Author: Sarah

The Board of Harris County MUD 217 would like to remember our Veterans.

Veterans Day is a day to honor and thank the sacrifices and dedication of those who have served in the military.

As Halloween approaches, let’s ensure a fun and safe night for everyone by keeping these safety tips in mind: 

Pedestrian Safety

• Make sure kids are visible by using reflective gear or glow sticks. 
• Prioritize safety when choosing a trick or treating location. 
• Travel in groups
• Determine a central meeting point in case your group gets disbanded
• Stay on sidewalks and cross streets at designated crosswalks.
• Stay aware of your surroundings, be cautious of other adults who might approach children
• When trick or treating, always walk up to the door with your child

Road Awareness

• Drivers, please slow down and be extra cautious, especially in residential areas during peak trick-or-treating hours from 6 to 9 PM.
• Trick-or-treaters may be harder to see in the dark.

Costume Safety

• Choose costumes that allow for clear vision and avoid tripping hazards. 

Candy Checks

• Parents, inspect candy before letting children enjoy their treats. 
• Discard any items with opened packaging or suspicious appearances.

By following these safety measures, we can ensure a happy and safe Halloween for all in our community. Enjoy the spooky season!

Every time you flush, you’re making a choice that impacts your home, your community, and the environment. With today being National Toilet Paper Day (August 26th), it’s crucial to remember that only toilet paper should go down the drain. Flushing anything else, like wipes, can lead to costly plumbing problems, environmental damage, and higher utility bills. 

Toilet paper is the only paper product engineered to be compatible with the sewer system. Wipes, including those marked as “flushable”, cause significant issues to plumbing and infrastructure. 

A 2019 study examined over 100 different kinds of “flushable” wipes, and found that none of these products broke down enough to safely pass through home plumbing and public sewers, without risking clogs or damage. 

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) conservatively estimates that wipes cause about $25 million dollars in damage and maintenance costs each year in Texas alone. These costs can be passed along to the consumer in the form of higher water bills.

In honor of National Toilet Paper Day, do yourself and your plumbing a favor by only flushing toilet paper. Together, we can reduce costs, prevent clogs, and keep our water systems flowing smoothly.

The Board of Harris County MUD 217 will hold a regular meeting.

When: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.

Where:  HCMUD 217 Administration Building, 12248 T.C. Jester Blvd, Houston, Texas 77067

The Board will conduct an in-person meeting at its physical meeting location. As an accommodation, the Board is making available a telephone and/or video option for members of the public to listen to the meeting and to address the Board.

To Participate by Telephone:
+1 573-539-0055
PIN: ‪‪756 759 187‬#

To Participate by Videoconference:
meet.google.com/bwr-hbtj-pjs

Meetings are open to the public. Residents are welcome to participate and hear updates about the District.

The Meeting Agenda can be found by clicking the link below.

August is National Water Quality Month, making it a perfect time to review your district’s most recent Water Quality Report (also known as Consumer Confidence Report / CCR), which can be found here and on the Public Documents page. This is also an ideal time to revisit your household water practices and how they can be affecting your water quality. 

Imagine life without easy access to clean water: no pools, clean lakes, or rivers for recreation, no long showers, no drinking water from the tap, and no running water at home. Our lives would be completely different, and not for the better.

National Water Quality Month reminds us of the importance of water sources for humans and ecosystems and highlights how human practices can harm these vital resources.

What causes poor water quality?

• Dumping toxic chemicals
• Agricultural runoff
• Leakage of untreated waste 
• Products and chemicals used at home
  • Bleach
  • Ammonia 
  • Pesticides / Fertilizers
  • Automotive fluids

While your Municipal district closely monitors its water infrastructure to ensure that residents are receiving high quality water, there are also quite a few things you can do at home to maintain your water quality.

What can your household do to improve and maintain your water quality?

• Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products, that do not contain any of the harmful chemicals listed above
• Follow proper disposal practices 
• Reduce fertilization 
• Attend public hearings on water quality standards
• After a big storm, clean the debris from your storm drains and curbs to prevent it from entering our waterways
• Participate in programs that monitor local rivers, lakes, and other water sources. 
• Dispose of medications properly (not down the sink or toilet)

Learn more here

Happy 4th of July from your MUD Board! As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we want to remind our community to enjoy the festivities responsibly. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe this independence day:

