MUD 18 Newsletter

April – June 2022

Tips to Prevent a Leaking Water Heater Disaster

Fortunately, most water heater problems can be avoided with proper maintenance. If you follow these steps once or twice a year your water heater should last a long time, work efficiently, and avoid a leaking disaster.

1. Check Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve

Test the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) once a year to make sure it’s working properly. Use caution: The water in the tank is hot and can cause scalding burns. When you pull up or push down on the valve handle, hot water should come out of the overflow pipe. If it does not, it may need replacing. You can do this yourself but a better option is to call a professional plumber.

2. Drain Water

Periodically, about every 12-16 months, drain a bucket of water from the drain faucet at the bottom of the water tank to remove sediment. The sediment can corrode the unit and reduce heating efficiency.

You can drain your tank by attaching a garden hose to your drain valve, which can be found at the bottom of your water heater’s tank. Open your hot water tap closest to your water heater but a floor above (if possible). Then open the drain valve (use a bucket). Again, take care not to get burned by the hot water.

3. Check Water Lines

Check all of the water lines, fittings and valves connected to your water heater. Look for signs of leaking water. Using a flashlight, check under the tank for small leaks that could be caused by rust or corrosion.

4. Use a Drain Pan

Use a specially designed drain pan (also called a drip pan) under the water heater. They come in all sizes and are circular or square. You can find a decent drain pan for $15-30 at your local hardware or building supply store. Make sure it has a drain at the bottom, and periodically check to make sure it is not clogged.

5. Check the Sacrificial Anode

Water is known for causing rust, corrosion and general harm to metals. So have you ever wondered what prevents water from damaging the metal of your water heater tank? This protection is often provided by a sacrificial anode rod installed in your unit.

What Is a Sacrificial Anode Rod?

As the name suggests, a sacrificial anode rod is a long metal rod that hangs down from the top, inside the water heater. It “sacrifices” itself by attracting the corrosion and mineral buildup that otherwise would decay the hot water tank. As the water eats away at your sacrificial anode rod, it leaves the metal of your water heater tank untouched. Check this rod every couple of years. When heavily corroded (as in the bottom rod in the picture), replace it.

What causes some sacrificial rods to corrode faster than others? Water quality is the primary source of this difference. Hard water will lead to enhanced mineral buildup. On the other hand, water softened by the use of a sodium water softener will corrode the anode rod even faster due to the trace amounts of sodium in the water. If you have a softener you might consider replacing the anode rod every 2-3 years to prevent premature tank failure.

There is another type of anode rod that is available and that is a powered anode rod. Whenever your water heater tank is subjected to corrosive conditions, the magnetic anode rod releases electrons to the interior part of the water heater tank to protect it from corrosion. The powered anode rod combines well with the electrical current to offer an added protection from corrosion and rust. Besides, it increases the lifespan of the water heater tank. Some powered anode rods come with a twenty year warranty and are made of titanium. You will still have to do some maintenance but not as much. Remember they do have to plugged in to a power outlet.

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

Tankless hot water heaters provide energy efficiency and hot water on demand. They are compact in size, and quickly becoming a popular choice for both residences and businesses. Like anything else, however, proper maintenance is required. An annual checkup is recommended ensure the components are working properly.

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Procedure

• Flush and descale of the heat exchanger
• Clean fan and burner assembly
• Clean the air inlet thermistor and filter
• Inspect and clean the igniter and flame sensor
• Clean the entering water filter
• Carefully inspect the vent for proper slope and check for any blockages
• Check gas pressure
• Test fire unit
• Check flow rate
• Check operating temperature

You can perform this maintenance yourself or have a professional do it for you. The largest expense for a DYI project would be the submersible pump and the clothes washer hoses for the vinegar flushing of the tank.

Your MUD Board:
Susan McFarland, President
Lou Tichacek, Vice President
Gary Montgomery, Treasurer
Rex Cambern, Secretary
John Crystal, Assistant Secretary

MUD 18 Newsletter

January – March 2022

Holiday Trash Service

Waste Management will follow the normal pick up schedule as Christmas and New Year’s fall on a Saturday this year.

Sign up for Alert Notifications

On the MUD 18 website home page on the right side is a link to sign up for emergency alerts.  You can sign up for email alerts, text alerts or both.  We urge all customers to sign up.  This newsletter will be sent out via the POA E-blast, the MUD 18 E-blast and as an attachment to the monthly water bill. If you do not receive this newsletter via the MUD 18 email you will know you are not registered.  We want to make sure all our customers can be notified in case of emergency, so please sign up. Also, please bookmark our website (http://www.mcmud18.com) as most questions about water, sewer and trash pickup are answered there. Your address will not be shared with anyone else. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Winter storms: Tips for Preparing Your House and Pipes

Since each home is different use these tips as a guide and do what is best for your home.

