Barker Reservoir, Flood control reservoir in western Houston, Texas.
Barker Reservoir is a flood control dam in western Houston that spans a large watershed area covering parts of Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller counties. The facility includes a dam structure and outlet works designed to control and regulate water flow.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers completed the dam and outlet facility in 1945 to protect downtown Houston from Buffalo Bayou flooding. This project was a response to past flood events that had caused damage to the city.
The reservoir borders multiple communities, including sections of Houston and Katy, serving as a central water management system for the broader metropolitan area. Local residents and visitors recognize it as an essential part of regional infrastructure that shapes how neighborhoods relate to water and flooding.
Access is available through roads that run through or alongside the reservoir and surrounding area, with several points to view the facility and landscape. Weather in the region can be warm and humid, so sun protection is important when spending time outdoors.
The reservoir operates in coordination with the nearby Addicks Reservoir, creating a combined water storage system for the entire region. This partnership approach shows how two separate facilities work together to distribute flood protection across a large area.
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