Local Challenges and Conditions
Planning for Katy Site Conditions
The Barker Reservoir buffer zone creates a drainage engineering situation unique to Katy: during major rain events, stormwater in the upper Barker watershed cannot fully drain until reservoir pool levels drop below spillway elevation. That pooling behavior means turf systems on Katy properties near the reservoir buffer need drainage capacity that accounts for extended saturation periods, not just peak-intensity shedding. A base specified for a 30-minute peak event may perform adequately in normal conditions but pond during a multi-day saturation event like Harvey. We design for the extended saturation scenario on all Katy properties within the Barker influence area by increasing base aggregate depth and ensuring drainage outlet points are clear of backwater zones. Grand Parkway corridor commercial properties in Katy additionally sit within Fort Bend County MUD jurisdiction in some segments, requiring coordination between Harris County and Fort Bend County drainage rules when projects cross the county line.