Water

Notice to Customer Regarding Extreme Weather Emergency

The Public Utility Commission’s rule in Title 16, Chapter 24 Texas Admin. Code § 24.173(d) prohibits your water and sewer provider from imposing a late fee or from disconnecting your retail water or sewer service for nonpayment of bills that are due during an extreme weather emergency until after the emergency is over.

An extreme weather emergency is defined as a period beginning when the previous day’s highest temperature in your area did not exceed 28 degrees Fahrenheit, and the temperature is predicted to remain at or below that level for the next 24 hours according to the nearest National Weather Service reports for your area.  For purposes of these requirements, an extreme weather emergency is over on the second business day the temperature exceeds 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

Your water and sewer provider is required to offer a payment schedule if you timely request a payment schedule.  If you are affected by an extreme weather emergency, you may request a payment schedule from your water and sewer provider for unpaid bills that are due during the extreme weather emergency.

If you timely request a payment schedule, your water and sewer provider is prohibited from disconnecting service for nonpayment of bills that are due during an extreme weather emergency.  However, once a payment schedule is offered, disconnections may resume if you (1) decline to accept the payment schedule in a timely manner, or (2) violate the terms of the payment schedule.

If you have a bill from your water and sewer provider due during an extreme weather emergency, then you qualify to request a payment schedule by contacting our office at: Customer Service at 832-467-1599, 8 AM – 5 PM,  M-F.

Aviso Al Cliente Sobre Emergencia Por Condiciones Del Tiempo Extremas

La regla de la Comisión de Servicios Públicos en el Título 16, Capítulo 24, del Código Administrativo de Texas § 24.173(d) prohíbe a su proveedor de agua y alcantarillado imponer un cargo por mora o desconectar su servicio minorista de agua o alcantarillado por falta de pago de las facturas adeudadas durante una emergencia por condiciones del tiempo extremas hasta después de que la emergencia haya terminado.

Una emergencia por condiciones del tiempo extremas se define como un periodo que comienza cuando la temperatura más alta del día previo en su área no superó los 28 grados Fahrenheit y se prevé que la temperatura permanecerá en ese nivel o debajo de él durante las siguientes 24 horas según los informes más cercanos del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional para su área.   A efectos de estos requisitos, una emergencia por condiciones del tiempo extremas finaliza el segundo día laborable en que la temperatura supera los 28 grados Fahrenheit.

Su proveedor de agua y alcantarillado debe ofrecer un programa de pago si usted lo solicita oportunamente.   Si se ve afectado por una emergencia por condiciones del tiempo extremas, puede solicitar un programa de pago a su proveedor de agua y alcantarillado para las facturas impagas adeudadas durante la emergencia por condiciones del tiempo extremas.

Si solicita oportunamente un programa de pago, su proveedor de agua y alcantarillado tiene prohibido desconectar el servicio por falta de pago de las facturas impagas adeudadas durante una emergencia por condiciones del tiempo extremas.   Sin embargo, una vez que se ofrece un programa de pago, las desconexiones pueden reanudarse si usted (1) se niega a aceptar oportunamente el programa de pago, o (2) viola los términos del programa de pago.

Si tiene una factura de su proveedor de agua y alcantarillado impaga adeudada durante una emergencia por condiciones del tiempo extremas, entonces tiene derecho a solicitar un programa de pago comunicándose con nuestra oficina en: servicio al cliente at 832-467-1599, 8 AM – 5 PM,  M-F.

WHCRWA Has Resumed Normal Operations

The following is a message from the West Harris County Regional Water Authority, which supplies water to the Harris County MUD 500/Towne Lake Service Area, including Harris County MUD Nos. 500 (for its internal boundaries), 501, 502, and 503.

The WHCRWA has resumed normal operations.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance during the course of the freeze event!

WHCRWA Not Receiving Water from City at This Time – Please Conserve Water

The following is a message from the West Harris County Regional Water Authority, which supplies water to the Harris County MUD 500 Service Area, including Harris County MUD Nos. 500 (for its internal boundaries), 501, 502, and 503.

At the City of Houston’s request, the WHCRWA has turned off the valve connecting it to the City’s water system and is not receiving water from the City at this time.

WHCRWA’s water supplies will be limited and most retail water suppliers will utilize groundwater wells to meet demands. Please make every effort to reduce water consumption at this time.

WHCRWA will continue to keep you updated as this situation evolves.

WHCRWA Requests a Voluntary Reduction in Water Usage

The following is a message from the West Harris County Regional Water Authority, which supplies water to the Harris County MUD 500 Service Area, including Harris County MUD Nos. 500 (for its internal boundaries), 501, 502, and 503.

