WINTER FREEZE INFORMATION

HC MUD 341 would like to advise residents of potential winter weather and cold conditions coming next week as the forecasted cold front moves into our area.  While meteorologists are still uncertain regarding how cold it will get, there is the potential for a hard freeze.

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. To reduce the potential for issues, 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.

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 upstairs 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 to ensure they are wrapped tightly.
  • 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.

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.

HC MUD 341 – CONSTRUCTION NOTICE

Beginning January 8, 2024, MUD 341 will initiate construction to 1) rehabilitate Lake G which is located on the east side of Turkey Creek and 2) replace the primary outflow pipes into Turkey Creek.  The current outflow pipes are the 7 large metal pipes located near the walking bridge over Turkey Creek.  The pipes on both sides of Turkey Creek will be replaced with concrete pipes.   These pipes are the primary drainage pipes from LOE into Turkey Creek and the Addicks Reservoir.  They are critical infrastructure and are a key component to preventing routine flooding.

Lake G’s broken edges will be removed and replaced with a natural edge similar to what was previously completed by the MUD at Lake H farther east.   The existing edge is not a “wall”.  It was originally installed only as a decorative edge by LOE’s developer’s landscaper.   The rehabilitation will yield a natural looking lake in common with current major community developers.

CONSTRUCTION IMPACT TO RESIDENTS

Because this project will involve heavy equipment and significant excavation, access to Lake G will be prohibited for your safety.  The walking bridge over Turkey Creek will be closed; however, a temporary crossing suitable for walkers will be installed near the cul de sac of Indian Shores Lane.  This will enable walkers to complete the loop around Turkey Creek.  This temporary crossing is only suitable for fully mobile walkers in dry weather since it involves walking down and up the slopes along Turkey Creek.  Signs will be posted notifying you of closed areas.

PROJECT PLAN

The week of January 8, the contractor will begin removing the water in Lake G and depositing it into Lake H to the east.  The pumps used for this process are loud but will only run during the day.  It is estimated it will take about 5 days to transfer the water and any fish between the lakes.  After Lake G is dry, the rehabilitation of the lake edge will begin.  Following the work on the lake edge, the outflow pipes between Lake G and Turkey Creek will be replaced.  After that side of Turkey Creek is completed, the contractor will replace the pipes on the west side of Turkey Creek.  Overall, the project is expected to take approximately 3 months.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have questions, please contact Eric Johnson, the MUD’s district engineer at ejohnson@idseg.com or 713.962.0666 (cell) or 832.590.7224 (office).  You may also reach out to the MUD Board of Directors who all live within LOE by https://www.hcmud341.org/contact/.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as the MUD completes this important project.

MUD 341 Board of Directors

HC MUD 341 – TRASH AND RECYCLING SCHEDULE

Trash pickup will be on Thursday, December 28 and Thursday, January 4. Due to the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays falling on Mondays, recycling will be collected on January 8. If you have additional recycling, please use a supplemental container sitting next to the recyling bin and separate from regular trash. We understand this is inconvenient, but our trash personnel only take 4 holidays a year. Unfortunately, in 2023/2024 they fell on consecutive Mondays.

Happy New Year from MUD 341.