Drip, Drip, Drip…Let’s Talk Leaks!

Guess what! National Fix A Leak Week is March 14-20th and we want to be sure you have the best resources to keep you informed of the little problems caused by water leaks. Awareness of what to look for and knowledge of how to fix any leak issues can go a long way in prevention and saving money. Leaks can run, but they can’t hide!



Did you know that simple faucet leaks amount to approximately 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year? That’s huge! And so easily preventable! Not to mention, leaks are costly. Taking time each year to perform a preventative check, can help keep your check book in order.
When you are on the hunt for possible leaks, it is important to start with the data… Begin with your water bill, check your meter, and test your toilets. These will give you some clue as to the prevalence of a water leak in your home.

The EPA recommends the following checklist for tracking down a leak! Here are some of the best-known hiding places to start. Keep your ears open!

• Bathroom

  • Toilets
  • Faucets
  • Showerheads
  • Under the sink
  • Don’t forget the tub!

• Laundry Room

  • Check all of your hook-ups!
  • Look for pooling in the washer itself (it could indicate a source leak)

• Kitchen

  • Check all appliances, such as the dishwasher and fridge. Many times, there are leaks behind them.

• Basement and Garage

  • Sinks
  • Exposed pipes
  • Water Heaters

• Outside

  • Spigots
  • Irrigation controls and sprinkler heads

The District is aware of the City of Houston’s boil water notice issued on February 17, 2021. The District is NOT affected by this boil water notice and there is no need for District residents to boil water prior to use. The District’s facilities are currently operating normally during these challenging weather conditions and backup facilities are available should the need arise.

Residents are encouraged to refer to the District’s website for updates.

Northwest Park MUD residents, it is time to prepare for colder temperatures! There is a Freeze Watch in effect for Sunday night through Tuesday morning, February 14th – February 16, 2021. Temperatures are expected to drop to freezing levels overnight.

How can District residents prepare? Practice the “Four P’s” as the cold fronts set in:

People:

• Dress in warm clothing, wear coats and gloves when outdoors.
• Protect children and the elderly. Never leave them in a cold place or vehicle.
• Temperatures are predicted to be in the teens Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Pets:

• Bring your pets indoors.
• Provide a warm, safe place for them to eat and sleep.

Pipes:

• Prevent frozen pipes and damage to your home by opening the cabinets under the kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warm air to circulate and warm the pipes.
• Insulate outdoor faucets and exposed pipes and be sure to disconnect and drain hoses from outdoor spigots.

Plants:

• Protect plants from freezing by covering them with plant-cover fabric, or a light blanket with plastic sheeting on top of it.
• Hydrate plants early so they can absorb and stay healthy through the cold.

Additionally, there are a few vehicle-safety tips to observe during winter weather:

• Keep your gas tank full.
• Have tire pressure checked.
• Have a phone charger, first aid kit, blankets, and jumper cables in your car.
• Check local road conditions at www.houstontranstar.org. State highway information available at www.drivetexas.org.

Lastly, Fire Departments have provided some safety tips surrounding space heaters and other supplemental heating sources during the colder days:

• Never leave a space heater unattended or a child unattended with a space heater.
• Keep all combustible materials (including yourself!) at least three (3) feet away from the heater.
• Never overload outlets or breakers.
• Do not use extension cords for the heater.
• Always turn it off if leaving the room and/or going to sleep.

Northwest Park Municipal Utility District continually undertakes projects to improve and maintain the water supply and wastewater collection facilities in the district. See current and future projects below:

Current Projects

• Northwest Park, Sections Six & Seven Sanitary Sewer Cleansing & Televising
  Description: The Sanitary Sewer Collection system within Northwest Park, Sections Six & Seven are being scheduled for a cleansing and televising. Video footage will show if there is are significant repairs needed due to the age of the pipe, including protruding roots, debris and grease deposits that block a portion of the flow, decreasing the capacity within the line.
  Status: Project is under design
  Start Date: November 2020
  Completion Date: February 2021
• Water Plant No. 5
  Description: The District is actively looking for a site to construct Water Plant No. 5. This plant will consist of a water well, ground storage tank, hydropneumatic tanks, booster pumps and a control building.
  Status: In discussion with various land owners
  Start Date: Unknown
  Completion Date: Unknown

Future Projects

• Northwest Park, Sections Six & Seven Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation
  Description: The Sanitary Sewer Collection system within Northwest Park, Sections Six & Seven are being scheduled for a cleansing and televising. Video footage will show if there is are significant repairs needed due to the age of the pipe, including protruding roots, debris and grease deposits that block a portion of the flow, decreasing the capacity within the line.
  Once the line televising is complete, the rehabilitation will proceed.
  Status: Awaiting completion of televising
  Start Date: Mid 2021
  Completion Date: Late 2021

Completed Projects

• Marketplace @ 249
  Description: A 34-acre commercial development has been completed for multiple commercial properties. Developments are anticipated to include grocery stores, fast food restaurants, banks, and retail centers. Utility and drainage construction has been completed.
  Commercial developments are actively looking at the site for development.
  Status: Complete
• Fallbrook Drive Lighting
  Description: The District worked with Harris County and Centerpoint Energy to provide street lighting along Fallbrook Drive.
  Status: Complete

Northwest Park Municipal Utility District continually undertakes projects to improve and maintain the water supply and wastewater collection facilities in the district. The link below provides a list of current projects in progress and recently completed projects:

New Well at Deer Ridge Water Plant

Antoine Water Plant Natural Gas Generator