Author: HCMUD 367

What is the best way to conserve water during these hot summer months?

Start by checking for leaking toilets, also make sure outside hoses are not leaking, and finally, be mindful of how much and how often your irrigation is running.  To ensure the best possible water usage habits, download the free Eye on Water app and set it for leak alerts.  Have your MUD 367 water bill handy to insert your account number.

Why does my sprinkler system seem to run all of the time?

It may be!  Some systems have been known to create “ghost schedules” where more than one schedule is running consecutively.  If you have installed the Eye on Water App, you can see how long your system is running and figure out if there is a problem.  Also, MUD 367 has partnered with Rachio Smart Sprinkler Systems to provide a substantial discount for their product which attaches to your current sprinkler system and can determine how much water your landscape needs.  It performs this task by tying into your home WiFi, has a great app interface with your phone, and is integrated into weather reports and soil saturation data.  For additional information and to order yours during this promotion, please visit:

Partnership with Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controllers

What does the NHCRWA fee mean on my bill?

The North Harris County Regional Water Authority (NHCRWA) was created in 1999 by voters. This agency is responsible for constructing the infrastructure to comply with the Harris County-Galveston Subsidence District’s Regulatory Plan that requires a reduction in groundwater usage to no more than 20% of the total water demand by the year 2035.  We are in year 21 out of this 35-year plan. The fee charged by NHCRWA has been increasing steadily over the last eight years.  It is currently $5.05 per 1,000 gallons of water usage per month.  Both MUD 367 and 383 only collect this fee for NHCRWA; neither MUD controls the fee nor tack additional fees onto it.  All residents in the NHCRWA area are required to pay this monthly fee. The NHCRWA holds monthly meetings at their office location: 3648 Cypress Creek Parkway, Suite 110, Houston, 77068 on the first Monday of the month.

For more details on their purpose, or to complain, please visit:

https://www.nhcrwa.com

How can I reduce the amount of water my family uses a month?

There are so many easy steps to reduce the amount of water a family uses each month.

For example: Take shorter showers!  Repair leaky faucets! Only water your yard before sunrise or after sunset and only when necessary! Replace old washers with energy and water efficient models!  And don’t forget to download the Eye On Water app!

The list goes on and on…the price of water will only increase so establishing better water habits will not only help the environment but also help with your monthly bill.  For more tips and valuable insight, please visit:

https://takecareoftexas.org/conservation-tips/conserve-our-water

Leak Adjustment Policy (PDF)

There are many reasons why a residential home might receive a higher than usual water bill but the main reason would be an undetected leak.

Have you downloaded the Eye on Water App? Eyeonwater.com

MUD 367 has installed “smart meters” at every residence in the district in our ongoing effort to promote water conservation. Once you download the app, you will have a clear picture of your home’s monthly water usage. You can also set up the app to notify you if there is a water leak!

Here are some common leak issues:

• Auto fills on pools are the #1 cause of leaks in our district. The valve will get stuck “on” creating a cycle of filling the pool and then reducing the water. Manual valves have been left open as well. Because you don’t see water flowing in your yard or pool, it is hard to actually identify.
• Sprinkler systems running continuously during the night. You may think your system is running each zone once whereas the system has been erroneously set up to run both A & B, meaning each zone is being watered twice during the night.
• If your sprinkler system has a broken solenoid valve, this will cause a constant leak. Test each zone manually to ensure accuracy.
• A leaking toilet can waste thousands of dollars a year! The cost of a plumber to replace a faulty fill valve or flapper is approximately $100-$125. But, why not try to repair it yourself? The replacement part for a flapper is available at Home Depot and/or Ace Hardware for under $20 with Home Depot offering DIY videos on-line.
• A leaking faucet usually can be repaired by replacing the cartridge. Did you know that Moen and Delta replace their cartridges for the life of the faucet? Once you receive the new cartridge, your licensed plumber can install with only the cost of labor.
• Over time, water softeners can malfunction causing a steady leak.
• Outside faucets and garden hoses may have been left on by a child or landscaper.
• Power washing your driveway, sidewalks and back patio create a beautiful and clean environment but remember when your bill arrives that this is a huge amount of water being used.

The main reason MUD 367 sees high water bills during the summer months is that your sprinkler system is running more than necessary. Unfortunately, far too many people think they have to water every day or every other day to have a lush lawn. This misconception wastes water and actually weakens the lawn. Horticulturists say that watering the lawn deeply and infrequently is the key to forcing grass and plants to grow deep roots so they can access water for a longer period of time and thrive through the long, hot summer. Water close to the surface evaporates long before the deeper moisture. Air is forced out of soil that is continually saturated. Since roots need air, overwatering tends to promote very shallow roots.

To figure out how long to run your sprinkler system, try the Tuna Tin Test…place a series of empty, 1-inch deep tuna cans (at least 3) throughout the area the sprinkler system covers. Turn on the water for the amount of time you think is correct. Each can should have roughly the same amount of water — about 1 inch. If the cans contain less than 1 inch of water, you need to water a little longer. If the cans have an uneven amount of water, the distribution of water needs adjustment. A soil probe (available at most hardware and garden shops) can also determine how deep the water is penetrating into the soil.

If you have spoiled your lawn and landscape areas with frequent ‘soakings’, you may need to wean the area gradually to allow the shallow roots to grow.

Here are a few other important tips to consider to get you started saving water — and money — this summer:

1. Set system to complete the cycle before 4:00 a.m. This timing will avoid the peak demand for other household uses — like showers, kitchen chores and the use of laundry appliances.
2. Watering in the heat of day can waste up to 65 percent of the water through evaporation.
3. Mow only when necessary. Set the mower to the highest setting during warm weather. Longer grass keeps the soil cool, minimizing evaporation and conserving water.
4. Leave clippings on the lawn. They supply organic matter and supply one third of your fertilizer needs.
5. Add ¼ to ½ inch compost to lawn in fall or spring. It will decrease water needs and supply nutrients to the lawn.
6. Most importantly, WATER ONLY WHEN YOUR LAWN NEEDS IT!

The NHCRWA fee on your water bill is imposed by the North Harris County Regional Water Authority to fund surface water conversion as mandated by the State of Texas. NHCRWA will increase their fee on April 1, 2020 from $4.30 per thousand gallons to $4.70 per thousand gallons. Harris County MUD 367 does not control this fee, which is a direct pass through cost, with increases expected annually. Water conservation practices are strongly encouraged.

For additional information, please click here to read the NHCRWA Amended Rate Order and Updated Pricing Policy.

Click here for water conservation tips.