Water

Cumberland Channel Desilt Project

Article and Photos by
Lauren Svatek & Emily Stuckey-Treichel

There is a system of four large, constructed channels within Fort Bend MUD 47, which the district manages and maintains to ensure that each channel collects and transports storm water effectively to allow the direct rainwater runoff to flow unhindered to a larger waterway.  Its purpose is to prevent flooding and manage water levels. Monthly maintenance to the channels such as mowing, seeding, trash removal and other actions keep the channels working efficiently in their purpose. Inspections are performed annually or biannually to examine slope integrity, erosion, sediment accumulation and other aspects vital to a healthy channel.

Over time, changes happen to the channels that require more significant measures to bring them up to optimum performance. At this time, the Cumberland Channel (located off the asphalt trail and running to Aldridge Drive) is the focus of this type of project. Over several years, construction runoff and materials, sediment, gravel, sand, trash, traffic cones, Christmas trees and other materials have accumulated and impacted the channel.  By removing the excess sediment in the channel, desilting will extend the life span of the drainage infrastructure, improve water quality by removing pollutants carried in the sediment, and improve overall performance of the drainage system during heavy rainfall events.  It is a costly and time-consuming project, but absolutely necessary. Remember Hurricane Harvey?

Preliminary work began on February 24, 2025 which included the use of a tracked marsh master mower to cut down overgrown vegetation in the channel bottom. Once vegetation is cleared, a long-stick excavator will be mobilized to desilt areas of the Cumberland Channel. This excavator will move any silt away from the center of the channel to fill low areas to promote positive drainage for access. Some soil will be stockpiled on the top of the bank to dry. This dried soil will be repurposed to regrade low spots on the top of the slopes.

A skid steer/dozer will regrade low and disturbed spots on the top of the slopes and prepare the ground for overseeding. The final focus will be to reestablish the turf and restore vegetation on the slopes. This will protect the slopes during future weather events and enhance the overall appearance of the channel along the trail. 

This project is estimated to take about 2-4 weeks to complete and weather can impede its progress. 

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 March 4, 2025 and continue through May 1, 2025. 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:

This temporary conversion is part of planned upgrades to water infrastructure to provide more resilient services in the Mustang Bayou area. 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.

Prepare for the Freeze

Protect Your Pipes

Freezing conditions are set to arrive early next week with low temperatures in the 20s expected. Be sure to protect your pipes!

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem – Water expands as it freezes and pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like attics, garages or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

How To Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing
  • Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer’s or installer’s directions.
  • Remove, drain, and carefully store all hoses that are used outdoors.
  • Both hot and cold-water pipes in unheated areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just as easily as a cold-water supply.
  • Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a “pipe sleeve” or installing UL-listed “heat tape”, “heat cable” or similar materials on exposed or susceptible to freezing water pipes.
  • When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold and hot water drip from the faucet served by pipes that are susceptible to freezing. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through them is above freezing.

If you suspect that the plumbing may be frozen at the point where the pipe goes under the house or in the attic, it is safest to call a plumber as it may be cracked and burst when thawed.

In the event of an emergency, please contact our operator, Municipal District Services, at 281-290-6500. Water running in the street or buckled pavement are signs of a water main break and should be reported immediately.