Author: HCMUD 368

Lead and Copper Testing

The District will be conducting routine sampling in spring of 2023 per EPA regulations for lead and copper. There are only a limited number of samples that are required.

For those residents we will deliver a bottle to your front door that has instructions on how to obtain the sample from your kitchen faucet. The sample bottle will be a one-quart plastic bottle and will have specific instructions attached.

The notice also has our contact number 281-374-8989, if you have any questions.

Once we receive the results from the State approved testing facility, we will mail you the results.

Coronavirus Update – Please Bag Your Garbage

In response to the continuing effects of the Coronavirus and in observance of employee’s safety, the District’s garbage collector, Best Trash, is asking that all waste be placed in plastic bags and tied off to avoid any direct contact with the garbage.

The District’s recycling service provider, Texas Pride Disposal, is asking residents to continue to place their recycling loose in their recycling container. However, if anyone in the household is exhibiting symptoms of any transmissible illness, recyclables should be placed in plastic bags and disposed of with regular garbage. Additionally, recyclables should never be bagged in plastic bags. The plastic bags are not opened at the recycling center for safety and efficiency reasons. They are pulled off the sort line and sent to the landfill as contamination.

Trash Services will continue as normal, but Best Trash is experiencing an increase in the amount of residential solid waste as a result of residents spending more time at home. Please be patient as Best Trash is doing its best to get everyone collected.

Green waste collection will continue; however, Best Trash anticipates delays in service. By taking the following steps, residents can help minimize these delays:

  • Mulch leaves and grass clippings instead of bagging them for disposal.
  • Limit the amount of pruning and tree trimming to only what is essential.
  • If utilizing a landscaping company, ensure all green waste is collected and hauled off by the contractor.

Backflow Prevention Devices Help Safeguard the Water Supply

When water flows backwards through the water supply system, it is called backsiphonage or backflow. When that water is accidentally mixed with hazardous chemicals or bacteria, it can be dangerous…even fatal!

The danger could come from improperly installed pools and sprinkler systems. In many districts, homeowners are required to have their water district inspect a new pool or sprinkler system to help prevent this problem. (Check with your district about specific rules and regulations governing pools, spas, and irrigation systems.)

Another potential danger to the water system comes from a surprising source. Did you know that a common garden hose could contaminate the water supply if it is connected to a harmful substance and the pressure in the water main line drops while your hose is submerged in polluted or contaminated water? The water (and whatever is in it) could be sucked back into your pipes and your drinking water supply.

Water pressure drops can happen when firefighters battle a nearby blaze or when repairs are made due to a broken water line. This contamination could come from the chemicals used to fertilize and kill weeds on your lawn. The cleansers used in your kitchen and bathroom could be hazardous if swallowed, as could bacteria in the water from your pool or waterbed.

backflowFortunately, keeping your water safe from these contaminants is not that difficult to do. Take the following precautions to protect your drinking water:

  • Buy and install inexpensive backflow prevention devices for all threaded faucets around your home. They are usually available at hardware stores and home improvement centers.

  • If you install a pool or sprinkler system, have a representative from your water district inspect the device for proper installation, whether this is required or not.

  • Never submerge hoses in buckets, pools, tubs or sinks.

  • Always keep the end of the hose clear of possible contaminants.

  • Do not use spray attachments without a backflow prevention device. The chemicals used on your lawn are toxic and can be fatal if ingested.

Article reprinted with permission from waterdistrict.com.

What You Should Know About Hurricanes

From Ready.gov