A hard freeze is currently projected for our area next week.  To avoid damage to your home, we recommend you consider the following:

IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

In previous storms, one of the more vulnerable spots for leaks and bursts was the irrigation systems on residential homes. Below are some basic tips as well as pictures and instructions for irrigation shut off valves and backflow preventors; additionally, residents are always encouraged to consult with an irrigation specialist or plumber.

To reduce the potential for irrigation system issues during and after the freeze, complete the following:

1. Turn off the shut-off valve. Most residential devices have two shut-off valves. These are typically covered in blue on the valve handles and located before and after the back flow device.
2. Release the water pressure, with a screwdriver release the water from the bleeder valves. The bleeder valves are usually located under the top of the backflow device. If the water does not stop flowing you may have not shut the valves off completely.
3. Leave the smaller bleeder valve open, this will let the any remaining water in the line expand without breaking the device.
4. Insulate your backflow device. Most hardware / home services stores carry backflow insulating supplies.

Attached are pictures of the actual device and insulation covers for backflow devices and faucets.

OTHER EXTERNAL PIPES

• All garden hoses should be disconnected from outside spigots.
• Make sure to cover all your exposed pipes with a cover. You can also cover your pipes with towels, duct tape or another adhesive strip to ensure they are wrapped tightly.

INTERNAL HOUSE PIPES (IF YOU HAVE POWER AT YOUR HOME)

• Let your faucets drip throughout the period of freezing temperatures to keep them from freezing.
• You should also open the cabinets to let warm air circulate throughout your home. Just make sure any harmful chemicals are out of reach for children and pets.

INTERNAL HOUSE PIPES (IF YOU LOSE POWER)

• If your home is not warm or you suspect the internal pipes could freeze, let water drip from several faucets or shut off the water at the main shutoff valve and open all spigots to drain.  As temperatures rise, leave all faucets open and then open the main shutoff valve to restore water to the home.
• If you use a portable generator, be certain it is outdoors with good ventilation. Do not use a generator inside, including in your garage.

PEOPLE AND PETS

• Avoid going outside if it is not necessary. If you do, make sure you layer up from head to toe.
• To keep you and your family safe, it is imperative your home is warm.
• Never use your stove or oven to heat your home.
• While protecting your family, it is imperative to protect your pets as well.
• Pets, like humans, are vulnerable to cold temperatures. If not taken care of properly, they can succumb to frostbite and even hypothermia.
• If you have a dog that typically lives outdoors, let them inside when temperatures drop to freezing. While their fur does help to keep them warm, it provides little help in freezing temperatures.
• If you absolutely cannot bring them inside, make sure they have a warm shelter, plenty of food and fresh water.
• If your pet looks like it has any symptoms resembling frostbite or hypothermia, call your vet immediately.

PLANTS

• Bring in all your potted outdoor plants.
• Determine the freeze tolerance of your plants.  Here is a link for plant hardiness.  https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/  Cover any plant that cannot withstand temperatures below freezing.

VEHICLE SAFETY TIPS

• Keep vehicle gas tanks full
• Have tire pressures checked
• Keep a phone charger, first aid kit, blankets, and jumper cables in personal vehicles
• Check local road conditions at www.houstontranstar.org. State highway information is also available at www.drivetexas.org.

SPACE HEATER RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

• If you use a space heater, make sure to keep it away from anything that may be flammable including curtains, indoor plants, bedding, etc. Also, do not keep it running overnight and do not keep it running in an unoccupied room. Always turn off space heaters when leaving the room and/or going to sleep
• Do not power space heaters with extension cords or power strips; do not use power strips or extension cords as an alternative for permanent wiring
• Never leave a space heater unattended, or a child unattended with a space heater
• Keep all combustible materials (and people) at least three (3) feet away from space heaters
• If you use a fireplace, make sure you have a screen to catch any embers that might escape or a rolling log.
• Never overload outlets or breakers

HC MUD 341 has also taken numerous steps to strive to maintain water and sewer service throughout the freeze event.  Thank you for your attention to these issues.

At our website you will find links to learn more about Harris County MUD 341, how to pay your water bill, the trash service schedule, useful information including hurricane preparedness and even how to contact the MUD Board of Directors. As part of our enhanced communication initiative, we have added email as well as text notifications for service updates. Please provide your preferred phone number and email address at the link shown on this page. If you have already given us your phone number, then just add your email address.

Here at Harris County MUD 341, our mission is to provide you clean water, reliable sewer service, cost effective trash service and storm water drainage. Our customers include all Lakes on Eldridge homeowners, Kirk Elementary, and all the businesses on the corner of Eldridge and Tanner. Here are some fun facts about MUD 341:

• MUD 341 purchases most of the water it provides to customers from the West Harris County Regional Water Authority. This water is treated surface water from Lake Houston that is delivered to MUD 341 through a series of pipelines.
• To supplement the treated surface water supplied by WHCRWA, MUD 341 also owns and operates its own groundwater production facilities, including a water plant to ensure effective water treatment. Our water plant has back up power generation and 3 large water tanks to ensure water delivery even in emergencies.
• MUD 341 water and sewer facilities are on the same priority level as hospitals for restoration of electric service in the event of a disaster.
• MUD 341 maintains over 31 miles of water, sewer and storm water pipe ranging in size from 4” to 66” in diameter.
• Every week MUD 341picks up 20.5 TONS of trash and 3 TONS of recycling.
• MUD 341 has 288 inlets for storm water, 640 manholes and 90 fire hydrants.
• MUD 341 owns capacity in a local sewage treatment facility that can meet all our needs with capacity to spare.
• MUD 341 owns the 9 lakes in Lakes on Eldridge which exist to provide storm water detention.

All of us tend to take running water, sewer service, storm water drainage and trash collection for granted, but it takes a dedicated team to make that reliability happen. We as your Board of Directors are proud to lead that effort. We hope you enjoy our new website.