Neighbors Call Man ‘Crazy’ For Spending $8,300 On 400FT Of Plastic To Surround His Home Until They Realize Why

Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in June 2016.

When the Texas floods loomed large last week, residents of Rosharon, Texas, faced a terrifying prospect: the rising waters of the Brazos River. For many families, evacuation was the only option, but for Randy Wagner, the thought of leaving his home was “heartbreaking.” Determined to protect his family, Wagner embarked on an unusual yet highly effective flood defense strategy: investing in a 400-foot-long Aqua dam.

An Aqua dam is a unique system of water-filled tubes that acts as a colossal, flexible sandbag. Recognizing the impending threat from the Brazoria River Authority’s flood warning, Wagner sought a solution to safeguard his property. After extensive research, he discovered Aqua Dams and traveled to Louisiana to acquire the necessary equipment.

With the help of two others, Wagner meticulously assembled the Aqua dam. The system consists of two watertight tubes encased within a woven polypropylene tube. Once filled with water, the tubes conform to the ground, forming a robust and leak-proof barrier. The sheer weight of the water within the tubes effectively anchors the dam in place, withstanding even significant water pressure.

As the floodwaters rose to more than two feet, Wagner’s Aqua dam proved its worth. While many of his neighbors were forced to evacuate, his family remained safe and dry within the confines of their protected home. Initially met with skepticism and even laughter by some passersby, Wagner’s “crazy” idea quickly transformed into a source of admiration and respect within the community.

The $8,300 investment in the Aqua dam may have seemed substantial, but Wagner considers it a small price to pay compared to the potential $150,000 in damages his home could have suffered. He enthusiastically advocates for the use of Aqua Dams, suggesting that emergency management agencies should consider incorporating this innovative approach into their flood mitigation strategies.

In an era of increasing climate change and more frequent extreme weather events, the need for innovative and effective flood protection solutions has never been greater. Wagner’s experience highlights the importance of proactive measures and thinking outside the box when facing natural disasters. By embracing unconventional approaches, individuals and communities can better prepare for and mitigate the devastating impacts of floods and other natural calamities.

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