Author: HMUD

A winter weather system is forecasted to impact our area starting Saturday, potentially lasting through early next week. The H20 Innovation team has proactively prepared to ensure service reliability and support for you.

Preparations:

• System Readiness: All exposed sensors and piping have been winterized.
• Backup Power: Generators have been exercised and fuel levels confirmed.
• Staff On Call: Field staff is prepared to respond to any issues.
• Customer Support: Customer Care team can work remotely to assist you, especially with payments if travel is difficult.

How You Can Prepare:

H20 Innovation has issued robocalls with tips to help you prevent frozen pipes at home. Key reminders include:

• Letting faucets drip during extreme cold.
• Insulating exposed pipes.
• Knowing the location of your main water shut-off valve.

Stay Informed:

For the latest updates, please check the H20 Innovation website.

Stay warm and safe.

Directional flushing is a routine process that helps remove sediment and maintain water quality in the distribution system. It is a planned, organized, sequential technique. It involves closing valves to direct flow to the flushing hydrant. Directional flushing is recommended once a year.

What to expect:

• Discolored water: The flushing process can dislodge sediment and rust from the pipes, causing temporary discoloration.
• Reduced water pressure: The water pressure in your home might be lower during the flushing operation.

These effects are temporary and should clear up quickly after the flushing is complete.

What to do:

• Run cold water taps: To clear the pipes of any discolored water, run cold water taps for a few minutes after the flushing is complete.
• Contact your water supplier: If the discoloration persists for several hours, contact H2O Innovation, 281-353-9809.

Safety:

• Water is safe to use: Even though the water may appear discolored, it is still safe to drink and use.
• Avoid washing clothes: It’s recommended to avoid washing clothes, especially white, until the water clears up.

H2O Innovation staff will be mobilized and standing by to deal with water main breaks and water plant issues. If you experience a pipe freeze on your side of your water meter outside your home, H20 can only turn your water off at the meter. If you have a pipe broken inside your home, you can isolate your private cut off usually located on the side of your home below your water spigot. Or inside the garage. It’s a good idea to have the names of a couple of plumbers should you need them. As H2O does not repair homeowner private water lines.

Freeze Preparation Tips

• Wrap outdoor and garage pipes.
• Remove water hoses and wrap water spigot.
• Drain and turn off sprinklers system.
• Turn off water to your washer if in garage.
• If you leave your house before a freeze, turn off the water at your private cut off valve and leave your heat on.

Protect your pipes when it freezes!

• Open cabinets under sinks to let your house’s heat warm the pipes.
• If your pipes freeze, turn off the water at your private cut off valve. This prevents broken pipes from leaking into house after they thaw.
• Let faucets drip from the cold and hot taps or run water through your indoor faucets before you go to sleep.

***Check your Insurance coverage. Flood insurance does not pay for damaged caused by freeze.