Author: HCMUD 501

Proper Disposal of Paint and Other Hazardous Materials

MUD 501 works diligently to provide excellent garbage collection service to its residents. To that end, the Board would like to remind MUD 501 residents of the proper disposal of paint and other hazardous materials.  Recently, a resident disposed of a paint can in their trash and upon collection, the paint can burst, spilling brightly colored paint onto the street. While this may not appear at first as a major concern, the contrary is true. If not properly cleaned, the paint poses an environmental risk and could result in improper discharge into the storm sewers, which outfall into our lakes, the centerpiece of the Towne Lake community.

Residents can properly dispose of paint and other hazardous materials by scheduling an appointment to use Harris County’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility, located at 6900 Hahl Road (at 290 and Gessner), Houston, TX 77040.  For more information about acceptable items and to schedule an appointment, please visit https://www.eng.hctx.net/Consultants/Household-Hazardous/Household-Hazardous-Waste.

Tip: Harrs County’s HHW Facility does not accept latex paint because it is water-based.  Latex paint that is solidified can be safely disposed of with your household trash.  The paint can be solidified by adding kitty litter or another absorbent material. In fact, hardware and paint stores often sell paint hardener products specifically designed to dry up unneeded extra paint.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss solutions for proper disposal of hazardous materials, please contact MUD 501’s garbage and recycling provider, Texas Pride, at (281) 342-8178.

Embracing Spring 2024 with HC MUD 501: Water Conservation, Community Events, and More!

As the flowers bloom and the temperatures rise, Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 501 (MUD 501) is excited to share a host of updates and initiatives for Spring 2024. From water conservation efforts to engaging community events, we are committed to making this season both sustainable and memorable for our residents.

Water Conservation Takes Center Stage

This spring, we encourage every resident to partake in our water conservation measures. With our new electronic smart meter system, you can monitor your water usage in near real-time, helping to prevent leaks and save on your water bill. Remember, efficient water use is not just beneficial for your wallet but is crucial for our community’s sustainability.

Upcoming Community Shred and E-Waste Event

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 27, 2024! We’re hosting our annual community shred and e-waste recycling event at the Towne Lake Amphitheater. It’s a perfect opportunity to safely dispose of your sensitive documents and electronic waste. Details are available on our website, and we can’t wait to see you there.

Emergency Preparedness: Are You Ready?

As we approach hurricane season, MUD 501 wants to ensure that all our residents are prepared for any emergency. We’ve compiled a list of essential items for your emergency kit. From water and non-perishable food to a first aid kit and manual can opener, being prepared can significantly reduce the stress and impact of unexpected situations.

Community Engagement and Safety

Our recent Heritage safety event showcased the strength of our community through education and engagement. We discussed important topics such as gun safety, the use of golf carts, and crimes against the elderly, emphasizing our commitment to a safe and informed community.

Odor Management Success and Drought Contingency Plan Updates

We’re pleased to announce successful odor management at one of our wastewater treatment plants, improving the quality of life for our residents. Additionally, we’ve revised our Drought Contingency Plan, aligning with regional standards to ensure our community remains prepared and resilient in the face of drought conditions.

Dive Deeper with Our Spring 2024 Newsletter

There’s so much more happening in our community! For a comprehensive look at all our initiatives, upcoming events, and helpful tips, we invite you to dive into our Spring 2024 Newsletter. Visit HCMUD501.org to read the full newsletter and stay updated on how we’re working together for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Together, let’s make Spring 2024 a season of growth, preparedness, and community spirit!

UPDATE – Tuesday Garbage and Recycling Collection Services CANCELLED

MUD 501’s garbage and recycling provider, Texas Pride, has notified the Board that due to the ongoing weather and road conditions and out of concern for the safety of their employees, they have CANCELLED garbage and recycling collection for Tuesday, January 16th.

Garbage and recycling collection will resume on the next scheduled collection day, which will be this Friday for garbage and next Tuesday for recycling. We appreciate your patience through this extended freeze event.

Delayed Garbage and Recycling Collection – Tuesday, January 16th

MUD 501’s garbage and recycling provider, Texas Pride, has notified the Board that garbage and recycling collection services will be delayed tomorrow, January 16th, due to the ongoing freezing conditions. Texas Pride is continuing to monitor the weather and road conditions and may suspend collection services tomorrow if conditions become too hazardous. We will provide additional information on Tuesday if that occurs.

If you have any questions, please contact Texas Pride, at (281) 342-8178, or service@texaspridedisposal.com.

Save the Date for the Spring 2024 Towne Lake Shred/e-Waste Event

The spring Towne Lake shred/e-waste event has been scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event will be located at the Towne Lake Amphitheater, at the southwest corner of Tuckerton and Towne Lake Parkway behind Kroger. The HC MUD 501 Board has again partnered with the Towne Lake Community Association for the Towne Lake Foundation to host the event, opening it up to all Towne Lake residents. Please bring a current utility bill or other proof of residence to the event.

Shred Event Notice (PDF)

Update to MUD 501 Policy for Leak Adjustment Credits

Since 2016, Harris County MUD 501 (MUD 501) has had a policy in place to allow residents to get a credit on their water bill for certain eligible water leaks that were promptly repaired.

Credits are only available for an “excusable defect,” which generally means a non-obvious or non-visible leak, such as an underground irrigation line leak.

MUD 501 residents must apply for a leak adjustment credit within six months of the date of repair of the excusable defect by completing the leak adjustment form attached to the policy and providing the required documentation for the repair. The form is available here: Leak Adjustment Request Form.

Please be advised that MUD 501 recently amended its leak adjustment policy to require that a customer create an Eye On Water account and register their smart meter with the account in order to be eligible for a leak adjustment credit. The Eye On Water mobile app and website portal allow residents to monitor their daily water use and set up automated leak detection alerts. This can help residents understand their daily water use, including the volume of water used for irrigation and other heavy water use activities, and also may assist residents in detecting leaks more quickly.

For more information on Eye on Water, including instructions on how to register for an Eye On Water account, please visit the smart meter page on the MUD 501 website, at: https://www.hcmud501.org/water-sewer/smart-meter-eyeonwater/.

A copy of the updated leak adjustment policy is available here: Leak Adjustment Policy.

2023 AWBD Fall Seminar

Harris County MUD 501 Board President, Wayne Tyson, and Board Secretary, DeBra Edwards, attended the 2023 AWBD Fall Seminar on October 30, 2023.

They enjoyed the opportunity to hear legislators discuss the 88th Regular Legislative Session and the recent legislative developments. AWBD’s educational videos were also very informative. To learn more about property taxes and stormwater drains, please view the videos below.