Growth and water needs are colliding in Eastern Williamson County. We’re unpacking a series of projects ongoing to secure a sustainable water future for the entire region. Learn about the bottlenecks, dealing with 112-degree water, and the radical idea of storing water in underground “bubbles.”

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 [email protected].

Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

Guests: Brad Brunett, BRA Chief Operations Officer, and Mandy Cullar, BRA program 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.

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 [email protected].

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.

Who owns the water in our rivers and lakes? Why do certain people, municipalities, and agencies get water rights? Is a watermaster a superhero or a real person?

There are a lot of misconceptions about the answers to these questions, and in this episode, David Collinsworth, BRA’s General Manager and CEO, and Brad Brunett, BRA's chief operations officer, break down the complicated Texas water rights and how they affect you.

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 [email protected].

Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

Guests: David Collinsworth, BRA’s General Manager and CEO, 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.

Lace up your boots, inflate those bike tires, and get ready for an adventure at this North Texas reservoir. With 16 miles of "choose your own adventure" trails, a chance to encounter bobcats (and lots of other Texas wildlife,) and a spectacular view of Hell’s Gate, Possum Kingdom Lake has a hike and bike trail you don’t want to miss. 

This episode is your trail map to learn how to craft your perfect adventure with a variety of free amenities and discover how the BRA keeps these award-winning trails pristine for your enjoyment 365 days a year.

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 [email protected].

Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

Guests: Troy Weatherhead, BRA Possum Kingdom Lake reservoir manager, and Diane Davis, BRA Possum Kingdom Lake reservoir program 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.

Tired of feeling a little "fuzzy" on what the Brazos River Authority actually does? Join us as we discuss the Texas-sized problem that led to the BRA’s creation (and how our mission has evolved,) why conservation isn’t just about turning off the faucet, and a surprising look at our role in wastewater treatment – trust us, it’s cleaner than you think.

Discover the full scope of the BRA’s responsibilities and how it impacts communities, industries, and agriculture throughout the Brazos River Basin.

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 [email protected].

Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

Guest: Matt Phillips, BRA deputy general 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.

Thinking about releasing your unwanted fish into the wild? Think again! These seemingly harmless pets can become invasive nightmares, destroying ecosystems and costing Texans money. We're talking about why that cute goldfish or lush aquarium plant could spell big trouble for Texas waterways.

Plus, hear about the fascinating (and sometimes hilarious) details of "fish taxis" and why some fish are just born to travel.

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 [email protected].

Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant public information officer.

Guests: Tiffany Malzahn, BRA chief environmental officer, and Jeremy Nickolai, BRA field operations 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.

We're unraveling the invisible threads connecting your morning shower to a power plant, your garden hose to flood control, and your very existence to one of the most vital lifelines of the state