The West Harris County Regional Water Authority (WHCRWA) continues to monitor the impacts of this freeze event and is anticipating a reduction in surface water delivery from the City of Houston.

The WHCRWA requests your assistance by voluntarily reducing water usage. Please conserve water as much as possible as we navigate this weather event.

Drought Stage 1 Rescinded

Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 501 (MUD 501) has rescinded Stage 1 (voluntary) water conservation measures for potable (drinking) water. The West Harris County Regional Water Authority, which provides potable water to Harris County MUD No. 500’s Service Area, including MUD 501, also has rescinded its Stage 1 (voluntary) water conservation measures for their  potable water usage.

The Board of Directors appreciates your cooperation and perseverance during this Conservation Condition.

City of Houston Boil Water Notice

There is NO boil water notice in effect for Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 500, which provides water service to Towne Lake residents in the District and Harris County Municipal Utility District Nos. 500, 502, and 503. The City of Houston has issued a Boil Water Notice for their water system and other systems affected by the City’s issue. While local media (and social media) are reporting boil water notices for the City and those other Water Districts in our area, these notices do not pertain to Harris County MUD No. 500 receivers, including the District. Again, Harris County MUD No. 500 is not currently under a Boil Water Notice.

In the event a Boil Water Notice needs to be issued for our MUD, notification will be provided. For immediate and up-to-date 24/7 information, you can always reach EDP’s 24-hour Customer Service line at (832) 467-1599.

Voluntary Water Use Restrictions

Dear Customer:

Due to ongoing drought conditions, Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 501 (MUD 501) has initiated Stage 1 (voluntary) water conservation measures for potable (drinking) water and is requesting that all potable water users reduce their usage immediately. The West Harris County Regional Water Authority, which provides potable water to Harris County MUD No. 500’s Service Area, including MUD 501, also has initiated its Stage 1 (voluntary) water conservation measures and is requesting that all water users voluntarily reduce their potable water usage. Potable water usage is increasing rapidly and under MUD 501’s Drought Contingency Plan, we may be required to implement mandatory water use restrictions if conditions continue to worsen. MUD 501 needs your help to reduce potable water usage and avoid the need for mandatory restrictions!

Stage 1 (Voluntary) water use restrictions now in place:

Customers are requested to voluntarily limit all outdoor potable water usage, including, but not limited to, lawn and garden watering, car washing, and window washing, as follows:

  1. District residents and other users of water within the District with even-numbered addresses should use potable water outdoors only on even-numbered days, and District residents and other users of water within the District with odd-numbered addresses should use potable water outdoors only on odd-numbered days. In the event no street address exists, District residents and other users of water within the District lining on the north and west side of the street should use potable water outdoors only on even-numbered days, and District residents and other users of water within the District on the south and east side of the street should use potable water outdoors only on odd-numbered days.
  2. Potable water should not be used outdoors for irrigation or other uses in the morning between the hours of 6:00 am and 10:00 am, and in the evening between the hours of 6:00 pm and 12:00 am (midnight).

Please check the settings on the controller for your irrigation system to make adjustments to the dates and times the system runs to implement these requested changes. Please note that the Towne Lake Community Association uses non-potable water from the lakes for irrigation of certain common areas throughout the Towne Lake community, which helps to reduce demand on the potable water system and preserve the availability of potable water for other uses.

MUD 501 will continue to monitor potable water use and will provide another notice if the drought stage changes or if Stage 1 drought conditions have been lifted. The MUD 501 Board of Directors appreciates your cooperation and perseverance during this challenging time.

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.

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.

Smart Meter / EyeOnWater

Smart Meters

The Harris County MUD 501 Board recently completed the replacement of all water meters in the District with new ultrasonic smart meters. These meters will allow customers to monitor their water consumption on a daily basis through the Eye On Water website portal or mobile app, which may assist you with the detection of waters leaks and understanding how much water is used during irrigation and with other heavy water use activities.

Getting Started

In order to access the new smart meter tools, you first need to create a new Eye On Water account and register your smart meter. Visit https://eyeonwater.com to access the online portal or to download the mobile app. When creating the account, you will need your zip code and water service account number exactly as shown on your water bill.

Using Eye On Water

The Eye On Water portal and mobile app can help you review your water usage on a daily basis, assist with the detection of water leaks, and even allow you to set up automated leak detection alerts. For more information on viewing your water usage and setting up leak alerts, please view the videos below.

Need Assistance?

If you have any further questions or need assistance regarding your new smart meter or the Eye On Water website portal or mobile app, please contact the MUD 501 operator, Environmental Development Partners, at (832) 467-1599.