In this episode of Inside Pima County, Supervisor Rex Scott sits down with Eric Schepp, Director of the Pima County Regional Flood Control District, to explore how the County manages flood risk, protects communities, and is rethinking water as a long-term resource.

Schepp shares his path from civil engineering studies at Johns Hopkins University to a 30-year career with Pima County, highlighting his early work as a hydrologist and eventual rise to district leadership. His passion for the region—and its unique desert environment—shapes his approach to flood control and water management.

The conversation explains the Flood Control District’s core mission: protecting people and property through both structural solutions—like levees, detention basins, and bank protection—and non-structural approaches, including regulations, floodplain management, and land acquisition. These strategies are especially critical in older parts of Tucson, where development predated modern floodplain regulations and solutions are more complex.

Schepp outlines how the District operates as a special taxing district and works across a vast 9,200-square-mile region, partnering with jurisdictions like Marana and Oro Valley to guide smarter development and reduce flood risk. He also discusses federal and state frameworks like the National Flood Insurance Program, noting that Pima County’s high rating earns residents significant flood insurance discounts—up to 40%.

Beyond flood protection, the episode highlights a growing shift: treating stormwater as a valuable resource rather than a nuisance. Innovative projects like the Kino Environmental Restoration Project demonstrate how stormwater and reclaimed water can irrigate public spaces, while pilot efforts such as the Rillito Creek recharge project explore ways to capture and store water underground for long-term use.

Schepp also discusses the County’s Water Working Group, which brings together departments and regional partners to address water sustainability, conservation, and future supply challenges—particularly in areas reliant on private wells.

The episode concludes with a look at newer, community-focused solutions like stormwater parks. These smaller-scale projects reduce localized flooding while providing green space, improving water quality, supporting urban tree growth, and even creating educational and workforce development opportunities for local students.

Overall, the discussion underscores how flood control in Pima County is evolving—balancing public safety, environmental stewardship, and innovative water management to build a more resilient future.