Why You Shouldn’t Throw Yard Waste and Trash in Drainage Ditches and Storm Drains

HCMUD 0712026-09-30T11:14:54-05:00September 30, 2026|0 Comments

Storm drains and drainage ditches throughout the community are designed to carry stormwater runoff from rainfall, not trash or yard debris. What many people don’t realize is that stormwater runoff flows into neighborhood lakes, detention [...]

Protecting Storm Drains from Yard Chemicals

HCMUD 0712026-09-23T12:04:44-05:00September 23, 2026|0 Comments

Many residents use fertilizers, weed killers, pesticides, and other lawn products to maintain their yards and landscaping. When used properly, these products can support healthy turf and plants. However, when yard chemicals are overapplied, spilled, [...]

WHCRWA 25th Anniversary Celebration and Open House

HCMUD 0712026-09-21T11:42:28-05:00September 21, 2026|Comments Off on WHCRWA 25th Anniversary Celebration and Open House

Emergency Water Line Repair – Possible Service Interruption

HCMUD 0712026-09-18T16:53:04-05:00September 18, 2026|Comments Off on Emergency Water Line Repair – Possible Service Interruption

We are currently in route to an emergency water line repair in the District. You may experience interruption of water service and/or low water pressure as we work to make the repair. Once services are [...]

Snake Safety Around Lakes and Trails

HCMUD 0712026-09-16T11:01:51-05:00September 16, 2026|Comments Off on Snake Safety Around Lakes and Trails

Residents in HCMUD 71 occasionally report seeing snakes in neighborhood parks, along trails, near detention ponds, and around lake edges. These sightings are especially common in the warmer months when snakes are most active. While [...]

Alligators in Our Lakes

HCMUD 0712026-09-09T13:58:47-05:00September 9, 2026|Comments Off on Alligators in Our Lakes

If you’ve lived in the Katy area for long, you know that sharing our community with wildlife is part of life in Southeast Texas. As neighborhoods grow around lakes and natural spaces, residents are occasionally [...]

Why You Shouldn’t Feed the Ducks

HCMUD 0712026-09-02T11:20:58-05:00September 2, 2026|Comments Off on Why You Shouldn’t Feed the Ducks

Feeding ducks may feel like a harmless way to enjoy time at the lake, especially with children or visiting family. But in HCMUD 71, this seemingly kind gesture has serious and costly consequences. Over time, [...]

How Street Flooding Is Designed to Work in Katy Neighborhoods

HCMUD 0712026-08-26T14:38:25-05:00August 26, 2026|Comments Off on How Street Flooding Is Designed to Work in Katy Neighborhoods

During heavy rainfall, it can be concerning to see water collecting along neighborhood streets. While street flooding should always be taken seriously, some temporary ponding on streets is an intentional part of how many drainage [...]

Tornado Watch vs. Warning – How to Respond Safely

HCMUD 0712026-08-19T11:17:07-05:00August 19, 2026|Comments Off on Tornado Watch vs. Warning – How to Respond Safely

While hurricanes tend to dominate the headlines, tornadoes sometimes pose a serious threat in Southeast Texas, including in the Katy area. As spring and summer bring more frequent storms, alerts and warnings related to tornado [...]

How Swales Work: Guiding Rainwater Through Neighborhood Landscapes

HCMUD 0712026-08-12T11:34:20-05:00August 12, 2026|Comments Off on How Swales Work: Guiding Rainwater Through Neighborhood Landscapes

After a heavy rain, water does not simply disappear from streets, yards, and common areas. It must be directed safely through the neighborhood and into the drainage system. One way this happens is through swales, [...]

Backflow Prevention: Why It Matters for Drinking Water Safety

HCMUD 0712026-08-07T11:46:03-05:00August 7, 2026|Comments Off on Backflow Prevention: Why It Matters for Drinking Water Safety

Clean, reliable drinking water depends on keeping public water systems protected from possible sources of contamination. One important way this is done is through backflow prevention devices. Backflow occurs when water flows in the opposite [...]

Drought-Resistant and Water-Friendly Landscaping for Katy Yards

HCMUD 0712026-07-29T11:47:23-05:00July 29, 2026|Comments Off on Drought-Resistant and Water-Friendly Landscaping for Katy Yards

As summer approaches and temperatures begin to rise, conserving water becomes even more important for our community. Outdoor irrigation is often the largest source of residential water use, especially in the warmer months. One of [...]

