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Temporary Free-Chlorine Conversion

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.

Behind Beryl & Beyond

Article & Photos by Lauren Svatek

Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda early July 8th with heavy rainfall, extensive flooding, sustained winds of 80 mph which caused widespread power outages across Southeast Texas. Thousands of trees were downed and many fell across power lines causing major power losses (2.7 million+). Since Beryl made landfall, the devastation, debris, and destruction are still very visible around this part of Texas including our own neighborhood.

Residents of Southeast Texas are no strangers to hurricanes and Tropical Storms: Tropical Storm Allison in 1989 (severe flooding along upper Texas coast), Tropical Storm Allison in 2001 (stalled over eastern Texas, dropped extreme amounts of rain and caused catastrophic flooding) [Allison was the first storm not reaching hurricane strength to have its name retired], Hurricane Claudette in 2003 (significant wind damage), Hurricane Rita in 2005 (largest evacuation in US history), Hurricane Ike in 2008 (one of most destructive hurricanes ever to hit Texas), and Hurricane Harvey in 2017 (unprecedented rainfall and flooding). Out of 81 hurricanes (1980-present) that hit Texas, these are the hurricanes and tropical storms our area perhaps remembers the most. Beryl was an early season hurricane and while we know hurricane season begins June 1st, preparation might not have been a priority this early.  Though the Sahara Desert dust that gusts in giant plumes across the Atlantic can be hazardous to people’s health, it tends to suppress hurricane formation, but it can result in heavier rainfall for storms that make landfall.

While clean up continues of the remnants of Hurricane Beryl, being prepared for a predicted busy hurricane season is essential, particularly since so many Texans were without electricity for a week or more. Add a plan to go somewhere with power to stay cool or ways to protect yourself and family in a power outage with food sources, clean water, etc.

Preparation for a prolonged power outage can make a difference in the waiting period for power to be restored.

  • Keep cell phone charged
  • Write down phone numbers, addresses, shelters, etc. so when you lose your phone charge you can refer to them. There are places you can go to recharge electronics and contact family and friends.
  • Put phone in a power-saving mode.
  • If it is safe, you can charge your phone in your car.
  • Take a power strip if you do leave your home. A library or a shelter with power enables you to charge multiple devices at once.
  • Cook on gas stove if you have one. Have matches or lighters on hand to light.
  • Cook any perishables within a 4-hour window. The refrigerator can keep food safe for about 6 hours. A full freezer should stay cold for about 48 hours; a half full freezer stays cold for about 24 hours.
  • If there is flooding in your home, dispose of all food in contact with floodwaters.
  • Safely use a generator if you have one. Never run a generator in your house or garage.
  • Unplug appliances. A power surge occurs when electricity is restored and may damage appliances.
  • Check on neighbors.
  • If you can safely drive on roads, take a go-bag and medical go-bag and any supplies you may need including for your pets. Try to let people know you are leaving and where you plan to go.

Please check hurricane and flood survival guides online. These sources offer great information, useful suggestions, and much more. Here are a few local stations providing information:

  • click2houston.com—KPRC 2’s 2024 Hurricane & Flood Survival Guide
  • abc13.com—ABC 13 Hurricane Tracking Guide
  • KHOU.com—KHOU*11 Hurricane Season 2024: Interactive storm tracker; supply lists, evacuation info and more

Visit fbmud47.org on our home page under News Archives/Hurricane Info for more information.