Author: HCMUD 501

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.

MUD 501’s Most Satisfied Garbage Customer

With the permission of and our sincere thanks to his parents, the MUD 501 Board is delighted to share with you our most satisfied garbage customer.  We wish you and your families a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Membership & Outreach – AWBD’s Ambassadors Program

DeBra was terrified. This was her first AWBD Conference. After walking into the exhibit hall, feeling overwhelmed and out of place, DeBra went back to her hotel room. Her husband did not understand. DeBra is an outgoing, confident person. What could be so scary?

Four years later, DeBra Edwards walked up to the lectern, welcomed a room full of new AWBD members to a special breakfast, and introduced herself as AWBD’s first Ambassador.

AWBD prides itself on being a welcoming organization for all its members. Most AWBD members have been going to conference for years. Many of us had directors, consultants, and friends that showed us the ropes. When Debra suggested to AWBD’s Membership Committee that the organization offer new members some ways to feel more welcome, Mem-bership Committee Chair Rick Ellis listened up.

After DeBra joined, AWBD started a new members breakfast and introduced a “pink ribbon” for new members, to make sure that AWBD’s new members felt welcome. While the breakfast and ribbon were a good start, Debra and Rick felt like they could and should do more. DeBra suggested pairing new directors with experienced mentors.

Rick is Vice President at the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, so making members feel welcome is part of his job description. Rick had just help established AWBD’s Membership and Outreach Committee, chaired by Wendy Duncan, President of Willow Fork Drainage District and a communications consultant, who also works to make people feel welcome. DeBra, Rick, and Wendy worked with AWBD staff to develop an AWBD Ambassadors program—a titled borrowed from the Katy Chamber—to make sure that everyone who attends AWBD Conference walks in knowing someone who will help show them the ropes—not just at AWBD, but in their roles at . And not just any someone, but someone who knows and cares about AWBD and districts.

Led by Wendy and DeBra, AWBD has a great first class of Ambassadors:

  • Ms. Sabrina Alaquinez, Fort Bend Co MUD 218
  • Mr. Brandyn Cottingham, Fort Bend Co MUD 24
  • Ms. Wendy Duncan, Touchstone District Services
  • Ms. DeBra Edwards, Harris Co MUD 501
  • Mr. Craig Kalkomey, LJA Engineering, Inc.
  • Ms. Brenda Landin, TNG Utility Corporation
  • Ms. Jennifer Smith-Hicks, Accurate Meter & Supply
  • Mr. Harry Thompson, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP

If you would like to join the ranks of AWBD’s Ambassador Program, or a new member seeking an Ambassador, please email Irma Valdez. We are accepting applications.

No Trash or Recycling Collection on Tuesday, September 14th

Due to concerns related to staff safety and the potential for garbage and recycling materials to be swept into and block storm drains during the Tropical Storm Nicholas event, Texas Pride Disposal has notified MUD 501 that there will be no garbage or recycling collection services on Tuesday, September 14th.

Garbage collection will resume on the next normal collection date, Friday, September 17th. Recycling collection will resume on the next normal collection date, Tuesday, September 21st. The MUD 501 Board appreciates your patience and cooperation during this significant storm event.