Water Wise: Practical Tips for Conserving Water in Harris County MUD 264 – Every Drop Matters!

Even though we’re no longer in a drought, water conservation is still important: every drop counts! Listed below are some of the many steps that all residents of our community can easily do to reduce consumption.

In addition to the steps listed below, Harris County MUD 264 residents should subscribe to Eye-On-Water to monitor their water usage.  This free utility is available to all HC MUD 264 customers.  To sign-up for Eye-On-Water, follow this link:  http://www.hcmud264.org/amr-meters/.

Ways to Conserve Water in the Yard

  • Use a broom, not a water hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
  • When your kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler were your lawn needs it most.
  • Set a timer to remind you when to turn off the sprinklers. A running hose can let out up to 10 gallons of water per minute.
  • Water during the early morning or evening hours since evaporation losses will be up to 60 percent higher during the day.
  • Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants. Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture while discouraging weed growth.

Ways to Conserve Water in the Bathroom

  • When running a bath, plug the bathtub before turning on the faucet. Then, adjust the temperature as the water is running.
  • Better yet, take five-minute showers instead of baths. A full bathtub requires up to 70 gallons of water. If you keep your shower under five minutes, you will save up to 1,000 gallons per month.
  • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and you can save up to four gallons per minute. That equals 200 gallons per week for a family of four.
  • Check faucets and shower heads for leaks and make sure you turn them off tightly after each use. One drip every second adds up to five gallons per day. Install aerators and flow reducers in sinks and shower faucets.
  • Test your toilets for leaks – toilet leaks can be silent! A good way to check is by putting food coloring in your toilet tank – if it seeps into the bowl without flushing, then there is a leak that needs fixing

Ways to Conserve Water in the Kitchen

  • Use your dishwasher- it uses less water than washing dishes by hand. Make sure it is a full load before starting a cycle, and you will save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
  • If you have to wash a few pots by hand rinsing, turn the water off when you are not rinsing. Better yet, instead of running the water while you scrub the pots and pans, soak them in soap and water.
  • Use a designated water bottle or glass to refill all day, allowing you to cut down the number of glasses to wash.
  • Defrost food in the refrigerator rather than running it under the faucet. Cook food in as little water as possible to conserve water and retain more nutrients.
  • If you accidentally drop ice cubes, place them in a house plant instead of tossing them in the sink.

Ways to Conserve Water in the Laundry

  • Wash only a full load when using an automatic washing machine (32 to 59 gallons are required per load).
  • Use the lowest water-level setting possible on the washing machine for light or partial loads.

Water Quality Info for HC MUD 264 Residents and Customers

Harris County MUD 264, as the provider of water for Westcreek Village, is responsible for and focused on providing safe drinking water to our residents and customers. This article outlines the ongoing activities that are designed to ensure that our drinking water is safe at all times.

Three governmental agencies oversee water quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets national standards, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) creates state rules, in Harris County, the Harris County Pollution Control (HCPC) provides local regulations.

Harris County MUD 264 contracts with Inframark to operate our water plant and deliver clean, quality drinking water throughout the district. Inframark’s operators are trained and licensed by TCEQ.  Water quality testing is performed by a third-party laboratory that is also licensed by TCEQ.

MONITORING AND TESTING PROTOCOLS

TCEQ prescribes a range of testing that is required to ensure water quality and safety.

Some parameters, such as chlorine residual, are tested daily by the operator. By taking daily measurements throughout the system, operators ensure the water is safe and palatable, and can also take proactive measures to address possible issues before they become problems.

Other parameters are tested by independent testing laboratories that collect the samples, run the analysis, and report results to TCEQ, Inframark and to HC MUD 264. The independent testing laboratories are licensed and regulated by TCEQ. This process ensures reporting integrity and – most importantly – consistent quality of the water delivered to you.

MONITORING TEST RESULTS and TAKING ACTION

As noted above, Inframark monitors chlorine residual levels throughout the district daily and is authorized to take action as necessary to keep these levels within regulatory guidelines. Results from third party labs are likewise reviewed and acted upon as needed.

Additionally, Harris County MUD 264 Directors review the results of the latest tests at the monthly board meeting.

THE CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT (CCR)

The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is assembled annually. This detailed report provides results of all testing as well definitions, abbreviations and other information a consumer may want to know; it is a snapshot of what is in our water. This report indicates whether the system is compliant or non-compliant with regulatory standards. It provides average sampling levels, minimum and maximum detectable levels and the sources of these chemicals. The CCR is published on the Harris County MUD 264 website.

MORE INFORMATION

This article is intended to provide a high-level discussion of testing and monitoring that occurs continuously to ensure quality water. For more detailed information, see: