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

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Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in June 2016.

Neighbors in Rosharon, Texas, thought Randy Wagner was a little “crazy” when he spent $8,300 on 400 feet of plastic tubing to circle his house. This story, which originally made headlines back in June 2016, resurfaced recently, reminding us of the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters. With the Brazos River threatening to overflow its banks and flood the town, most residents were preparing to evacuate. But Wagner had a different plan. He wasn’t about to give up his home without a fight. He knew he had to do something to protect his family and his property. The thought of leaving his home, he said, was “heartbreaking.”

So, instead of packing up and leaving, Wagner decided to take action. He researched different flood control methods and discovered Aqua Dams. These aren’t your average sandbags. An Aqua Dam is a system of water-filled tubes that create a strong, flexible barrier against rising water. They are made of two watertight tubes inside a woven polypropylene sleeve. When you fill them with water, they mold to the ground, creating a tight seal. The weight of the water keeps the dam in place, even against strong currents.

Wagner didn’t just read about Aqua Dams; he took the initiative to get one. He traveled all the way to Louisiana to buy the materials he needed. Then, with the help of a couple of friends, he carefully set up the 400-foot Aqua Dam around his house. It was a lot of work, but Wagner was determined. He knew the Brazoria River Authority had issued a flood warning, and he wanted to be ready.

As the floodwaters rose, reaching over two feet in some areas, Wagner’s neighbors were forced to leave their homes. But Wagner and his family stayed put, safe and dry behind their Aqua Dam. What his neighbors had initially seen as a strange and perhaps even laughable project suddenly became a symbol of ingenuity and resilience. The “crazy” man with the plastic tubes had outsmarted the flood.

The $8,300 price tag for the Aqua Dam might seem steep to some. However, Wagner knew it was a worthwhile investment. He estimated that the flood could have caused as much as $150,000 in damage to his home. Compared to that, the Aqua Dam was a bargain. Wagner is now a big believer in Aqua Dams and thinks emergency management agencies should consider using them as part of their flood control plans.

Wagner’s story is a powerful example of how important it is to be prepared for floods and other natural disasters. With climate change making extreme weather events more common, we need to find new and better ways to protect our communities. Sometimes, the best solutions are the ones that seem a little “crazy” at first. Wagner’s experience shows us that thinking outside the box and being proactive can make all the difference when disaster strikes. He took a risk, and it paid off, not just for him but as an inspiration to others. His story reminds us that we all have a role to play in protecting ourselves and our communities from the increasing threats of natural disasters. We need to be resourceful, innovative, and willing to try new things, just like Randy Wagner.