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When residents turn on the faucet, flush a toilet, drive to work or place trash at the curb, they expect those services to work without much thought. Clean drinking water, functioning traffic signals, storm drainage and reliable waste collection have become part of everyday life.
Behind those daily conveniences, the City of Farmers Branch Public Works Department maintains much of the infrastructure that allows the community to function safely and efficiently. While many residents may only notice Public Works crews during a water main repair or road project, the department's work extends far beyond those visible moments.
Public Works oversees the systems that deliver drinking water, collect wastewater, maintain streets, manage drainage, coordinate utility work, operate traffic signals, oversee residential solid waste services, review infrastructure for new development and help plan for the City's future growth.
Together, these services help protect public health, support emergency response, preserve infrastructure investments and maintain the quality of life that residents expect.
One of the department's largest responsibilities is managing the City's water system.
Farmers Branch maintains more than 226 miles of water mains, five elevated water storage tanks, fire hydrants, valves, pumps and other equipment that deliver drinking water throughout the community. The department also maintains approximately 190 miles of sanitary sewer pipes, roughly 2,000 manholes and six lift stations that safely move wastewater away from homes and businesses.
Water infrastructure requires continuous maintenance and monitoring. Crews inspect equipment, repair leaks, respond to water main breaks, maintain hydrants for fire protection and work to ensure reliable service around the clock.
According to the City's 2025 Water Quality Report, Farmers Branch drinking water continues to meet all applicable state and federal safety standards through ongoing testing and monitoring.
Protecting that water supply also depends on conservation.
The City recently launched an online customer water portal that allows residents to monitor household water usage in near real time. The portal helps individual residents identify unusual spikes that may indicate hidden leaks, irrigation problems, or changing household water habits.
Some homeowners will discover that irrigation systems account for a significant portion of their monthly water use. Identifying excessive watering or leaks early can reduce utility bills while helping conserve one of North Texas' most valuable resources.
The City also offers rebate programs for qualifying toilet replacements and professional irrigation evaluations that help residents improve water efficiency while lowering long-term costs.
Stormwater management represents another important responsibility. The Public Works Department protects the quality of water flowing into local creeks and the Trinity River and mitigates flood risks across the city.
Unlike sanitary sewers, storm drains flow directly into local creeks without treatment. Public education, construction site inspections, pollution investigations and community cleanup efforts all help reduce contaminants entering local waterways.
The City is also conducting a comprehensive drainage study to better understand flood risks and identify future infrastructure improvements. Areas being evaluated include portions of Rawhide Creek, Cooks Creek, the Maybrook Channel and several drainage systems on the east side of the city.
While water is an important part of Public Works' responsibilities, roads may be the most visible aspect of the department’s work.
The department oversees 61 signalized intersections, 35 school flashers, 19 rapid flashing pedestrian crossings and approximately 418 lane miles of streets and alleys maintained through City crews and maintenance contracts.
Traffic staff program school zone flashers based on schedules provided by local schools, while inspectors oversee utility construction projects to ensure contractors restore streets and public infrastructure according to City standards.
Public Works also oversees residential solid waste services.
While weekly trash, recycling and yard waste collection are provided through the City's contractor, Public Works manages the contract and helps resolve customer concerns. City crews also provide brush and bulky item collection.
Residents can also take advantage of several special disposal opportunities throughout the year, including electronics recycling and paper shredding events, household hazardous waste collection and the Saturday Citizen Convenience Center on Senlac Drive, where residents can dispose of household waste, recycling and, through a new program, food waste for composting.
The department encourages residents to avoid placing lithium batteries in household trash or recycling carts because damaged batteries can start fires in collection trucks or landfills. Instead, batteries and electronic devices should be taken to one of the City's electronics recycling events or other approved collection sites.
Sustainability efforts also support the City's long-term infrastructure strategy.
Working with multiple departments, sustainability initiatives include energy-efficient LED lighting, solar panels on City facilities, electric vehicle charging stations, water conservation programs, grant-funded environmental projects, and resources that help residents reduce energy and water consumption at home.
While much of Public Works happens behind the scenes, residents play an important role in helping the department respond quickly.
Reporting potholes, damaged traffic signs, malfunctioning traffic signals, broken streetlights, water leaks, or other infrastructure concerns allows City crews to address problems before they become larger safety issues.
Residents are able to report these instances using the FBTX Connect app or by calling the non-emergency number at 469-289-3270.
Reliable infrastructure depends on a partnership between residents and the City.
Every conserved gallon of water, every properly recycled battery and every reported maintenance issue helps protect the systems that serve Farmers Branch every day. Although much of Public Works happens out of sight, its work touches nearly every aspect of daily life, keeping essential services operating today while preparing the community for tomorrow.
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