Author: HCMUD 368

HC MUD 368 Summer Water Usage and Conservation Recommendations

Recently the Houston area has been experiencing hotter and drier than normal weather conditions, which have resulted in an increased demand on our water system especially in peak hours.  While the hot and dry conditions continue, we encourage all residents to be water wise.

Wholesale changes are not required at this time, but little things can go a long way to maintaining water pressure throughout the system.  Here are a few quick tips:

  • Landscape irrigation is the largest demand on our system right now. If you have an irrigation system, change your irrigation times to earlier hours in the morning such as between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.  This will also enhance the effectiveness of your irrigation.  A lot of daytime watering is lost due to evaporative heat conditions.
  • Over irrigating is one of the largest sources of overuse in our water supply and causes high water bills. Want to know how long and how much to water? Please see https://www.watermyyard.org/#/Location.
  • Patronize a local car wash instead of doing it yourself in the driveway.
  • Postpone all non-essential water usage such as power washing.
  • Do not drain and refill swimming pools. Only add water to replace losses from normal use.

Water supplies are under stress throughout Harris County.  Small changes in water usage may help us avoid mandated changes that could be imposed on us.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Detention Basin Rehabilitation

The District has awarded the construction contract for the Phase 1 Detention Rehabilitation. Active construction is ongoing at the Northpointe East Stormwater Detention Basin (“pond”) located near the intersection of Northpointe Blvd. and SH-249 on the east side of SH-249. The contractor will be completing dirt work, replacing manholes and drainage piping, and completing improvements to the existing detention basin.

After completion of the Northpointe East Stormwater Detention Basin, the contractor will move to the Dungrove Stormwater Detention Basin located near Coons Rd. and Solomon Rd. intersection east of SH-249. The contractor will be completing similar work at the Dungrove Detention Basin.

The purpose of this project is to rehabilitate and improve the existing stormwater detention facilities to reduce future maintenance requirements and improve functionality of the existing basins. If you have any questions regarding the project or the ongoing construction activities, please contact IDS Engineering Group at 713.462.3178.

Smart Planning for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and continues through November 30. Start planning early to protect your families and property. If you live in an area threatened by storm surge – an EVACUATION ZONE – discuss evacuation plans with your family. Check with city or county officials to find out if your home is in an evacuation zone.

When making a family plan for any hazard, choose a place to call and a place to meet. Give all family members the name and phone number of someone outside your city or state. Anyone separated from the group should call that number to let others know where they are. Learn to use the American Red Cross “Safe and Well” website.

Put an emergency supply kit together now. Refill and re-check supplies AFTER EVERY STORM. After the storm hits, you may be able to return home in a matter of days. But re-entry may take much longer, depending on storm damage. Because hurricanes are extremely dangerous and unpredictable, officials plan for storms one category worse than is predicted. So should you.

  • Learn evacuation routes BEFORE storm season. If possible, practice driving the route out of town ahead of time. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before you leave. Expect delays and longer drive-times than normal. Just like any rush hour, traffic congestion in an evacuation is unavoidable.
  • An emergency supply kit includes: NOAA weather radio and batteries, flashlight and batteries, extra eyeglasses, bottled water, non-perishable food, dry clothes, bedding, medications and copies of prescriptions, special products for babies, elderly and medically fragile family members, cash, credit cards, photo IDs, important documents and records, proof of residence and information your agent will require to process insurance claims.
  • Make a checklist of preparations to be made before an evacuation and go over it with your family. Review it again when a storm is in the Gulf of Mexico.
  • If you plan to stay in a hotel or motel, make reservations and confirm your reservations before you leave. If you plan to stay in a shelter, bring what you need to be comfortable, including bedding and toys for kids. Shelters will vary in what they offer evacuees.
  • Contact your local office of emergency management to get information on planning for anyone in your household who may need special assistance during an evacuation.
  • Prepare an emergency kit for your pets and a plan for how to care for them when you are on the road and in a shelter or motel. Do not leave your pets behind.

The State of Texas encourages residents who may need some form of assistance during times of an emergency/disaster event to register with the STEAR program, a FREE registry that provides local emergency planners and responders with additional information on the needs in their community. Please visit The Texas Division of Emergency Management and Ready Harris for more information.