprises, and Saviors of Sewage

The Science, Surprises, and Saviors of Sewage

From missing wedding rings to citywide disasters, find out why what you flush (and what you don’t) matters more than you realize. Skip this, and you might just be left holding the plunger and your nose. This is about No. 2 and how wastewater treatment isn’t just a crappy topic — it’s flush with surprises. 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: Randy Lock, BRA Treatment and Conveyance 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.   📍Find us on Facebook [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrazos-River-Authority-126719790675809%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278243545%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gdGHgnuiJhOv1f5h59PYF%2F1dfQavA%2B6m085%2BO0cEbIA%3D&reserved=0], Instagram [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbrazoswater%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278265478%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ipc%2B3ovc3icC%2FqfTnV6WFCbtNRimKlGeU%2BkqDDYcqQw%3D&reserved=0], Nextdoor [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnextdoor.com%2Fagency-detail%2Ftx%2Fwaco%2Fbrazos-ra%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278284100%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Xvtbkv%2BCnJi9io45aDmOHSvjX7gE%2BrmYyMdtdmING00%3D&reserved=0], X [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fbrazoswater&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278304358%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lf0HnhYcjT24ZJ5AYa2GbN0KzW4X%2B777si28ibEbxW0%3D&reserved=0], LinkedIn [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fbrazos-river-authority&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278326031%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=03IIw2IliO2iTHAttbYmyNyXYD5iNK1yqfs3bpHS7x4%3D&reserved=0], and YouTube [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fchannel%2FUClUKmPJquVtDXeJmN9C17rg&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278345560%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nKDf9igrK0QSfAO4eJV8zCgVl46I03q7%2FM1pjHOw4z8%3D&reserved=0]. 📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter [https://www.brazos.org/Newsletter].

Where to launch, what to know, and how to have a blast

Plan on renting a jet ski this summer? Itching to take the boat out on the next pretty day? What if your next boat day was totally drama-free and actually pretty epic? Discover the best ramps, avoid rookie mistakes, and get the lowdown on making your next (or first!) visit to lakes Possum Kingdom, Granbury, or Limestone the ultimate boat day. A little planning means less stress and more Texas memories in the Brazos River Basin. Quick access to see: * Lake Granbury boat ramps: Lake Granbury Public Use Areas [https://brazos.org/about-us/reservoirs/lake-granbury/amenities/public-use-areas] * Lake Limestone boat ramps: Lake Limestone Public Use Areas [https://brazos.org/about-us/reservoirs/lake-limestone/amenities/public-use-areas] * Possum Kingdom Lake boat ramps: Possum Kingdom Public Use Areas [https://brazos.org/about-us/reservoirs/possum-kingdom-lake/amenities/public-use-areas] We mention a bunch of numbers on this episode, so here they are so you don’t miss them: * Lake Granbury Office: 817-573-3212 * Lake Limestone Office: 903-529-2141 * Possum Kingdom Lake Office: 940-779-2321 * Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office: 940-659-2085 * Stephens County Sheriff’s Office: 254-559-2211  ▷ Check out BrazosBasinNOW.org [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.brazosbasinnow.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7Ccfde67b129ae423c6dd208deb286a32e%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639144488527314119%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DMFTq22kAT6Em%2B9Hr3XAg7Qylk7TopLPZ6OMF8%2BXbho%3D&reserved=0] to view lake level statuses.  ▷ If you’d like more details on Possum Kingdom Lake’s Hike & Bike Trails [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrazosriverauthority.transistor.fm%2Fs1%2F3&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7Ccfde67b129ae423c6dd208deb286a32e%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639144488527332719%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lUMI8tFG5cFmPbP7xXLn8FP9wmYk4nEiJ2GGSqU41%2FU%3D&reserved=0] listen to Episode 3. 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: Diane Davis, Possum Kingdom Lakes reservoir programs coordinator, Carlos Sanchez, Lake Granbury lake ranger, and Wayne Goldwater, Lake Limestone 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 [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrazos-River-Authority-126719790675809%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278243545%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gdGHgnuiJhOv1f5h59PYF%2F1dfQavA%2B6m085%2BO0cEbIA%3D&reserved=0], Instagram [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbrazoswater%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278265478%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ipc%2B3ovc3icC%2FqfTnV6WFCbtNRimKlGeU%2BkqDDYcqQw%3D&reserved=0], Nextdoor [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnextdoor.com%2Fagency-detail%2Ftx%2Fwaco%2Fbrazos-ra%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278284100%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Xvtbkv%2BCnJi9io45aDmOHSvjX7gE%2BrmYyMdtdmING00%3D&reserved=0], X [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fbrazoswater&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278304358%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lf0HnhYcjT24ZJ5AYa2GbN0KzW4X%2B777si28ibEbxW0%3D&reserved=0], LinkedIn [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fbrazos-river-authority&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278326031%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=03IIw2IliO2iTHAttbYmyNyXYD5iNK1yqfs3bpHS7x4%3D&reserved=0], and YouTube [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fchannel%2FUClUKmPJquVtDXeJmN9C17rg&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278345560%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nKDf9igrK0QSfAO4eJV8zCgVl46I03q7%2FM1pjHOw4z8%3D&reserved=0]. 📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter [https://www.brazos.org/Newsletter].

