HOUSTON – The widespread system of Harris County's waterways are getting some TLC after Harvey’s rains left behind a mess.
“We have more than 2,500 miles of waterways we need to inspect,” said Rob Lazaro, spokesperson for the Harris Flood Control District.
Trees, trash, and vegetative debris needed to be hauled away so they don't choke up the bayous and creeks.
"With the record rainfall that we had during that storm, we had crews working 24 hours, and even down to today, extended shifts to help do this large debris work,” Lazaro said. “And, it's hundreds of thousands of cubic yards to clear out."
Without this clearing out of blockages and trash, there could be more flooding.
“If it's not clear, any little rain could just back it up you could go right back to flooding,” said Russell Powell, a Harris County Flood Control Supervisor. “Just like that, in a second. So, us being out here is really making a difference."
Acting as strainer of sorts, trash stuck in the tree tops near the Buffalo Bayou shows the water rose to 10 feet in some areas along the banks.
In all, 18 flood gauges failed during the storm. Crews are fixing the last three.
Removing 135,000 cubic yards of Harvey debris has been a round the clock effort that is time sensitive.
Hurricane season lasts until Nov. 30.
“We’ve got to make sure all of our waterways are in good operational order because we are still in hurricane season and we have to be prepared for whatever comes next,” said Lazaro.
Harris County Flood Control cleanup crews aren't just pulling downed trees from the bayous, Harvey also left behind a few surprises.
“Cars in the bayou,” said Powell. “Refrigerators, washers, dryers - little bit of everything.”
