Stage 1 – Mild Drought Conditions: Voluntary Water Use Restriction Notice

Dear Customer:

The West Harris County Regional Water Authority (Authority) has triggered Stage 1 (voluntary reductions) of its Drought Contingency Plan due to the ongoing extreme heat and drought conditions. Under Stage 1, the Authority has requested that all water users within its boundaries voluntarily reduce their water usage effective immediately. Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 71 (MUD 71) is within the boundaries of the Authority and, in response to the Authority’s request, also has triggered Stage 1 (voluntary reductions) of its Drought Contingency Plan. MUD 71 is requesting that all users voluntarily reduce their water usage. MUD 71 will continue to monitor water use and will provide another notice if the drought stage changes or if Stage 1 drought conditions have been lifted.

A. All District water customers are asked to voluntarily reduce water use both indoors and outdoors. Please help us reduce water use.

B. Reduce all outdoor watering, including, but not limited to lawn and garden watering, car washing, and window washing.

  1. If the last number of your address is an even number, (like 1102 or 14320) for example, please use water outdoors only on even numbered days.
  2. If the last number of your address is an odd number, (like 1513 or 11345 for example, please use water outdoors on odd numbered days.
  3. Please do not use water outdoors between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. (midnight).

The Board of Directors appreciates your cooperation. If the Stage 1 drought conditions are lifted, we will take down the water use restriction signs, provide an update on the District’s web site at www.hcmud71.com and you may return to normal water usage. If conditions should worsen, it may be necessary to impose mandatory water use restrictions at which time you will be notified of the more stringent restrictions. A list of additional water conservation tips that may be helpful is attached. For further information please contact the District’s Operator, Monday through Friday from 8 am – 5pm, at 281-897-9100.

Very truly yours,
Harris County MUD No. 71 Board of Directors

 


 

Additional Water Conservation Tips

Prolonged, dry conditions puts a strain on Texas water supplies for all uses. It just makes sense not to waste water. Here are a few more tips to help you make better decisions about water use:

  1. In the summer, 50 – 80% of all water consumption is used outside and as much as half of this is wasted.
  2. Avoid cutting grass too short, longer blades of grass will reduce evaporation and root stress.
  3. Water in the early morning when evaporation loss will be less, and set sprinkler so that the lawn is watered, not sidewalks, driveways and streets.
  4. Check for and repair leaking faucets and toilets. A leaking toilet can waste more than 200 gallons of water a day.
  5. When it is time to replace water fixtures, ask for water saving fixtures such as low flow toilets, showerheads and water efficient appliances that can reduce your water consumption by more than 25%.
  6. For further information on how to conserve water, visit https://wateruseitwisely.com, www.texaswater.org, and www.savetexaswater.org.
  7. Sign up for Eye on Water to better monitor your usage and do your part to help conserve. https://eyeonwater.com/signup

Outgoing Mail Difficulties

In recent weeks, the MUD 71 Board has received reports that the U.S. Postal Service may no longer be picking up outgoing mail from individual resident mailboxes, even if the flag is properly displayed.

If you normally pay your utility by mail and place the envelope in your mailbox, please be aware that this could result in delayed receipt of utility bill payments.

MUD 71 has partnered with First Billing Services to offer a variety of telephone and electronic payment options to help make paying your bill quicker and easier.  For more information, please visit: https://hcmud71.com/electronic-payment-options.