2021

When Every Drop Counts

Have you hugged a Water Operator Today?

The modern plumbing system is considered one of the greatest innovations of the 19th century. In fact, plumbing dates back to the Greeks and Romans, but luckily has significantly evolved since the olden days.

It’s easy to take for granted how lucky we are to have access to fresh, clean water at the turn of a tap. It’s especially amazing considering that available fresh water only accounts for approximately 2% of all water resources.

It begs the questions, what would life be like without water? While the likelihood of this occurring is relatively low, there are many who struggle with water access in their daily lives. Therefore, we want to take a moment to appreciate all that water does for us.

The Value of Water

  • 40% of water in North America is used to produce food and beverages.
  • In your home
    • 17% ~ Showering
    • 27% ~ Toilet
    • 15% ~ Faucets
    • 22 % ~ Washer
    • 5% ~ Miscellaneous
    • 14% ~ Leaks!
  • Without fresh water, 1/5th of the US Economy would grind to a fast halt.
  • Every job created in the Water Sector helps to add another 3.68 jobs to our National Economy.
  • It takes approximately 12,500 gallons of water to make an ice rink (Hockey!).

Essential. Reliable. Invaluable. Water.

Did you know that the average North American uses 64,240 gallons of water a YEAR!

In reviewing this list, it is a stark reminder of how important it is to protect and preserve our greatest resource. Making those extra efforts ensure that clean, fresh water will be available for generations to come!

What is your Value of Water?

Article Sources

https://imagineadaywithoutwater.org

https://www.awwa.org/AWWA-Articles/imagine-a-day-without-water-a-valuable-reminder

http://thevalueofwater.org/the-facts/waters-value

Want to Learn More?

The Value of Water 

World Water Day 2021

US Water Alliance

Other Resources

http://beta.thevalueofwater.org/the-facts/waters-value

https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/7998807868742729230

http://uswateralliance.org/sites/uswateralliance.org/files/2021%20Value%20of%20Water%20Survey%20Analysis%20Slides.pdf

WaterSense

AWWA

NRWA

Water.org

DrinkTap.Org

The Value Of Water.org

For Kids

Water Day Lessons for Teachers

Luxury Apartment Project

The Board of Directors has been made aware of flyers circulating amongst District residents regarding the proposed annexation of a 12-acre tract. The District’s General Counsel has reached out and received the following response from the developer of the tract, Guefen Development Partners:

Guefen Development Partners specializes in development of Class A luxury apartments in the Central and Southeast US. Guefen Development is one of Houston’s most prominent real estate development and construction companies. With a focus in multi-family ownership, development, and construction, Guefen Development has extensive experience in both urban and suburban projects. Since 2005 Guefen has sponsored a wide variety of projects, garden, midrise and high rises, leading to over 8,000 Class A multi-family units and an excess of $1 billion of total investment. Guefen has never developed any tax credit or affordable apartment properties.

Guefen will be developing a 231 unit luxury, market-rate apartment project located on North Eldridge Blvd. The community, consisting of seven residential community buildings, expansive clubhouse and a resort-style saltwater pool, was designed by BSB Designs. The apartments range in size from 624 square feet to 1,242 square feet and feature high-end, luxury features and finishes such as 10’ ceiling heights, luxury vinyl plank flooring, granite counter-tops, kitchen tile backsplashes, undermount sinks, in-unit full-size washers and dryers, and stainless appliances. The project’s 6,100 square-foot clubhouse includes a gourmet kitchen, media room, indoor/outdoor fitness center and yoga/spin room.

Guefen will be targeting young professionals for this community that prefer to rent over home ownership. The monthly rents at the community will be $1,300-$1,500 for a one bedroom which would require at least an annual income of $46,800 to $54,000. The two bedroom monthly rents will start at $1,900 for which would require annual income of at least $68,400 to qualify. Guefen is not developing this as a tax credit project nor is it seeking any subsidies or participating in any low-income rental programs; as such, applicants will have to satisfy the foregoing income requirements without exception. In addition to income, Guefen will also require its property manager to perform criminal background checks and credit checks of all prospective tenants as part of their application process.

Hike & Bike Trail

Neighbors,

As residents of Faulkey Gully Municipal Utility District, the Board of Directors have a vested interest in the amenities of the District and surrounding area. As such, the Directors see value in finding ways to continue to add features to the area that bolster property values and better serve the residents.

