What Does IFCD 3 Do When There’s No Rain?

While Valley Ranch residents, animals and vegetation all are eager for less heat and more precipitation, it doesn’t look like the sun will be easing up anytime soon. Although this heat wave has been close to record-breaking, this certainly isn’t the first time our community has experienced a prolonged drought.

Whether there’s too much rain, or not enough, IFCD 3 remains responsible for maintaining the community’s flood control facilities and exercising practices that fall in line with proper environmental stewardship under all conditions.

Not surprisingly, drought has the potential to cause real problems across Valley Ranch. Roads, houses and other structures are constantly in danger of shifting and settling due to changing soil conditions. During extended droughts, the lack of moisture in the soil amplifies these potential problems.

Just like homes and highways, District facilities – such as canal walls, the sump and our pump station – can be subject to damage from challenges brought by dry conditions and the clay-based soils in North Texas. Anytime we experience an extended drought, IFCD 3 team members monitor Valley Ranch’s 5.5 miles of canals and other waterways, along with the soil conditions across the District. We also take preventative measures when possible – reinforcing existing structures, checking for cracks and anomalies along canal walls and inspecting canal banks and the levee for erosion. These actions help ensure that our community’s flood control assets remain intact and reliable in both dry and wet seasons.

For additional insight into how IFCD 3’s functions and focus change from season to season, follow along on Facebook and Twitter, or visit our ever-growing library of WaterWays posts.