Unpacking the Brazos River

Unpacking the Brazos River

By: Brazos River Authority

Language: en

Categories: Education, Science, Earth

Ready to unpack the powerful stories of a Texas titan - the Brazos River? Listen as experts explain the Brazos River Basin's immense role in our daily lives. They'll cover everything from the river's fascinating history to all the work that goes into ensuring you have water when you turn on your faucet. Hear invaluable insights on topics like why lake levels change, the important projects safeguarding our water, the many species that call the Brazos home, and even some tips for enjoying the water from Brazos River Authority experts. This is your chance to understand the immense work that...

Episodes

The water is way colder than you think
Dec 15, 2025

How cold does the water have to be to cause cold water shock? Probably not as cold as you think. We’re diving into how common mistakes can turn a great day at the lake into a tragedy, and how a simple mantra can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

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 information@brazos.org.

 

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

Gue...

Duration: 00:29:25
Five coats of periwinkle: The Sterling C. Robertson Dam
Dec 01, 2025

We're talking massive steel gates, legendary Texas pioneers, and why evaporation is truly Lake Limestone’s No. 1 customer. This water supply reservoir is a place where German tourists, traveling preachers, and locals all converge, but keeping this paradise protected is a full-time, hands-on job. Tune in as we hear about replacing more than 40-ton gates using a massive crane barge and dealing with unexpected 10-inch rainfall in this episode on Lake Limestone and its Sterling C. Robertson Dam.


Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas fo...

Duration: 00:46:17
Why your dish soap and hot water are only making the problem worse
Nov 15, 2025

That delicious, buttery gravy, salad dressing, peanut butter, and bacon grease you just washed down the sink can become a slow-motion dynamite for your home's plumbing. Why is Brown Friday the busiest day for plumbers, and how can your own holiday cleanup habits leave you with a disgusting, raw sewage back-up and a repair bill that costs more than your entire feast?

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 information@brazos.org.

 

Hos...

Duration: 00:25:04
Will there be enough water available for one of Texas’ fastest-growing counties?
Nov 01, 2025

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 information@brazos.org.

 

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

Guests: Brad Brunett, BRA Chief Operation...

Duration: 00:31:20
Brazos Uncovered: The Salt, The Shift, The Story
Oct 15, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:31:22
What do you mean I need a permit?
Sep 30, 2025

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 epis...

Duration: 00:38:25
Getting Opossum-bly Lost in a Good Way at PK Lake Trails
Sep 30, 2025

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...

Duration: 00:24:06
Decoding the Drop
Sep 30, 2025

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 t...

Duration: 00:44:13
Goldfish Gone Wild
Sep 30, 2025

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 i...

Duration: 00:34:51
Teaser
Aug 06, 2025

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

Duration: 00:00:55