Brazos River Authority

The Brazos River Authority (BRA) is a quasi-governmental entity established in 1929 by the Texas Legislature. It is the first state agency in the U.S. created specifically to manage and protect the water resources of the Brazos River basin, which spans approximately 42,000 square miles across 65 Texas counties. Headquartered in Waco, Texas, BRA is governed by a 21-member board appointed by the governor and employs over 250 staff members. BRA develops and distributes water supplies for various uses, including municipal, agricultural, industrial, and electric generation. It operates three major reservoirs—Lake Granbury, Lake Limestone, and Possum Kingdom Lake—and manages water quality through treatment services and continuous monitoring. The authority collaborates with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and regional planning groups to ensure sustainable water rights and future supply needs. Additionally, BRA provides recreational opportunities at its lake parks, promoting activities like boating, swimming, and fishing.