Drought Contingency Plan: What Triggers It and What It Means for You

HCMUD 0712026-07-22T11:36:49-05:00July 22, 2026|Comments Off on Drought Contingency Plan: What Triggers It and What It Means for You

Drought conditions in Southeast Texas can escalate quickly, especially during the hot summer months. While HCMUD 71 operates its own groundwater wells and monitors water supply conditions daily, residents should be aware of the District’s [...]

Practical Ways to Improve Water Efficiency at Home

HCMUD 0712026-07-15T15:44:23-05:00July 15, 2026|Comments Off on Practical Ways to Improve Water Efficiency at Home

Many homeowners are interested in reducing water usage, which helps to lead lower utility bills, conserve resources, and improve home efficiency. While there are countless products marketed as water-saving solutions, not all upgrades deliver meaningful [...]

Emergency Water Line Repair: Complete

HCMUD 0712026-07-08T16:04:39-05:00July 8, 2026|Comments Off on Emergency Water Line Repair: Complete

Emergency main water line repair is complete, and water service has now been restored. We are in the area flushing to help relieve the air in the lines. Should you still experience any discolored water [...]

Emergency Water Line Repair

HCMUD 0712026-07-08T14:23:54-05:00July 8, 2026|Comments Off on Emergency Water Line Repair

We are currently working on an emergency water line repair affecting parts of the District. You may experience interruption of water service and/or low water pressure as we work to make the repair. Once services [...]

How to Sign Up for District and Local Emergency Alerts

HCMUD 0712026-07-08T11:28:11-05:00July 8, 2026|Comments Off on How to Sign Up for District and Local Emergency Alerts

When severe weather, water service disruptions, or other emergency situations arise, timely information can make all the difference. HCMUD 71 offers a text and email alert system to keep residents informed of both emergency and [...]

Staying Ready During Hurricane Season

HCMUD 0712026-07-01T14:33:00-05:00July 1, 2026|Comments Off on Staying Ready During Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is here and runs through November 30, with the highest activity typically occurring between August and October. While it is impossible to say when the next storm will hit our region, everyone in [...]

The Do’s and Dont’s of Flushing

HCMUD 0712026-06-24T13:11:21-05:00June 24, 2026|Comments Off on The Do’s and Dont’s of Flushing

Every household relies on the District’s wastewater system to safely carry wasterwater away from homes and into treatment facilities. What many residents don’t realize is that improper flushing is one of the most common causes [...]

Summer Pool Filling Tips: Water Costs, Usage, and Best Timing

HCMUD 0712026-06-17T10:36:59-05:00June 17, 2026|Comments Off on Summer Pool Filling Tips: Water Costs, Usage, and Best Timing

As temperatures rise in the Katy area, many residents begin preparing swimming pools for summer. Whether filling a new pool, topping off water levels, or refilling after maintenance, filling or refilling can use a significant [...]

Electrical Outages and Water Systems: How the MUD Stays Operational

HCMUD 0712026-06-10T11:55:21-05:00June 10, 2026|Comments Off on Electrical Outages and Water Systems: How the MUD Stays Operational

Reliable water and wastewater services depends on a complex system of equipment, which may include wells, pumps, storage and treatment facilities, underground pipelines, lift stations, and communication systems working together behind the scenes. Because much [...]

Pet Etiquette in Shared Spaces

HCMUD 0712026-06-03T14:40:03-05:00June 3, 2026|Comments Off on Pet Etiquette in Shared Spaces

HCMUD 71 is proud to maintain parks, trails, and lakes that provide residents with safe and enjoyable spaces to walk, exercise, and spend time outdoors. Many residents also use these areas to walk their pets. [...]

How to Water Newly Planted Trees Without Wasting Water

HCMUD 0712026-05-27T14:30:41-05:00May 27, 2026|Comments Off on How to Water Newly Planted Trees Without Wasting Water

Newly planted trees require extra care to become established, and proper watering is one of the most important factors in their long-term health. In the Katy area, where clay soil is common, watering too [...]

