Author: HCMUD 501
Wildlife Management in Harris County MUD 500 Lakes
On April 12, 2021, MUD 500 received a report of a sighting on April 11, 2021, of an approximately 6’ alligator in the southwestern portion of MUD 500’s lakes, south of Tuckerton Road near the Greenhouse Road bridge. 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.
MUD 500 continues to request that residents report any sightings of alligators to its operator, Environmental Development Partners, 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.
Smart Meter Update
The installation of the smart meters throughout MUD 501 is anticipated to be complete by the middle of April. Following the meter installation, MUD 501’s operator will perform meter comparison testing, which is anticipated to be completed by the end of May.
Barring any unforeseen issues, the MUD 501 Board anticipates that the smart meter function will be activated sometime during late June or July. The “Eye on Water” Internet portal and smart meter app will to released to MUD 501 residents at that time, which will allow residents to sign up to monitor their water usage in near real-time, and to set up automated leak detection alerts.
The MUD 501 Board hopes to host an open house in June or July regarding the smart meters, including how to sign up for and use the “Eye on Water” Internet portal and app, and this information will be posted on our website at that time. We expect to host this event as an online event, but also hope to offer an in person option depending on any pandemic restrictions in place at the time. Any questions dealing with the smart meters and the “Eye on Water” Internet portal and app will be answered at the open house.
Additional information will be forthcoming as soon as a firm time line is established.
ALERT: Natural Gas Leak in Future Towne Lake, Section 60
Earlier this afternoon, a contractor working on the entrance to future Towne Lake, Section 60, located south of Tuckerton Road and southeast of E Hamilton Hills Drive, struck a four-inch natural gas line along E Hamilton Hills Drive.
The fire department is on the scene and monitoring air quality, but at this time expects the gas to dissipate due to the windy conditions. CenterPoint Energy also is on the scene and working to isolate and shut off the affected gas line.
Access to E Hamilton Hills Drive may be prohibited or limited throughout the rest of the afternoon and evening. Please avoid the area if possible.
Tuesday Trash and Recycling Collection Suspended
MUD 501 was just notified by Texas Pride that unfortunately, due to the very heavy trash volumes, they were unable to complete the trash and recycling collection in the District today. They have suspended collection for the evening, but will resume collection in the District tomorrow morning, February 24th.
For specific questions about trash and recycling collection, or to report service issues, please contact Texas Pride, at (281) 342-8178 (M-Th 8:00 am-5:00 pm, F 8:00 am-4:00 pm), or service@texaspridedisposal.com. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Boil Water Notice Rescinded
On February 17, 2021, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Harris County MUD No. 501 public water system, PWS ID TX1013403, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of 2/22/2021.
If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the District’s operator, Environmental Development Partners at 832-467-1599 or toll free at 1-866-467-1599.
So, what do I do after the Boil Water advisory has been lifted? Some guidance is available at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/
Harris County MUD 500 Master – Water Supply Update
The Harris County MUD 500 Master District Service Area, including Harris County MUD Nos. 500, 501, 502, and 503, remain under a boil water advisory at this time.
As you may have heard, the City of Houston has lifted its boil water advisory. The City supplies potable water to the West Harris County Regional Water Authority (Authority), which in turn supplies water to the Master District. The Authority and the Master District now are taking the steps necessary to lift their respective boil water advisories, including water sampling.
If the results are satisfactory, the Authority and the Master District may be able to lift their boil water advisories this evening or tomorrow, February 23rd. We will provide updated information as soon as it is available.
Harris County MUD 500 – Master District Water Supply Update
Harris County MUD 500, as Master District, heard from the West Harris County Regional Water Authority (Authority) this morning that the Authority is beginning to receive surface water from the City of Houston and expect to begin delivery sometime later today. The Towne Lake Community, including Harris County MUD 500, as Master District (which supplies water to HC MUD Nos. 500, 501, 502, and 503), and Harris County MUD 172 are at the top of the priority list to start receiving surface water as soon as it’s available.
As you may have seen on the news, the City of Houston, which provides the surface water to the Authority, currently remains on a boil water advisory, and the Master District likely will need to remain on a boil water advisory until approximately 24 hours after the City lifts its advisory. Currently, the City is estimating that its advisory will be lifted on Monday. If that occurs, the Master District may be able to lift the boil water advisory on Tuesday. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.