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So far Fairfield MUDs has created 21 blog entries.

Winterize Your Home

With freezing temperatures right around the corner, it’s a good time to refresh ourselves on precautionary measures for drops in temperature and cold weather.

The Four P’s to Prepare your Home this Winter:

  • People
  • Pets
  • Pipes
  • Plants

People

  • Avoid going outside if it is not necessary. If you do, make sure you layer up from head to toe.
  • To keep you and your family safe, it is imperative your home is warm.
  • Make sure your heat is set to an appropriate temperature to make your entire home comfortable. Remember, heat rises so if you sleep upstairs, your room may be warmer than rooms downstairs.
  • If you use a fireplace, make sure you have a screen to catch any embers that might escape or a rolling log.
  • Never use your stove or oven to heat your home.
  • If you smell smoke or see flames, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Pets

  • While protecting your family, it is imperative to protect your pets as well.
  • Pets, like humans, are vulnerable to cold temperatures. If not taken care of properly, they can succumb to frostbite and even hypothermia.
  • If you have a dog that typically lives outdoors, consider letting them inside when temperatures drop to freezing. While their fur does help to keep them warm, it provides little help in freezing temperatures.
  • If you absolutely cannot bring them inside, make sure they have a warm shelter, plenty of food and fresh water so it does not freeze.
  • If your pet looks like it has any symptoms resembling frostbite or hypothermia, call your vet.

Pipes

  • Turn off the sprinkler system shut-off valve. Most residential devices have two shut-off valves. These are typically covered in blue on the valve handles and located before and after the sprinkler system backflow device. A diagram is shown below.
  • Release the water pressure from the bleeder valves. The bleeder valves are usually located under the top of the backflow device. If the water does not stop flowing you may have not shut the valves off completely.
  • Leave the smaller bleeder valve open, this will let any remaining water in the line expand without breaking the device. Insulate your backflow device. Most hardware/home services stores carry backflow insulation supplies.
  • Make sure to cover all your exposed pipes with a cover. You can also cover your pipes with towels, duct tape or another adhesive strip as long as they are wrapped tightly.
  • You can also open up the cabinets to let warm air circulate throughout your home. Just make sure any harmful chemicals are out of reach for children and pets.

Plants

  • When cold weather hits, it’s a good idea to bring in all of your outdoor plants.
  • If you can’t bring in the plant, cover it with a blanket to make sure they do not die.

Other Tips

  • Don’t forget to make sure your car is okay for the freezing temperatures. Check your anti-freeze and your batteries. Also make sure to check your tire pressure and the tread.
  • Speaking of cars, make sure when you are on the road that you are mindful parts of the roads may be frozen, particularly bridges. Do not speed and never slam on the brakes.
  • Make sure if you use a generator, it is outdoors. Do not use a generator inside, including in your garage.
By |2024-01-15T08:40:46-06:00January 12th, 2024|Archive|

Leaks Can Run- But They Cannot Hide

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

Well, that all depends on your plumbing skills. Whether you choose to call in a professional or venture down the DIY path, below are a few steps everyone should take… just in case.

  1. Turn off the water line to the leaking location.
  2. Identify the primary source of the leak.
  3. Document any and all damage (date, time, photos, description, etc.).
  4. If necessary, call your insurance company.
  5. Call in the professionals or DIY to fix any damage caused by the leak.
  6. Look for any secondary impacts caused by the leak, such as mold or mildew.

It’s important that everyone learn the ins and outs of their plumbing system to avoid costly repairs or surprise damages. Not only does it help protect your home and family, but you also help reduce any wasteful impacts to our water sources.
Enjoy Fix a Leak Week! Best of luck to all you DIY’ers!

Article Sources

Detect and Chase Down Leaks With Watersense
EPA- Fix a Leak Week
Home is Being Destroyed- Act Now.
How To Find Water Leaks In Your Home’s Plumbing
Dangers and Causes of Hidden Water Leaks in the House

Want to Learn More?

EPA- At Home Activity
Home Water Works
YouTube ~ Just search “Plumbing”
WaterSense- Fix a Leak Week

Other Resources

wikiHow- Find a Water Leak in Your House
Fancy Pants Homes- Common Household Water Leaks to Watch Out For/
Water Use It Wisely- Fix a Leak Week/
White House Utility District- Fix a Leak Week/

For Kids

EPA- Student Fact Sheet
EPA- Leak Detective

By |2022-04-01T22:14:04-05:00March 1st, 2022|Archive|

Hurricane Preparedness 2021

Be ready for hurricane season. Today you can determine your personal hurricane risk, find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and review/update insurance policies. You can also make a list of items to replenish hurricane emergency supplies and start thinking about how you will prepare your home for the coming hurricane season. If you live in hurricane-prone areas, you are encouraged to complete these simple preparations before hurricane season begins on June 1.  Keep in mind, you may need to adjust any preparedness actions based on the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC and your local officials.


Find out today what types of wind and water hazards could happen where you live, and then start preparing how to handle them. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Their impacts can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur without it being a major hurricane.