Best Trash – General Use Guidelines

HCMUD 0712026-05-21T14:11:47-05:00May 21, 2026|Comments Off on Best Trash – General Use Guidelines

Emergency Water Shutoff: When and How To Use Your Home Valve

HCMUD 0712026-05-20T11:14:11-05:00May 20, 2026|Comments Off on Emergency Water Shutoff: When and How To Use Your Home Valve

Water leaks can happen unexpectedly, whether from a broken pipe, a malfunctioning appliance, or an irrigation issue. When leaks aoccur, knowing how to quickly shut off the water to your home can help prevent [...]

Mosquito Control Around the Home

HCMUD 0712026-05-13T11:37:35-05:00May 13, 2026|Comments Off on Mosquito Control Around the Home

Mosquitoes are a common part of life in Southeast Texas, especially during the warmer months. With frequent rainfall, high humidity, and clay soils that can hold water, the Katy area can provide ideal conditions [...]

How Soil pH Affects Plant Health and Water Usage

HCMUD 0712026-05-06T11:40:12-05:00May 6, 2026|Comments Off on How Soil pH Affects Plant Health and Water Usage

Soil conditions play a major role in how well plants grow and how efficiently they use water. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, factors is soil pH. In the Katy area, where [...]

What Happens to Stormwater After It Leaves Your Street

HCMUD 0712026-04-29T12:34:12-05:00April 29, 2026|Comments Off on What Happens to Stormwater After It Leaves Your Street

When it rains in the Katy area, the water that flows down driveways, streets, and sidewalks has to go somewhere. Unlike the water that enters your home’s plumbing system, stormwater is not treated at [...]

Save the Date! May 2, 2026, from 11AM – 1PM

HCMUD 0712026-04-27T08:05:45-05:00April 27, 2026|Comments Off on Save the Date! May 2, 2026, from 11AM – 1PM

Join us this weekend for a FREE, fun, family friendly event at Stephen Woodring Park! Saturday, May 2nd from 11AM – 1PM. We will have music, face painting, snow cones, popcorn, food and drink! [...]

How Root Barriers Help Prevent Damage to Sidewalks and Water Lines

HCMUD 0712026-04-22T12:09:04-05:00April 22, 2026|Comments Off on How Root Barriers Help Prevent Damage to Sidewalks and Water Lines

Trees are an important part of neighborhoods in HCMUD 71. They provide shade, improve air quality, and add value and beauty to the community. As trees mature, however, their roots spread outward in search [...]

Understanding Water Hammer: Why Pipes Make Banging Noises

HCMUD 0712026-04-15T11:31:30-05:00April 15, 2026|Comments Off on Understanding Water Hammer: Why Pipes Make Banging Noises

If you have ever turned off a faucet or appliance and heard a sudden bang or thud in your walls, you have likely experienced water hammer. Although the sound can be surprising, water hammer [...]

Park Use Guidelines

HCMUD 0712026-04-08T13:14:46-05:00April 8, 2026|Comments Off on Park Use Guidelines

HCMUD 71 maintains several parks, trails, and recreational areas for the benefit of all residents. These amenities are designed to provide safe and enjoyable outdoor spaces for walking, playing, and gathering with family and [...]

How Smart Irrigation Controllers Help Reduce Water Bills Year-Round

HCMUD 0712026-04-01T12:17:11-05:00April 1, 2026|Comments Off on How Smart Irrigation Controllers Help Reduce Water Bills Year-Round

Home irrigation is one of the largest contributors to household water use in Texas, especially during the warmer months. In many cases, lawns and landscapes receive far more water than they actually need. Smart irrigation [...]

How French Drains Work and When You Might Need One

HCMUD 0712026-03-25T12:24:59-05:00March 25, 2026|Comments Off on How French Drains Work and When You Might Need One

Standing water in a yard after rainfall can be frustrating and may indicate a drainage issue. In many cases, homeowners hear about French drains as a potential solution, but may not fully understand how they [...]

How Soil Compaction Affects Drainage in Your Yard

HCMUD 0712026-03-18T12:01:50-05:00March 18, 2026|Comments Off on How Soil Compaction Affects Drainage in Your Yard

Soil density plays an important role in how water moves through your yard. When soil becomes compacted, it can prevent rain and irrigation water from soaking into the ground properly. Instead of being absorbed, water [...]

