Author: HCMUD 501

On September 14, 2025, MUD 500 received a report of a confirmed sighting of an alligator in the central portion of MUD 500’s lakes, between Greenhouse Road and Puckett Island. MUD 500 immediately notified its wildlife management contractor of the sighting and directed the trapper to actively monitor for an alligator and, if one is located, to immediately remove it upon obtaining the required nuisance permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The District respectfully requests that residents of and visitors to Towne Lake refrain from interfering with its wildlife management contractor and/or any of the contractor’s lines, traps, or other equipment left in or near its lakes.

MUD 500 continues to request that residents report any sightings of alligators to its operator, Inframark, at (832) 467-1599. MUD 500 encourages your district to share this information with your residents. Please visit MUD 500’s website, at http://www.hcmud500.org, for additional information.

Dear Residents of Harris County Municipal Utility District 501

We are writing to inform you that your water services may be interrupted in the next weeks due to essential maintenance work on the water mains in your neighborhood. The work involves cleaning the water mains to remove scale and mineral deposits that accumulate over time and can cause reddish or dis-colored looking water. While the discoloration is harmless and caused by natural mineral oxides, it is important to maintain clean water mains for the quality of your water supply.

How Does It Work? We will be using a method called “Air Scouring” to clean the mains. This method is efficient and causes minimal disruption. Here’s how it works:

1. Isolation: We close the valves at either end of a section of the main.
2. Air Supply: An air supply hose is attached to a fire hydrant at one end of the closed-off section.
3. Agitation: Clean, high-volume air is pumped into the hydrant, agitating the water and loosening mineral scale.
4. Scouring: The loosened material acts as a scouring agent, further cleaning the pipe.
5. Flushing: We open the water supply valve slightly to maintain the process. The open hydrant will eventually release clear water, indicating the cleaning is complete.

Your Role:  We understand that water service is crucial, and we apologize for any inconvenience. Your cooperation is essential to ensure the job is completed efficiently:

1. Meter Turn-Off: We will turn off every meter during this process to prevent debris from entering your house line.
2. Flushing Your Line: After the work, please open an outside faucet to flush any residue from your house plumbing. This should only take a few minutes.
   • Do not open inside sink faucets to avoid clogging sink aerators.
   • Avoid opening hot water faucets to prevent debris from entering your water heater.

Appearance of Water: In some instances, the water may appear “milky” due to air in the water. This condition is temporary and should clear quickly.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this maintenance work. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your assistance and patience.

Sincerely,

Amanda Benzman
Senior Account Manager
Inframark

Dear Residents,

Harris County MUD 501 is conducting Lead and Copper sampling as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This testing helps ensure your drinking water remains safe and meets state health standards. There were 20 addresses selected by the State for participation in this process.

We have contracted LJA Environmental to assist with this effort. Their personnel are authorized to deliver and collect water sample bottles. They will be clearly identified by a contractor badge and safety vest. Please note that LJA Environmental is a legitimate contractor working in partnership with Inframark.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact us at 832-467-1599.

Thank you for your cooperation, and have a great day.

Sincerely,
Lead & Copper Testing Team

Harris County MUD 500 has been working diligently on the design for a roadway underpass and associated trail to connect Greenhouse Road to U.S. 290 and Skinner Road. After significant work and coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), the plans and utility relocations are nearing completion. Once the plans are complete, TxDOT will oversee the bidding and construction process for the project, and they will be working with UPRR to finalize the agreements necessary for TxDOT to work within the railroad right of way.

The MUD 500 Board has secured federal funding for 80% of the construction costs for the project in the federal 2026 fiscal year, which runs from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect bidding to occur and construction to start during that timeframe. The MUD 500 Board also is grateful to its local funding partners, Harris County, Precinct 3, the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 for their agreement to contribute toward the cost of the remaining 20% local share for this important regional mobility project. MUD 500 understands the traffic challenges in the area and is doing everything within its control to get the project underway as quickly as possible.

Stay informed with the latest news from Harris County MUD 501! Our Spring 2025 newsletter highlights essential updates, including:

• Water Conservation Efforts: Learn how the Eye On Water smart meter system helps detect leaks and save money (only 456 of 1,505 households are enrolled—sign up today!).
• Community Events: Mark your calendar for the Spring Shred & E-Waste Event on May 10, 2025, at Anthony Middle School.
• Safety Reminders: Protect your home with practical tips like locking vehicles and closing garage doors. A Security Awareness Seminar is coming soon!
• Behind-the-Scenes: Directors toured MUD 500’s facilities and attended the AWBD Midwinter Conference to bring best practices to our district.

For full details, download the Spring 2025 Newsletter PDF here. Let’s work together to conserve water and keep our community safe!

The spring Towne Lake shred/e-waste event has been scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The event will be located at Anthony Middle School, 10215 Greenhouse Road.

Please bring a current utility bill or other proof of residence to the event.