Aggie Park

Monday Lunch | Steve Metzler '99

Join us Every Monday at Aggie Park for a time of Camaraderie

About the Speaker

After serving his enlistment in Europe and Asia as a Combat Engineer with the US Army, Steven graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1999. He has a Professional Engineer’s license with an emphasis in Water Resources. Steven’s professional credentials also include Project Management Professional, Envision Sustainability Professional, and Certified Construction Manager. He has worked in the Water Resources industry for 25 years in both the private and public sectors before joining the San Antonio River Authority in January 2024.

His prior experience includes flood management and hydraulic system operations at Tarrant Regional Water District and overseeing the implementation of Capital Improvement Plan for the Trinity River Authority of Texas. Currently, Steven leads the Water Resources group that includes the engineering and environmental sciences groups at SARA. This team of professionals is committed to monitoring, analyzing, and improving water quality and flood mitigation of the San Antonio River basin.

About the Presentation

Updates on the San Antonio River Authority's Flood Warning System

Bexar County’s location at the intersection of the Balcones Escarpment and coastal plains creates conditions for severe, unpredictable thunderstorms and flash flooding, earning it the nickname “Flash Flood Alley.” On June 12, 2025, an intense storm dropped over 7 inches of rain in parts of the Beitel Creek watershed, causing catastrophic flash flooding, infrastructure damage, and 11 fatalities. The event included San Antonio’s highest hourly rainfall since 1934 and ranked as the 10th wettest day on record. The most tragic impact was the loss of vehicles on Loop 410’s frontage road, which lacked a high-water detection system. Post-storm analysis revealed rapid water level rises and highlighted vulnerabilities in flood warning infrastructure. The San Antonio River Authority is leading efforts to upgrade flood warning systems and mitigation strategies to improve data collection, storm analysis, and emergency response.

Monday Lunch