Spring Irrigation Startup: Avoiding Leaks, Breaks, and Overwatering

HCMUD 0712026-03-11T15:06:51-05:00March 11, 2026|Comments Off on Spring Irrigation Startup: Avoiding Leaks, Breaks, and Overwatering

As temperatures warm and landscapes begin to spring back to life, many residents begin turning their irrigation systems back on after winter. Starting up a sprinkler system carefully in the spring helps prevent broken lines, [...]

Why You Shouldn’t Throw Yard Waste and Trash in Drainage Ditches and Storm Drains

HCMUD 0712026-03-04T12:37:06-06:00March 4, 2026|Comments Off on Why You Shouldn’t Throw Yard Waste and Trash in Drainage Ditches and Storm Drains

Storm drains and drainage ditches in HCMUD 71 are designed to carry rainwater runoff, not trash or yard debris. What many people don’t realize is that these systems flow directly into our lakes, detention ponds, [...]

What to Do During a Boil Water Notice

HCMUD 0712026-02-04T13:42:12-06:00February 4, 2026|Comments Off on What to Do During a Boil Water Notice

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, [...]

Smart Resolutions for Water in the New Year

HCMUD 0712026-02-04T13:36:30-06:00December 31, 2025|Comments Off on Smart Resolutions for Water in the New Year

The start of a new year is the perfect time to set goals that make a difference, both at home and in the community. For HCMUD 71 residents, one of the most impactful resolutions is [...]

MUD Responsibilities Explained: Water, Waste, Parks, and More

HCMUD 0712025-12-17T12:03:22-06:00December 17, 2025|Comments Off on MUD Responsibilities Explained: Water, Waste, Parks, and More

Most residents know that HCMUD 71 provides their water and trash collection services, but the District’s responsibilities extend much further. As a local government entity created under the authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental [...]

Winterizing Your Home: Pipes, Irrigation & Plants

HCMUD 0712025-12-11T13:47:22-06:00December 11, 2025|Comments Off on Winterizing Your Home: Pipes, Irrigation & Plants

While winters in Katy are usually mild, sudden hard freezes can still cause serious damage to outdoor plumbing, irrigation systems, and landscaping. A little preparation before a cold front arrives can help prevent costly repairs [...]

Holiday in the Park

HCMUD 0712025-11-26T12:37:32-06:00November 26, 2025|Comments Off on Holiday in the Park

Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

HCMUD 0712025-11-26T11:15:51-06:00November 26, 2025|Comments Off on Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

The holiday season is a time of celebration, generosity, and gathering with family and friends. As residents shop, decorate, and travel, it’s also a good time to take a few extra precautions to keep homes, [...]

How the MUD Maintains Water Quality

HCMUD 0712025-11-19T15:12:08-06:00November 19, 2025|Comments Off on How the MUD Maintains Water Quality

Clean, reliable drinking water is one of the most important services HCMUD 71 provides. The District operates under strict regulations established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [...]

Holiday Cooking and Grease Disposal: What Not to Put Down the Drain

HCMUD 0712025-11-05T12:08:54-06:00November 5, 2025|Comments Off on Holiday Cooking and Grease Disposal: What Not to Put Down the Drain

The holiday season often is a time for cooking, baking, and sharing meals with family and friends. But while the kitchen may be busy, the last thing anyone wants is an unexpected plumbing problem that [...]

Park Use Guidelines

HCMUD 0712025-10-29T13:04:34-05:00October 29, 2025|Comments Off on Park Use Guidelines

HCMUD 71 maintains several parks, trails, and recreational areas for the benefit of all residents. These amenities are designed to provide safe and enjoyable outdoor spaces for walking, playing, and gathering with family and friends. [...]

Understanding Detention Ponds: Why They’re Not Just Neighborhood Lakes

HCMUD 0712025-10-22T14:01:05-05:00October 22, 2025|Comments Off on Understanding Detention Ponds: Why They’re Not Just Neighborhood Lakes

At first glance, the detention ponds throughout HCMUD 71 may look like small neighborhood lakes, but they serve a much more important purpose. These ponds are a critical part of the District’s flood control system, [...]

Pet Etiquette in Shared Spaces

HCMUD 0712025-10-15T10:36:09-05:00October 15, 2025|Comments Off on Pet Etiquette in Shared Spaces

HCMUD 71 is proud to maintain parks, trails, and lakes that provide residents with safe and enjoyable spaces to walk, exercise, and spend time outdoors. Many residents also use these areas to walk their pets. [...]