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.

Smart Resolutions for Water in the New Year

HCMUD 0712026-02-04T13:36:30-06:00December 31, 2025|

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 using water more efficiently. Simple daily changes can help lower utility bills, conserve resources, and reduce demand on the District’s water system during the hotter months ahead.

Start inside your home by checking for leaks. A dripping faucet or a running toilet can waste hundreds, or even thousands, of gallons of water each month. Toilets are often the biggest culprit. To test for toilet leaks, try adding a few drops of non-gel food coloring to the tank and waiting 10 minutes; if color appears in the bowl, there’s a leak that needs repair. Replacing old fixtures with low-flow showerheads and WaterSense- labeled faucets is another easy way to cut water use without sacrificing comfort. HCMUD 71 also utilizes electronic smart meters. Please consider signing up online for a free Eye On Water account, at https://hcmud71.com/water/#smartmeters, where you can view your water usage and sign up for automated leak alerts to avoid unexpected and costly surprises on your water bill.

In the kitchen and laundry room, run dishwashers and washing machines only when full, and scrape plates instead of rinsing them before loading. If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, keep a pitcher of cold water on hand instead of running the tap until it’s cool. These small steps add up to noticeable savings over time.

Outdoors, irrigation accounts for much of the seasonal water use in Katy. Make a habit of checking sprinkler heads for leaks or misalignment and watering early in the morning when temperatures are cooler. Adjust automatic timers during the winter and after rain to avoid unnecessary watering. Grouping plants by water needs and adding mulch around garden beds help the soil retain moisture longer.

As you set new goals for the year ahead, make smart water use part of your routine. Every gallon saved helps maintain reliable service, protect groundwater supplies, and keep future costs manageable for everyone. Small actions taken by many residents can make a big impact on both the community and the environment.