Author: FBMUD 47

The Fort Bend County MUD 47 public water system, (PWS) ID TX0790220 will temporarily convert the disinfectant used in the distribution system from chloramine to free chlorine. The conversion will begin on October 14, 2024 and continue through November 22, 2024. During this period, you may experience taste and odor changes associated with this type of temporary disinfectant conversion.

Public water systems are required to properly disinfect their water and maintain an adequate disinfectant residual in the distribution system. Chloramine, free chlorine combined with ammonia, is widely used as a disinfectant because it persists for long periods while also limiting the formation of disinfection by-product contaminants. Prolonged use of chloramine coupled with other factors that can affect water quality, such as high temperatures or stagnation of water, may result in the growth and/or persistence of organic matter within the pipes of the distribution system, which may hinder the ability to maintain an adequate disinfectant residual. A temporary conversion to free chlorine, partnered with flushing activities, helps to rid distribution pipes of this organic matter and improve the quality of your water overall.

The City of Missouri City, who operates the Mustang Bayou water system for the Fort Bend County MUD 47, has chosen to implement a temporary disinfectant conversion to free chlorine based on the following:With one of two water wells scheduled to be out of service for improvements and to maintain an adequate water supply, your water system will be temporarily interconnected with a neighboring water system which uses free chlorine disinfection. We are required to convert to free chlorine disinfection during the period we use water from our neighboring system until the well improvements are completed and the well is placed back in service.

Please share this information with all people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (i.e., people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

If you have questions regarding this matter, you may contact: Fort Bend County MUD 47’s Operator – Municipal District Services at (281) 290-6500.

Article by Lauren Svatek

Lift Station #1 was thoroughly inspected in August 2022 by FBMUD47’s engineers and recommendations were submitted for improvements on the site. Due to the age of the infrastructure, the scope of the project was to include both major and minor repairs/improvements.

The US Environmental Protection Agency describes Lift Stations as “Wastewater lift stations are facilities designed to move wastewater from lower to higher elevation through pipes. Key elements of lift stations include a wastewater receiving well (wet-well), often equipped with a screen or grinding to remove coarse materials; pumps and piping with associated valves; motors; a power supply system; an equipment control and alarm system; and an odor control system and ventilation system”. For more in-depth information, visit:

https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/sewers-lift_station.pdf

Specifically, LS#1 required recoating of the wet well which was deteriorating due to age and was a significant and crucial part of the project. The range of the project included more operational improvements listed below.

As with any project of this magnitude, unexpected incidents occurred during the project. Residents in the surrounding area complained about noise, especially in the evening and night. This was found to be caused by the bypass pump which was installed to pump the wet well while it was prepped for coating and coated. Several measures were taken to muffle as much of the noise as possible. There was also a minor discharge of debris caused by temporary failure of the bypass pump. The contractor corrected the issue and cleaned the site.

This was a crucial and essential project to maintain important wastewater infrastructure. This was a joint project between the District and FB MUD 48 as LS #1 serves both MUDs. Projects such as these can be inconvenient but are vital elements in maintaining the system.

The project officially started on January 24, 2024 and was anticipated to be complete by August 21, 2024. The project was completed ahead of schedule on July 24.