In 2022, HC MUD 341 began a replacement project of the pipes around the perimeter of the lakes that take rainwater from the streets into the lakes.  These pipes are all large diameter and constructed of metal.  Over the last 25 years, these pipes have rusted and begun failing.  They are being replaced by longer lasting concrete pipes.  The next phase of these replacements has now begun.  Below is a summary of the current and upcoming work for 2023:

Lake G – Behind Indian Shores Lane – The 66” pipe failed earlier in 2023 and the emergency replacement is now nearing completion.

Lake B – At the end of Bristol Banks Court – This 30” line is being constructed to create a direct drain into the lake from the end of the cul-de-sac.  It appears when the subdivision was originally laid out, the developer planned to run that street in a different direction and the drainage pipes were located based on that old layout.  Because of that, the drainage pipes in this area are very complex, making it harder for the rainwater to clear the street.  This piping revision should improve drainage in addition to replacing old metal piping.

Lake B – Behind (south side) of Bristol Banks Court – With installation of the new, redirected 30” pipe at the end of Bristol Banks Court, several old, rusted pipes will be removed or capped and filled.

Lake B – South side near the end of Pebble Way Lane/Lake Shore Ridge Court – The existing 36” line will be replaced with new concrete pipe which serves the ends of both streets. There are two metal pipes adjacent to the 36” line which are no longer needed and will be capped and filled.

Lake B – North side near Waterside Way – There is a small drainage pipe that has collapsed.  We will be capping and filling that line with concrete since there is redundant drainage in the area.

Lake C – In Pelican Point – Three metal drainage pipes leading to the lower pool of Lake C will be replaced with concrete pipes.  Additionally, an above ground drain located in the edge of the lake will be rebuilt.  This drain has historically filled with pine needles and refuse leading to higher lake levels.  The new drain includes a cover to help allow free flow year-round.

NONE OF THESE REPLACEMENTS SHOULD AFFECT WATER OR SEWER SERVICE.  All this work is related to rainfall (storm water) drainage.  We currently anticipate the project for Lakes B and C to take approximately 8 weeks, assuming good weather.

There will be closures of the walking path on the north side of Lake B during construction.  Signs will be posted.  Please do not try to walk on that side of the lake.  The south side of the lake should remain open except during the small repair.  We appreciate your cooperation.

If you have any questions, please contact the engineer for MUD 341, Eric Johnson, P.E. at 832.590.7224 (office) or 713.962.0666 (cell) or EJohnson@idseg.com.  You may also contact your neighbors serving on the MUD 341 Board of Directors at https://www.hcmud341.org/contact.

HCMUD 341 would like to advise residents of potential winter weather and cold conditions coming Thursday evening (12/22) and continuing to Friday morning (12/23) as the forecasted cold front moves into our area in the latter part of the week. While meteorologists are still uncertain regarding how cold it will get, there is the potential for a hard freeze in all non-costal locations.

What is a Hard Freeze?

A hard freeze is a temperature under 30° for over eight hours. When water freezes, it expands. When the freeze ends, the result can be broken pipes, no water, a big repair bill and the cost for the lost water. Those are not the only expenses and source of aggravation. You may also have to replace carpet, flooring, sheetrock, furniture, and other possessions. Those are the immediate issues, but there can be latent damage as well. With galvanized pipe, the pipe may not burst, but expansion can occur separating the galvanizing from the pipe and creating an area for corrosion to start and ultimately create leaks.

During Winter Storm Uri, one of the more vulnerable spots for leaks and bursts were the irrigation systems on residential homes. Below are some basic tips as well as pictures and instructions for irrigation backflow preventors; additionally, residents are always encouraged to consult with an irrigation specialist or plumber.

The irrigation shut off valves and backflow device are one of the common issues that most residents deal with during an extended freeze.

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.

As stated above, with temperatures expected to drop below freezing, it is a good time to refresh on the four P’s: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants.

People

• 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.
• Make sure your heat is set to an appropriate temperature to make your entire home comfortable. Remember, heat rises so if you sleep upstairs, your room may be warmer than rooms downstairs.
• Never use your stove or oven to heat your home.
• If you smell smoke or see flames, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Pets

• 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, consider letting 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 so it does not freeze.
• If your pet looks like it has any symptoms resembling frostbite or hypothermia, call your vet.

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 if they are wrapped tightly.
• Let your faucets drip throughout the day 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.

Plants

• When cold weather hits, it’s a good idea to bring in all your potted outdoor plants.
• If you can’t bring in the plant, cover it with a blanket.

Additionally, there are a few vehicle-safety tips to observe during winter weather:

• 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.

Here are some safety tips recommended by local Fire Departments regarding space heaters and other supplemental heating sources:

• 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

Lastly, here are other tips in the event of a power outage in addition to freezing weather:

• If your home is not warm or you suspect the internal pipes could freeze, let water drip from several faucets or shut off 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.
• Make sure if you use a generator, it is outdoors with good ventilation. Do not use a generator inside, including in your garage.