Hydrology / HydraulicsFloodplain & FEMA topic → Official agency: Harris County Flood Control District

Hydrology and Hydraulics Guidance Manual

Where can I find the HCFCD Hydrology and Hydraulics Guidance Manual?

The official Hydrology and Hydraulics Guidance Manual is published by Harris County Flood Control District and applies to projects in Harris County, Texas. Use the official link below to access the current version directly — requirements and forms can change, so confirm the current version with Harris County Flood Control District before any submittal.

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Last verified 2026-09-04 · VERIFIED 2026-09-04

What is this resource?

Hydrology and Hydraulics Guidance Manual is a hydrology / hydraulics published by Harris County Flood Control District for Harris County. The authoritative, current version is always the one published on the official page linked above.

When is this used?

This resource is used in Harris County development, permitting and engineering review processes. Whether it applies to a specific project depends on the current requirements published by Harris County Flood Control District — confirm the current requirements with the applicable jurisdiction before any submittal.

What may be required?

Requirements are defined solely by Harris County Flood Control District and are published on the official resource page — ALFA Engineering is not the issuing government agency. Engineering documents commonly prepared by ALFA for projects that use this resource include:

Related verified resources

Rainfall / Drainage Criteria
2019 Atlas 14 Policy Criteria and Procedures Manual

What HCFCD Atlas 14 criteria apply to drainage and detention design?

Harris County · Harris County Flood Control District
Drainage / Floodplain Manuals
All Technical Manuals

Where can I find HCFCD drainage, hydrology, Atlas 14, LID, CAD, and flood-control manuals?

Harris County · Harris County Flood Control District
Property / Parcel
HCAD Property Search

How do I look up a Harris County property by address or account?

Harris County · Harris Central Appraisal District
LID / Stormwater
Harris County Low Impact Development Design Criteria Manual

Where can I find Harris County low impact development criteria?

Harris County · Harris County Flood Control District

Related FAQs

Is my property in a flood zone?

Check the official FEMA or local flood map first — a mapped status is only the starting point, and local rules may also apply.

Property in or near a flood hazard area? ALFA can review floodplain, grading, drainage and no-rise implications before design or permit submittal.

Do I need a drainage study for my project?

Requirements depend on jurisdiction, acreage, impervious cover, outfall and floodplain conditions — always check the local criteria.

ALFA can determine the drainage-analysis scope and prepare calculations, exhibits and reports.

Do I need detention for my property?

There is no universal yes/no — local criteria explain the common triggers, and the answer depends on your specific project data.

ALFA can compare existing/proposed runoff and determine whether detention or another approved approach is needed.

ALFA can develop or review H&H models and reports using the applicable HCFCD criteria.

Request Project Review

ALFA Engineering, LLC — Houston Metro / Gulf Coast · Licensed Texas Professional Engineers

External government and agency resources are provided for convenience. Requirements, forms and URLs may change. Confirm current requirements with the applicable jurisdiction. ALFA Engineering is not the issuing government agency.