The Brazos River Authority (BRA) is taking major steps toward developing the Allens Creek Reservoir, a significant infrastructure project planned just outside of Wallis in Austin County. Designed to help meet the growing water needs of Texas, the reservoir will eventually provide up to 100,000 acre-feet of firm water supply each year—enough for approximately 400,000 families.
What Is the Allens Creek Reservoir?
This proposed reservoir is a pumped-storage water supply project. It will store water pumped from the Brazos River during high-flow periods and release it when needed to supply communities and downstream customers during dry conditions. The reservoir site is strategically located in the lower Brazos River Basin, just west of Simonton and near Wallis, making it a vital resource for the surrounding region.
A Long-Term Investment in Water Security
Although the reservoir has not yet broken ground, the project is entering an active investigative phase this summer. Extensive permitting, scientific assessments, and field studies must take place before construction can begin. In fact, the total development timeline is expected to exceed 10 years, with most of that time dedicated to planning, permitting, and environmental evaluation.
This summer, local residents may notice increased traffic and survey activity, including drilling equipment collecting core samples near the proposed site. These efforts are essential to gathering the environmental and geotechnical data needed to design the reservoir responsibly.
Benefits for Wallis and Austin County
While the Allens Creek Reservoir is a long-term project, its presence is already creating opportunities for Austin County. The BRA has emphasized its commitment to working closely with local elected officials, landowners, and community leaders throughout the process. The project’s size, scope, and future water supply benefits could also support economic development, attract future infrastructure investment, and strengthen regional drought resilience.
Stay Informed
Residents and stakeholders who wish to receive updates on the Allens Creek Reservoir project can contact Rachel Lane at the Brazos River Authority by emailing Rachel.Lane@brazos.org or calling (254) 761-3257. Additional information is available at https://brazos.org/allenscreek.
