Comal County's $160,000 flood warning system aims to increase safety in Canyon Lake

Comal County is investing $160,000 in a new flood warning system consisting of nine sensors at Canyon Lake and 16 sensors at low water crossings throughout the county.

The details

Comal County and the Comal County Water Oriented Recreation District are working together to implement a flood warning system, Comal County Engineer Robert Boyd said at an Oct. 31 Comal County Commissioners Court meeting.

Boyd said system features include:

• Nine flood sensors along the Guadalupe River
• Automated warning systems at important low water crossings

These sensors will monitor conditions in real time to warn of rapid rises in water levels, ultimately reducing risk during flash floods and increasing safety in commonly affected areas, Boyd said.

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Maintaining Comal County's flood warning system will cost $160,000 annually, Boyd said, and the Water Oriented Recreation District will contribute $53,000 annually.

Comal County will fund the remaining portion and assume responsibility for all hardware maintenance.

The system serves both locals and visitors, Boyd said, through:

• Warn residents of the risk of flooding
• Warning drivers at intersections when water levels are low
• Improving emergency response
• Improving flood preparedness and awareness

The two-year contract includes an extension option for both Comal County and the Water Oriented Recreation District, Boyd said. Installation is underway and full operations are expected in the coming months.