A particular opportunity that has been identified is the continuation of the work started more than 30 years ago on the Faulkey Gully Hike and Bike Trail. In the 1990’s the District, along with Malcomson Road UD, Lake Forest UD, and Harris County MUD 18 worked to fund the existing 1.9 miles of trail that currently runs from Lakewood Forest Drive to Guernsey Road. The 1.9 miles was Phase I and II. Phase III was never started due to, at the time, insurmountable property issues. The entire project was to run an asphalt trail from Lakewood Forest Drive all the way to Spring Cypress Road. The property issues no longer exist so phase III can move forward.

The project was done in concert with Harris County Precinct 4 Parks Department. The agreement was that the parks department would build the trail and the municipal utility districts (MUD) involved would pay for the associated materials required to build the trail. The County will build, carry liability and the expense of maintenance of the trail when completed.

In an effort to complete what was started several years ago, the District has approached the County regarding completion of phase III of the Hike and Bike Trail. The county has agreed to continue with the initial agreement; The MUDs provide capital for engineering and construction materials while the County will build and maintain the trail.

North of Spring Cypress Road, 5 miles of trail is currently being constructed by NW Harris County MUD 5 along Faulkey Gully. To the south is Phase I & II of the Faulkey Gully Hike and Bike Trail (1.9 miles) which connects further south to Cypresswood Hike and Bike Trail (2.75 miles) . Phase III will add 2.06 miles to the current trail and connect the north and south sections. The County is also in the process of planning and constructing a trail that will cross Faulkey Gully at Jones Road to the north side of the gully and go behind the HP Campus, winding its way in the vicinity of Cypress Creek under the bridge at Texas Highway 249 to Kickerillo-Mischner Preserve and beyond, thus adding several miles of trail.

To provide residents of the District the opportunity to contribute to the funding of this amenity, the Directors authorize a Voluntary Beautification Fee on the monthly water bill in the amount of $5 per month; residents will be able to opt out. The voluntary fee will serve to alleviate budgeting issues, as two of the four MUD’s that contributed to the first two phases have decided not to participate in the completion of phase III. Upon receipt of the required funds needed to complete the final phase of the trail, the voluntary fee will be removed entirely.

We hope you, as residents, see the value in completing this community project just as we do. Should you have any questions about the Hike and Bike trail or would like more information requiring the scope of work, please email Director Szyman at FGMUDP3@comcast.net.

Director Szyman will conduct an information briefing at the Lakewood Glen clubhouse (13310 Louetta Rd. Cypress, TX 77429) on Saturday, November 20th, 2021, from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

How to Identify Operator Personnel

Due to recent news reports of persons imitating utility personnel to enter homes, Municipal Operations and Consulting, Inc. would like to educate their customers on what to expect if they do visit your home.

Please follow the link for details regarding:

  • What field staff will look like
  • A general vehicle description
  • The fact that they will not ask to enter the home

https://municipalops.com/safety

2021 Hurricane Season

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the peak season happening between mid-August to late October. On average there are six hurricanes, three which are categorized as “major,” each year.

Hurricane Categories

Category 1: 74 – 95 MPH Winds

Some Damage:

  • Potential roof damage
  • Large tree branches may snap, shallow-rooted trees may fall
  • Damage to utility poles and power lines. Outages may last few to several days
Category 2: 96 – 110 MPH Winds

Extensive Damage:

  • Potential major roof damage
  • Shallow-rooted trees will be snapped or unrooted
  • Power outages for several days to weeks
Category 3: 111 – 129 MPH Winds

Devastating Damage:

  • Major home damage
  • Many trees will be snapped or unrooted
  • Electricity and water may be unavailable for several days to weeks
Category 4: 130 – 156 MPH Winds

Catastrophic Damage:

  • Severe home damage
  • Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and utility poles downed
  • Power outages for weeks to possibly months
Category 5: > 156 MPH Winds

Catastrophic Damage:

  • A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed
  • Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas
  • Power outages for weeks to possibly months

Water

  • Store one gallon of water per person per day.
  • Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).*

Safety Checklist

  • Create a disaster prep kit for each member of your family to ensure their safety and comfort during a power outage. A basic kit should include bottled water, non-perishable food and battery-powered flashlights.
  • Keep a first-aid kit ready and have 2 week supply of all prescription medications.

Convenience Checklist

  • Stock up on batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
  • Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member.
  • Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.

Have pets?

  • Have your pets’ vaccinations records and be certain they’re wearing their collars with rabies tags and ID/phone number. Keep microchip registrations current.
  • Keep extra food available for your pet.
  • If you plan to evacuate, know where you can take your pets. Never leave them behind.