News

Beryl Expected to Make Landfall Within 24 Hours

The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) continues monitoring Beryl. The National Hurricane Center anticipates Beryl will make landfall as a hurricane near Matagorda Bay early Monday morning.

The National Weather Service currently has Harris County under a Tropical Storm Warning which would bring sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph in the next 36 hours. There is also a Flood Watch in effect for Harris County through Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service forecast rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches with localized higher amounts expected beginning late today, July 7th.

Avoid traveling during severe weather!

• Rain can reduce visibility. If you go out, use caution, turn on headlights, and reduce your speed to avoid hydroplaning.
• Do not drive through flooded areas. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown
• If you see water covering the road, do not attempt to cross it. Only a few inches of water can float a vehicle.
• Some roads may be impassible due to debris.
• Do not drive around barricades.
• If you find yourself in a dangerous situation where your vehicle is taking on water, get out of the vehicle, get to a higher position, and call 911.

Harris County MUD 217 will be performing minor maintenance on the walking trail at Heritage Park tomorrow, July 2nd.
Some sections may be temporarily closed off while this project is underway.
Work is expected to be completed by the end of the day on Wednesday, July 3rd.
The Board of Harris County MUD 217 appreciates your patience during this ongoing maintenance.

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.