Unpacking the Brazos River

About Unpacking the Brazos River

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 goes into developing, managing, and protecting the Brazos River Basin, which stretches from the Texas-New Mexico border to the Gulf. (The basin is the size of Tennessee, y’all, it’s big.) It’s a huge part of our state’s story and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Publisher

Brazos River Authority

Category

education · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Aug 2025

Latest episode

1 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

29 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Is a major overhaul coming for the Lake Granbury gates?

   The 16 Tainter gates at DeCordova Bend Dam have been in service since 1969. Tune in as we discuss how it’s holding up after all this time, and what the future may hold. 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: Lacey Darr, BRA project manager, and Wesley Williams, BRA project engineer Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst. About us: The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves. 📍Find us on Facebook (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrazos-River-Authority-126719790675809%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278243545%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gdGHgnuiJhOv1f5h59PYF%2F1dfQavA%2B6m085%2BO0cEbIA%3D&reserved=0), Instagram (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbrazoswater%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278265478%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ipc%2B3ovc3icC%2FqfTnV6WFCbtNRimKlGeU%2BkqDDYcqQw%3D&reserved=0), Nextdoor (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnextdoor.com%2Fagency-detail%2Ftx%2Fwaco%2Fbrazos-ra%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278284100%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Xvtbkv%2BCnJi9io45aDmOHSvjX7gE%2BrmYyMdtdmING00%3D&reserved=0), X (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fbrazoswater&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278304358%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lf0HnhYcjT24ZJ5AYa2GbN0KzW4X%2B777si28ibEbxW0%3D&reserved=0), LinkedIn (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fbrazos-river-authority&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278326031%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=03IIw2IliO2iTHAttbYmyNyXYD5iNK1yqfs3bpHS7x4%3D&reserved=0), and YouTube (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fchannel%2FUClUKmPJquVtDXeJmN9C17rg&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278345560%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nKDf9igrK0QSfAO4eJV8zCgVl46I03q7%2FM1pjHOw4z8%3D&reserved=0). 📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter (https://www.brazos.org/Newsletter).

2. 

   15 Sept 2026

   “Quit Selling Our Water”

   Is local lake decline the result of the Brazos River Authority selling off even more water, or is classic Texas summer heat to blame? Tune in as we discuss where the water is going, what would happen if we quit providing it, and what is causing the spike in usage. When you’re done, check out these articles: What will lakes look like in two months if they don’t get rain and our late summer heat continues to cause high water supply losses due to evaporation? The reservoirs are feeling the impact of drought, so the BRA has created graphic illustrations as a way to help show potential changes over the next two months and what that might mean for local watering restrictions. Read more here: https://brazos.org/about-us/news/current-news/articleid/2745 (https://brazos.org/about-us/news/current-news/articleid/2745) Which reservoirs are under a drought watch and what that means for those who use that water: https://brazos.org/about-us/news/current-news/articleid/2741 (https://brazos.org/about-us/news/current-news/articleid/2741) 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: Matt Phillips, BRA Deputy General Manager, and Aaron Abel, BRA Water Services Manager. Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst. About us: The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves. 📍Find us on Facebook (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrazos-River-Authority-126719790675809%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278243545%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gdGHgnuiJhOv1f5h59PYF%2F1dfQavA%2B6m085%2BO0cEbIA%3D&reserved=0), Instagram (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbrazoswater%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278265478%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ipc%2B3ovc3icC%2FqfTnV6WFCbtNRimKlGeU%2BkqDDYcqQw%3D&reserved=0), Nextdoor (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnextdoor.com%2Fagency-detail%2Ftx%2Fwaco%2Fbrazos-ra%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278284100%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Xvtbkv%2BCnJi9io45aDmOHSvjX7gE%2BrmYyMdtdmING00%3D&reserved=0), X (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fbrazoswater&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278304358%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lf0HnhYcjT24ZJ5AYa2GbN0KzW4X%2B777si28ibEbxW0%3D&reserved=0), LinkedIn (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fbrazos-river-authority&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278326031%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=03IIw2IliO2iTHAttbYmyNyXYD5iNK1yqfs3bpHS7x4%3D&reserved=0), and YouTube (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fchannel%2FUClUKmPJquVtDXeJmN9C17rg&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278345560%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nKDf9igrK0QSfAO4eJV8zCgVl46I03q7%2FM1pjHOw4z8%3D&reserved=0). 📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter (https://www.brazos.org/Newsletter).