• Boating / Swimming Safety:
  • Always wear a life jacket when swimming in a lake or pond, regardless of skill level or comfort. 
  • Always supervise children when they are near or in the water. 
  • Ensure everyone knows how to swim and never swim alone. 
  • Be aware of local water conditions and follow posted safety guidelines.
  • Never drink before or while driving a boat or any other recreational vehicles (golf carts, jet ski, e-scooter, etc.). 
  • Keep a first aid kit nearby the pool or on the boat. 
• BBQ Safety:
  • Keep grills at least 10 feet away from your house and any flammable materials. 
  • Never leave the grill unattended while in use. 
  • Use long-handled tools to avoid burns 
  • Keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby.
• Fireworks Safety:
  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks
  • Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby to extinguish any potential fires. 
  • Light fireworks one at a time and maintain a safe distance.
  • Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
  • Instead of sparklers for your children, consider these alternatives:
    • Glow sticks, confetti cannon or poppers, colorful streamers, silly string
  • Look up firework restrictions / burn bans in your area before planning on any fireworks 
  • For a list of common firework violations, check here.
• Drinking Safety:
  • If you plan to drink alcohol, do so responsibly. 
  • Never operate fireworks or a grill while under the influence of alcohol.
  • Plan ahead: Arrange for a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service if you need to travel and have been drinking. Remember, drinking while driving is not only illegal, but is extremely dangerous for both yourself and others. 

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Independence Day!

Did you know that in the summer, outdoor water use can account for 50 to 80 percent of a household’s water usage? During the drought seasons it’s crucial that homeowners take extra precautions to conserve water and save money on their utilities.

Here are some ways to limit your outdoor water usage this summer:

• Plant water-efficient, well-adapted, and/or native shrubs, trees, and grasses. Choose plants that are drought and heat tolerant and can survive the minimum winter temperatures in your area.
  • For a list of drought-resistant plants, please visit this blog post: 
• Avoid overwatering your lawn by only watering when needed
  • Install rain shut-off devices and adjust sprinklers to eliminate coverage on pavement. For plants that need more water, use a hose or watering can to give them additional water.
  • Water lawns early in the morning. Never water on windy days. 
  • Use drip irrigation systems for bedded plants, trees, or shrubs and use low-angle sprinklers for lawns. Cover pools and spas. This can save the equivalent of your pool volume each year!
  • For more information on watering your lawn during the summer, please refer to this handout provided by the Texas Water Development Board: A Watering Guide for Texas Landscapes 

Buy a rain barrel or a cistern and collect the water from your gutters to water your plants.

• Use a broom to clean patios and sidewalks instead of a hose. 
• Don’t cut grass more than one-third of its length at one time because taller grass holds moisture better.
  • For more information on cutting your lawn during the summer, please refer to this handout provided by the Texas Water Development Board: A Watering Guide for Texas Landscapes 
• Don’t scalp lawns when mowing during hot weather. Leave lawn clippings on the lawn instead of bagging.
• Use lots of mulch around your shrubs and trees. It will retain moisture, reduce run-off, moderate soil temperatures, and help with weed control.

Provided by the Texas Water Development Board.

Tips for protecting yourself and your property throughout this year’s hurricane season. 

Every year on April 22nd, people come together to celebrate Earth Day and remember the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable living.

Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder that we have a shared responsibility to preserve our planet, and even small actions can make a big difference in protecting our planet. Here are some simple yet impactful household conservation tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine:

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
   • Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bags with you to reduce single-use plastic waste.
   • Repurpose glass jars for storing leftovers or organizing small items instead of buying new containers.
   • Recycle cardboard boxes, newspapers, and magazines through your local recycling program.
2. Conserve Water:
   • Install a low-flow aerator on faucets to reduce water usage without sacrificing water pressure.
   • Fix leaky faucets promptly to prevent water waste.
   • Consider installing a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering outdoor plants and gardens.
3. Save Energy:
   • Use power strips to easily turn off multiple electronics when they’re not in use, preventing standby power consumption.
   • Replace old, inefficient appliances with Energy Star-certified models to save on energy bills.
   • Seal drafts around windows and doors with weather stripping or caulking to improve insulation and reduce heating and cooling costs.
4. Go Paperless:
   • Sign up for electronic statements and bills from your bank, utility companies, and other service providers.
   • Use digital note-taking apps or cloud storage for memos and documents instead of printing them out.
   • Cancel unnecessary magazine subscriptions and read digital versions instead.
5. Choose Sustainable Products:
   • Look for cleaning products with eco-friendly certifications like the EPA’s Safer Choice label or Green Seal certification.
   • Purchase personal care items like shampoo and soap bars packaged in recyclable or compostable materials.
6. Practice Mindful Consumption:
   • Repair items when possible instead of replacing them, such as fixing a broken zipper on clothing or mending a torn seam.
   • Borrow or rent items that you only need occasionally, like tools or specialty kitchen appliances.
7. Get Involved:
   • Volunteer for local clean-up efforts in parks, beaches, or waterways organized by environmental groups or community organizations.
   • Advocate for policies that promote renewable energy, waste reduction, and conservation at the local and national levels by contacting elected officials or joining advocacy campaigns.
   • Educate others about the importance of environmental stewardship and share tips for living more sustainably with friends, family, and neighbors.

This Earth Day, let’s commit to making a difference in our own homes and communities. By adopting these simple conservation tips and embracing a more sustainable lifestyle, we can all play a part in preserving the beauty and diversity of our planet for generations to come.