The first thing you need to do is find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone.  If you do, now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles, but have multiple options. Your destination could be a friend or relative who doesn’t live in an evacuation zone.  If you live in a well-built home outside the evacuation zone, your safest place may be to remain home.  Be sure to account for your pets in your plan.  As hurricane season approaches, listen to local officials on questions related to how you may need to adjust any evacuation plans based on the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC and your local officials.


You’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy and unpleasant aftermath. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of three days. Electricity and water could be out for at least that long. You’ll need extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights. You may need a portable crank or solar-powered USB charger for your cell phones.

If you need to go to a public shelter, the CDC recommends bringing items that can help protect you and others from COVID-19, such as hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, bar or liquid soap, disinfectant wipes (if available) and two masks for each person. (Children under two years old and people having trouble breathing should not wear face coverings.)


Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home. Don’t forget coverage for your car or boat. Remember, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for it, and it’s available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program at floodsmart.gov. Act now as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.


If you plan to ride out the storm in your home, make sure it is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code specifications. Many retrofits are not as costly or time consuming as you may think. Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand the winds.


Many Americans rely on their neighbors after a disaster, but there are also many ways you can help your neighbors before a hurricane approaches. Learn about all the different actions you and your neighbors can take to prepare and recover from the hazards associated with hurricanes. Start the conversation now with these Neighbor Helping Neighbor strategies but remember you may need to adjust your preparedness plans based on the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC and your local officials.


The time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season begins, when you have the time and are not under pressure. If you wait until a hurricane is on your doorstep, the odds are that you will be under duress and will make the wrong decisions. Take the time now to write down your hurricane plan. Know who issues evacuation orders for your area, determine locations on where you will ride out the storm, and start to get your supplies now.  Being prepared before a hurricane threatens makes you resilient to the hurricane impacts of wind and water. It will mean the difference between being a hurricane victim or a hurricane survivor.

By |2021-11-30T08:00:01-06:00May 12th, 2021|Archive|

Trash Service- Weather Updates


Waste Management is committed to providing safe and effective trash and recycle collection throughout our service area.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility during this winter weather event. In addition, general updates are available at our website, www.wm.com, by following the link to, “Severe Weather Updates”.

By |2021-02-18T22:03:25-06:00February 14th, 2021|Archive|

Swenke Elementary School Garden Project

Harris County MUDs 396 and 397 contributed to the Swenke Elementary School Garden project. The Districts helped in:

  • Rotting wood replaced with stone to make it safer and last longer
  • Irrigation replacement & upgrades to help the plants thrive and conserve water
  • Removal of dead plants and weeds bordering the garden
  • Reduce drainage issues

Up next: Playground shades! Stay tuned.

By |2024-01-15T08:50:45-06:00May 16th, 2020|Archive|

Waste Management Update

At Waste Management, we are committed to putting people first. The health and safety of our employees, customers and communities is our highest priority.

  • Based on the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and federal, state and local agencies, Waste Management is taking necessary steps in response to social distancing recommendations, potential mitigation activity, and declared local states of emergency.
  • Effective March 18, 2020, we are temporarily closing residential call centers to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
  • We are rapidly coordinating the transition to home-officing operations at our call centers to serve our customers during this situation with the goal of resuming residential call handling as soon as possible.
  • At this time, there is no impact to your scheduled residential collection service.
  • During this temporary residential call center interruption, residents may continue to contact Waste Management thru www.wm.com.
  • For the most up-to-date service information, please encourage residents to visit wm.com/alerts.
  • The COVID-19 situation is evolving daily. As circumstances change that may impact our ability to provide services as scheduled, we will provide updates to our customers and communities.

We appreciate your partnership and patience as we navigate this fluid situation together.

By |2021-03-06T12:52:32-06:00March 18th, 2020|Archive|

No Water Boil Notice

Fairfield Municipal Utility District residents may have learned that there was a main line break that is affecting the City of Houston. A boil water notice has been suggested for residents of the City of Houston only.

This news post is to let Fairfield MUD residents know this suggested boil water notice and main line break will not affect the District. The District does not receive any service or water from the City of Houston, and the system is working as designed and without issue.

Again, the District will not be affected in any way by the situation in the City of Houston.

By |2020-03-23T05:45:43-05:00February 28th, 2020|Archive|

NHCRWA Fee Increase

The North Harris County Regional Water Authority (NHCRWA) fees are going up effective April 1, 2020. This fee is charged to all water well owners in their jurisdiction. This fee is passed on to the final consumer via a line item on the water bill. Currently the fee is $3.85 per 1000 gallons of water used. The new cost will be $4.25 per 1000 gallons. This will increase your bill significantly, depending on how much water you use. The MUD’s charges for the water will not increase, only the NHCRWA fee.

If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the Board of Directors. Remember that the Directors are residents of the District also, and have to pay the same fees.

Your water bill will increase with the April billing cycle.

By |2024-01-15T08:54:43-06:00January 30th, 2020|Archive|
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