3. 

   1 Sept 2026

   We’re not who you think we are

   It turns out “River Authority” is a loaded name and lots of folks assume we handle everything that happens on or near the Brazos. From flood control to fish kills to docks and development, we’re explaining what we don’t do — and pointing you to the right place when it’s not us. So, tune in to see which sites you should bookmark when you want to skip a phone call to find out who oversees something. Or call us at 888-922-6272, and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction, whether it’s us or not. Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Here’s a quick recap of some of the agencies discussed during the episode and what they do: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Issues and manages water rights and permits Oversees the Brazos Watermaster Program, which ensures each permit holder only takes their allowed amount of water and reports usage regularly Handles pollution reports, fish kill reports, algae concerns, and dumping complaints U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Owns/operates eight reservoirs in the BRA Water Supply System, and many other reservoirs not in that system Handles flood control on these federal reservoirs City of Waco Owns and manages Lake Waco and Lake Brazos as water supplies for Waco and surrounding areas Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Enforces fishing regulations and issues sand & gravel permits for any work done on the riverbed (like erosion control or dock construction) Game wardens handle overfishing, illegal motorized vehicles in riverbeds, or other state-law violations on the river County Sheriff’s Office Can respond to suspicious or illegal activity on the river FEMA Provides floodplain information and maps for property owners concerned about flooding risks Go here to read an article on this topic if you don't have time to listen to the podcast. (https://brazos.org/about-us/news/current-news/articleid/2421) 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: Judi Pierce, BRA public information officer, Candice Sheridan, BRA public information coordinator Intro music: Clay Sellers, BRA lab analyst. About us: The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 and was the first state agency in the United States created specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the BRA's staff of 284 develop and distribute water supplies, provide water and wastewater treatment, monitor water quality, and pursue water conservation through public education programs. Although the Brazos River Authority is an agency of the State of Texas, it does not levy or collect taxes. Except for occasional governmental grants to help pay the costs of specific projects, the BRA is entirely self-supporting. The BRA maintains and operates its reservoirs and treatment systems using revenues from the customers it serves. 📍Find us on Facebook (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrazos-River-Authority-126719790675809%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278243545%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gdGHgnuiJhOv1f5h59PYF%2F1dfQavA%2B6m085%2BO0cEbIA%3D&reserved=0), Instagram (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbrazoswater%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278265478%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ipc%2B3ovc3icC%2FqfTnV6WFCbtNRimKlGeU%2BkqDDYcqQw%3D&reserved=0), Nextdoor (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnextdoor.com%2Fagency-detail%2Ftx%2Fwaco%2Fbrazos-ra%2F&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278284100%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Xvtbkv%2BCnJi9io45aDmOHSvjX7gE%2BrmYyMdtdmING00%3D&reserved=0), X (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fbrazoswater&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278304358%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lf0HnhYcjT24ZJ5AYa2GbN0KzW4X%2B777si28ibEbxW0%3D&reserved=0), LinkedIn (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fbrazos-river-authority&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278326031%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=03IIw2IliO2iTHAttbYmyNyXYD5iNK1yqfs3bpHS7x4%3D&reserved=0), and YouTube (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fchannel%2FUClUKmPJquVtDXeJmN9C17rg&data=05%7C02%7CCharlie.Shugart%40brazos.org%7C67ea842e4ab74b78cfbb08de995fe31d%7C1d162e7ed166431ab98df88aadc1368d%7C0%7C0%7C639116834278345560%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nKDf9igrK0QSfAO4eJV8zCgVl46I03q7%2FM1pjHOw4z8%3D&reserved=0). 📨Sign up for our quarterly newsletter (https://www.brazos.org/Newsletter).

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Contact Unpacking the Brazos River

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.