Get your free kids’ life jacket in Hood County May 16

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. [https://brazos.org/newsletter/spring-2026/water-safety-day] 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 information@brazos.org.   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 [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrazos-River-Authority-126719790675809%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278243545%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gdGHgnuiJhOv1f5h59PYF%2F1dfQavA%2B6m085%2BO0cEbIA%3D&reserved=0], Instagram [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbrazoswater%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278265478%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ipc%2B3ovc3icC%2FqfTnV6WFCbtNRimKlGeU%2BkqDDYcqQw%3D&reserved=0], Nextdoor [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnextdoor.com%2Fagency-detail%2Ftx%2Fwaco%2Fbrazos-ra%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278284100%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Xvtbkv%2BCnJi9io45aDmOHSvjX7gE%2BrmYyMdtdmING00%3D&reserved=0], X [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fbrazoswater&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278304358%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lf0HnhYcjT24ZJ5AYa2GbN0KzW4X%2B777si28ibEbxW0%3D&reserved=0], LinkedIn [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fbrazos-river-authority&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278326031%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=03IIw2IliO2iTHAttbYmyNyXYD5iNK1yqfs3bpHS7x4%3D&reserved=0], and YouTube [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fchannel%2FUClUKmPJquVtDXeJmN9C17rg&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278345560%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nKDf9igrK0QSfAO4eJV8zCgVl46I03q7%2FM1pjHOw4z8%3D&reserved=0]. 📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter [https://www.brazos.org/Newsletter].

A guide to monitoring Brazos River Basin water releases

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 [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.brazosbasinnow.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C5efacfa6073643c5519108de96708b61%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639113607272999086%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4M1J5BEFeWU8ImrZANuQJyFYWsCB%2Fkub3UlMnOfQvRk%3D&reserved=0] * Downstream notification signup [https://brazos.org/forms/downstream-notification-signup] * Road closures via DriveTexas [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrivetexas.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C5efacfa6073643c5519108de96708b61%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639113607273017423%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cGp5kEPO7y74xc9vXaeQ4GLRs9vCDTGdB0rARK3Yqaw%3D&reserved=0] 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 [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrazos-River-Authority-126719790675809%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278243545%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gdGHgnuiJhOv1f5h59PYF%2F1dfQavA%2B6m085%2BO0cEbIA%3D&reserved=0], Instagram [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbrazoswater%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278265478%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ipc%2B3ovc3icC%2FqfTnV6WFCbtNRimKlGeU%2BkqDDYcqQw%3D&reserved=0], Nextdoor [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnextdoor.com%2Fagency-detail%2Ftx%2Fwaco%2Fbrazos-ra%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278284100%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Xvtbkv%2BCnJi9io45aDmOHSvjX7gE%2BrmYyMdtdmING00%3D&reserved=0], X [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fbrazoswater&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278304358%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lf0HnhYcjT24ZJ5AYa2GbN0KzW4X%2B777si28ibEbxW0%3D&reserved=0], LinkedIn [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fbrazos-river-authority&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278326031%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=03IIw2IliO2iTHAttbYmyNyXYD5iNK1yqfs3bpHS7x4%3D&reserved=0], and YouTube [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fchannel%2FUClUKmPJquVtDXeJmN9C17rg&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278345560%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nKDf9igrK0QSfAO4eJV8zCgVl46I03q7%2FM1pjHOw4z8%3D&reserved=0]. 📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter [https://www.brazos.org/Newsletter].

Keeping Lake Georgetown from running dry

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. [https://brazos.org/newsletter/winter-2026/employee-profile?utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=January_2026_Newsletter&utm_medium=email] 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 [information@brazos.org]. Host: 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.