HOW IT WORKS
How the flood control
system works in valley ranch.
Standard Pump Station Operations: On a day-to-day basis, the IFCD 3 team monitors and manages the five and a half miles of waterways that collect storm water drainage in the Valley Ranch community.
1. Moderate rainfall below 418 feet
Average rainfall runoff is conveyed to the Elm Fork of the Trinity River through the IFCD 3 sluice gates and gravity discharge allowing the waterways to maintain a stable elevation of approximately 418 feet – average elevation in the Elm Fork is approximately 404 feet.
2. Heavy rainfall over 419 feet
When strong storm systems with heavy rains pass through the area, IFCD 3 staff members carefully monitor water levels. Between 418 – 419 feet, river and lake levels as well as weather conditions are observed and equipment is prepared for operations. Through an alert system, the team is notified when water levels reach 419 feet in the canals and lakes and 415 feet in the Elm Fork.
3. Pumps Activated
After prolonged rain events or during strong thunderstorms, IFCD 3 pumping operations are initiated in order to control water levels in the canals and lakes of Valley Ranch. To isolate IFCD 3 waterways from the Elm Fork, pump station sluice gates are closed when the Elm Fork water level reaches an elevation above 418 feet.