How Texas turned an abandoned golf course into five lakes to control flood

The Clear Lake City Water Authority decided to buy the golf course and use the land to increase the area's ability to hold stormwater. (NOAA photo) When Hurricane Harvey brought historic rainfall to the Houston area, residents of Clear Lake City, Texas, feared the worst. For Spyros Varsos, who had lived in the community for 50 years, the rising water was especially worrying. But his home did not flood.Varsos told Texas Tribune that he had taken steps himself, including clearing debris from drains on his street. But he said a nearby flood-control project made an even bigger difference. The project was still under construction when Harvey arrived.Just a few blocks away, the Clear Lake City Water Authority was transforming a shuttered golf course into Exploration Green, a nearly 200-acre green space designed to hold stormwater. The former golf course had been considered for high-density development.But instead of being used for housing, the property was turned into a system of stormwater detention lakes, wetlands and public spaces. The project was designed to address flooding while also giving the community trails, open areas and places for recreation.The idea was put to an early test...