What to Do During a Boil Water Notice

HCMUD 0712026-02-04T13:42:12-06:00February 4, 2026|

Boil water notices are rare, but they can occur in any community when certain conditions temporarily affect the water system. While HCMUD 71’s water system continues to meet all state and federal water quality standards, it is important for residents to understand what a boil water notice means and what steps to take if one is ever issued. Being prepared now helps ensure that families stay safe and informed if unexpected events strike.

A boil water notice is issued when the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) determines that the water system’s pressure or quality may have been affected, such as after a major line break, power outage, or other disruption that could allow contaminants to enter the system. When this happens, residents are advised to boil tap water before drinking or using it for food preparation. Boiling water for at least two minutes kills harmful bacteria and, once cooled, ensures it is safe for consumption.

During a boil water notice, residents should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, washing produce, preparing baby formula, and making ice. Non-boiled water can still be used for bathing, laundry, and cleaning, though young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems should avoid contact with the face and ingesting any water during bathing. Dishwashers may be used if they have a sanitizing cycle; otherwise, dishes should be washed with boiled or bottled water.

If a boil water notice is ever issued, HCMUD 71 will, among other methods, notify residents through its email and text alert system and provide updates as more information becomes available. The District will also communicate when the notice has been lifted. Before lifting a boil water notice, the District’s water operator must complete required testing and receive confirmation from TCEQ that the water is safe to use normally.

After a boil water notice is lifted, residents should run cold taps for a few minutes to flush household plumbing and discard any ice made while the boil water notice was active. Water filters and refrigerator lines may also benefit from a brief flush or filter replacement.

Although boil water notices are uncommon, knowing what to do helps reduce confusion and ensures everyone can respond quickly and confidently. Residents are encouraged to sign up for District alerts at https://hcmud71.com/sign-up-for-email-or-text-message-alerts/#alerts so that they are informed of District updates, including water outages, weather-related advisories, and District news.

Tax Statement

HCMUD 0712026-02-01T09:21:02-06:00February 1, 2026|

If you have not received your tax statement and you do not escrow your taxes, please contact the Tax Office at 281-499-1223 or visit their website at www.taxtech.net.