Author: HCMUD 501

MUD 500 Construction of Water Well No. 1

Harris County MUD 500, or the Master District, provides regional water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, park, road, and other regional facilities necessary to serve its Service Area, which includes the property within MUD 500, MUD 501, MUD 502, and MUD 503 in the Towne Lake community. For several years, MUD 500 has been undertaking efforts to improve the water supply resiliency in the community, particularly during emergency conditions. One of the projects that is a part of these efforts is the construction of the District’s first water well, which will be located at Water Plant No. 1.

Currently, MUD 500 obtains its potable water from surface water provided by the West Harris County Regional Water Authority (Authority). In emergency circumstances, where the Authority is unable to provide water, the Master District opens an interconnect with the neighboring Remington MUD 1, which supplies groundwater pumped from its wells. MUD 500 currently does not own or operate any water wells. However, to improve resiliency in the community, particularly in area-wide emergency situations like Winter Storm Uri where the Authority was unable to provide water to MUD 500 and other districts, MUD 500 been working to construct its first water well, which will be located at Water Plant No. 1. Following advertisement for competitive bids, MUD 500 recently awarded the construction contract for the water well and expects construction to begin in approximately May 2022.

MUD 500 will use its best efforts to minimize impact to nearby residents, but adjacent homeowners may experience some noise and other impacts as construction progresses.

To stay up to date on MUD 500 projects and information, please visit the MUD 500 website, at https://www.hcmud500.org/, and sign up for MUD 500 e-mail alerts.

2022 Spring Newsletter

Newsletter features include:

  • Welcome New Director, Jared Day
  • Featured Director and Board Vice President, Jonathan Cowen
  • Rising Cost of Water
  • Tax Rate Information
  • Eye On Water
  • Water Conservation
  • Spring Community Shred Event
  • Garbage & Recycling Dos & Don’ts
  • Are You Emergency Prepared?
  • MUD 500 Updates

Read 2022 Spring newsletter.

MUD 501 New Director

The Board of Directors of MUD 501 is pleased to welcome Jared Day as a new director. He fills the unexpired term of George Gentry who recently resigned. Mr. Day, a business development director, is very active in the Towne Lake community. He is a member of the WATCH D.O.G.S. at Rennell Elementary and Anthony Middle School. Mr. Day is a founder of the Towne Lake Men’s Association, a board member of the Towne Lake Wake Swim Team, a member of the Towne Lake Social Committee and a committee member of Cy-Fair Sports Association football and a committee member FSA baseball.

Mr, Day and his wife, Elizabeth, have four children who participate in many Towne Lake activities.

Mark Your Calendars for the Spring 2022 Community Shred Event

As you know, over the past several years, the MUD 501 Board has worked with its garbage and recycling provider to host community shred events for District residents.  In order to allow for all Towne Lake residents to participate, the MUD 501 Board has partnered with the Towne Lake Community Association for the Towne Lake Foundation to host the next community shred event, on Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.  In order to accommodate the expected larger turnout, the event has been relocated to the Towne Lake Amphitheater, located at the southwest corner of Tuckerton and Towne Lake Parkway behind Kroger.  Please bring a current utility bill or other proof of residence to the event.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Towne Lake Document Shred Event (PDF)

Winterization Tips

With freezing weather predicted to occur over the next several days in the Houston area, it’s time to protect your pipes!  As many people found out in February 2021 during Winter Storm Uri, when a severe storm occurs and you haven’t made adequate preparations, the results can be disastrous.  When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands.  The resulting pressure can cause the pipe to burst.  A few simple steps now can save you a lot of money later.  The District recommends the following:

  • Insulate any and all pipes that are exposed to cold air. Hardware and building supply stores sell pipe insulation materials that are easy to install.  If you use electric heat tape, be sure it is UL listed and that any extension cords are properly grounded.
  • Winterize your irrigation system by closing the main irrigation valve, draining the system, and wrapping the backflow preventer and any above-ground pipes and valves with insulation.
  • Drain any standing water from outdoor faucets and hoses and wrap with insulation.
  • If the temperature is expected to stay below freezing for several hours, it’s a good idea to cut off the water to your home and drain the pipes.
  • Many water lines are installed behind cabinets and in the attic. Keeping the doors to cabinets, closets, and the attic open during the coldest periods may allow your interior heat to help protect the pipes. IF YOU LEAVE CABINETS OPEN, PLEASE REMOVE ANY CLEANING SUPPLIES OR CHEMICALS TO KEEP CHILDREN OR PETS FROM GETTING TO THEM!
  • If you plan to be away for several days during expected freezing weather, don’t turn off your heat. Keeping the air in the 60s will help keep your pipes warm.  Better yet, cut off the water to your home and drain the pipes.

MUD 501 Honors Former President

On January 5, 2022, on behalf of the MUD 501 Board of Directors, Wayne C. Tyson, Board President (on the left), presented an engraved clock to George Gentry III (on the right) for his service on the MUD 501 Board.  Mr. Gentry, who recently resigned from the Board, was one of the first resident directors elected in 2016, and he was the first resident to serve as Board President. Mr. Gentry was instrumental in initiating several tax cuts that benefited residents of MUD 501.

The Board thanks Mr. Gentry for his service to the community and residents of MUD 501 and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

Water Smart Program

The Board of Directors of MUD 501 (left to right) John Casey, DeBra Edwards, Wayne C. Tyson and Jonathan Cowen were presented with a plaque for initiating and successfully participating in the Water Smart Program in MUD 501 in 2021.

The Water Smart Program is a public awareness campaign for water conservation sponsored by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Texas Water Development Board (TWBD). The message is simple — every citizen, no matter what age or where they live, has a personal responsibility to use water wisely.

The Water Smart Program has set simple but comprehensive goals:

  • Increase awareness of the need for water conservation, during a drought and year-round.
  • Avoid or postpone the need for mandatory water rationing when possible in dry areas of the state.
  • Enable the public to participate in water conservation efforts both inside and outside the home.
  • Leverage existing local water conservation efforts.
  • Assemble local water utilities to carry out the first coordinated regional public information campaign on water conservation and water supply issues.

MUD 501 is proud to be a partner and a participant in the Water Smart Program.

Wildlife Management in Harris County MUD 500 Lakes

On December 2, 2021, MUD 500 received a report of an unconfirmed sighting on December 1, 2021, of an approximately 4-5’ alligator under a boat dock on San Solomon Springs. 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.