Author: CINCO MUD 7

Winter weather and freezing temperatures are expected this week across Texas. The National Weather Service is forecasting widespread freezing temperatures on Friday and Saturday morning (12/23 – 12/24). In such conditions, it is imperative to protect the “Four P’s”: People, pets, pipes and plants.

People

• Keep warm, stay inside if possible.
• If you need to go out, dress in layers and wear hats, gloves and an appropriate coat.
• Avoid overexertion, as cold weather puts added strain on your body.

Pets

• Bring pets inside, and move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas.
• Keep adequate food and water available.

Pipes

• Disconnect outdoor hoses, drain and store in protected area.
• Wrap exposed faucets and pipes – including those outside the house or in unheated crawl spaces, attics, garages and other areas.

Plants

• Bring potted plants inside or store in garage near interior wall to provide extra warmth and protection from wind.
• For cold-sensitive outdoor plants, put down extra mulch and consider covering with a cloth fabric of some kind to shield the plants from wind and frost.

Additionally, if you have an irrigation system, turn off the water to the system at your backflow preventer and then drain the system so your irrigation pipes and sprinkler heads are not damaged.

As it pertains to the dripping of faucets, we are asking and advising our residents and customers NOT to drip their faucets. This could cause a dip in water pressure at your facility. If you reside within the greater Houston area and are part of the Regional Water Authorities (West Harris County Regional Water Authority, North Fort Bend Regional Water Authority, North Harris County Regional Water Authority), or receive water from the City of Houston, dripping faucets will put a strain on the system resulting in low pressure or even depleting the water system.

The following sites can also be used as a source of information and to keep you updated:

• Forecasts: National Weather Service Houston-Galveston
• Winter Weather Safety: National Weather Service
• Local Road Conditions: Houston TranStar
• State Road Conditions: DriveTexas.org
• Space Heater Safety: National Fire Protection Association
• Draining Your Home Plumbing System: The Spruce

There is no boil water notice in effect for Cinco Ranch residents or businesses.  The City of Houston has issued a Boil Water Notice for their water system and other systems effected by the City’s issue. While local media (and social media) are reporting boil water notices for the City and those other Water Districts in our area, these notices do not pertain to any Cinco Ranch receivers, as the Master District maintains independent water production facilities. Again, Cinco Ranch is not currently under a Boil Water Notice.

In the event a Boil Water Notice needs to be issued for our community, notification will be provided. For immediate and up-to-date 24/7 information, you can always reach out to Inframark 24-hour Customer Service line at 281-398-8211.

Please join us tomorrow, November 5th for a special water conservation event hosted by the Cinco MUDs at Central Green at LaCenterra from Noon-3pm. Events for the kids, including touring the NFBWA Mobile Learning Lab, and giveaways for kids and adults!

Fall weather is unpredictable! Unexpected rainstorms can cause your lawn to get too much water. Rain sensors protect your lawn from overwatering by shutting off your sprinkler system during and after rainstorms. For more tips on how to save water—and money—visit www.nfbwa.com/water-saving-tips.

As the outdoor temperatures continue to rise, your landscaping will need more water. But, how much more? Watering too much can compromise plant health and increase your monthly water bill.

Visit www.nfbwa.com/water-my-yard to sign up for weekly tips about the right amount of water for your landscaping needs.

At the end of May, the North Fort Bend Water Authority recognized Cinco MUD #7 for it’s outstanding efforts in water conservation for 2021. The Authority presented this personalized stepping stone to the Board of Directors to share with the community. The stone will be placed along the walking trail along the bayou for all to see!

The District’s water conservation efforts continue in 2022 with our public education program and by participating in additional programs in conjunction with the Authority. You can check out our website to find other ways to save water…and money!

You have the opportunity to receive a credit towards your water bill when you purchase and install high efficiency appliances or water saving items for your landscape! Items range from nozzles on sprinkler heads to the clothes washer in the laundry room. Visit www.nfbwa.com/resident-rebate for more information.

Check your sprinkler system annually to conserve water and manage your water usage. The NFBWA’s free irrigation evaluation program provides a licensed irrigator to check your water settings and make recommendations. Visit www.nfbwa.com/wise-guys to sign up for a FREE evaluation.

How much should you water your lawn? The Water My Yard tool provides customized watering recommendations to keep your lawn healthy. You’ll get weekly messages to make sure you have the most up-to-date recommendations. Take the guesswork out of water maintenance and sign up at www.nfbwa.com/water-my-yard.