A Regional Stormwater Detention Facility for the Leon Creek Watershed in San Antonio, Texas

The City of San Antonio, Texas (COSA) has endured significant flooding problems in the past, including several large events that occurred in the past few years. In an effort to reduce their recurring flood losses, the City has initiated a watershed-based program to use regional stormwater detention facilities. The City anticipates that this new program will provide an attractive alternative to using only on-site detention facilities throughout their metropolitan areas. In selected locations, the City also wants to develop multi-objective facilities that also provide recreational, water quality, certain flood-tolerant commercial uses, and/or other benefits. The rapidly developing Leon Creek watershed is located in the western portion of the San Antonio area. The lower watershed area includes densely developed areas as well as the Lackland and Kelly Air Force Bases. Presently, the upstream portion of the watershed is more rural but development pressures are increasing as growth moves radially outward from the central City area.