1. Know your insurance coverages

• • Burst pipes: Ask your agent if your home or renter’s policy covers sudden and accidental water damage. This coverage pays for damage from burst pipes. Flood insurance doesn’t pay for damage caused by burst pipes.
  • Home and renter’s policies might not pay for damages caused by frozen pipes if you didn’t take steps to protect your pipes, such as keeping the heater on in your house.
  • Food spoilage: If the food in your refrigerator spoils because of a power failure caused by something your policy covers, your policy should pay up to $500 to replace your food. And often there’s no deductible. Take pictures and keep a list of spoiled food.

2. Prepare days before a freeze
   • Wrap outdoor pipes as well as indoor pipes in unheated areas (like a clothes washer in your garage).
   • Drain indoor house fire sprinklers.
   • Remove water hoses and wrap outdoor pipes.
   • Drain and turn off your lawn sprinkler system.
   • Turn off the water to your clothes washer if it’s in an unheated garage.
   • Store your lawn equipment in a garage or shed to keep them in good condition for next year. Drain the gas.
   • If you leave your house before a freeze, turn off the water at the shutoff valve and leave your heat on.
   • Wrap tender plants but be sure to unwrap them promptly once the freeze is over.

3. During the freeze
   • Protect your pipes when it freezes:
     1. Let faucets drip from the cold and hot taps.
     2. Open cabinets under sinks to let your house’s heat warm the pipes.
     3. If your pipes freeze, turn off the water at the shutoff valve. This prevents broken pipes from leaking into your house after they thaw.

 

 

General Property Watering Guidelines

Proper watering is critical to your lawn’s health and vigor. Deep and infrequent watering is the best practice. This means wetting the soil to a depth of 3‐5 inches per irrigation. This equates to 1 – 1.25 inches of water per week, split over several days.  Your run times should be adjusted based on how dry your yard is. Winter watering should have run times 50% less than your summer run schedule.

Watering is most beneficial to your grass when done in the morning (5 a.m. to 10 a.m.) rather than afternoon or evening.  Avoid overnight watering. Early morning watering allows the leaf blades to dry and reduces the risk of disease.  Do not water every day or two. Frequent, short watering encourages shallow roots, unhealthy grass plants, and turf susceptible to drought and disease.

Let the turf determine watering frequency. Since heat, humidity and rainfall vary, it’s best to water at the first signs of stress, not on a predetermined schedule.  As a note, St. Augustine turf has poor drought tolerance and requires irrigation to survive during our long hot summers.

Water newer flowers 3 to 4 times per week for no more than 5 minutes.

Keep the ground around new trees and shrubs moist initially using a soaker hose or drip but gradually back off after two weeks.

Recommended Lawn Watering Schedule

Here are some general lawn watering guidelines and tips:

Irrigation Spray Head Averages

Pop-up spray heads: 10 to 12 minutes 3 times per week = 1”

Rotary spray heads: 16 to 23 minutes 3 times per week = 1”

Seasonal Watering Recommendations

January & February – Rainfall is usually adequate.

Water if no rainfall for four weeks.

March, April & May

Water only once per week in the spring if less than one inch of rainfall occurs.

June, July, August & Early September

Water each section heavily at least twice a week if less than one inch of rainfall.

Late September & October — REDUCE WATERING FREQUENCY!

Early fall is Brown Patch Season and excess water triggers this disease. During September water only once per week if no rainfall and every two weeks in October if no rain.

November & December

Rainfall is usually adequate. Water if no rainfall for four weeks

Suggested Irrigation System Settings

Some irrigation timers have a seasonal adjustment setting that enables you to reduce or increase watering without changing zone settings.  Suggested settings for our area:

 

November, December, January and February = 0%

March              50%

April                 70%

May                 80%

June                90%

July August   100%

September     70%

October           50%

MUD Meetings Open to the Public

Our regularly scheduled monthly meetings are the third Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Country Club Cypress Room. Meetings are open to the public. The agenda is posted on our web site and the message board in the breezeway entrance to the Country Club Grill near the Golf Pro-shop. Minutes from meetings are published on the MUD 18 web site.

Your MUD Board:

Susan McFarland, President
Lou Tichacek, Vice President
Gary Montgomery, Treasurer
Rex Cambern, Secretary
John Crystal, Assistant Secretary

Board of Directors

The MUD 18 Board of Directors consists of five members elected by registered voters in the District for staggered four-year terms. Nancy Busen retired from the MUD 18 Board effective May 30, and John Crystal was named to serve the remainder of her term, which expires May 2024. Other Board members are Gary Montgomery, Susan McFarland, Rex Cambern and Louis Tichacek.

Tax Rate for 2021

The District assesses ad valorem taxes on all taxable property within the District in order to pay its debt obligations and continue to operate and maintain the District’s water and sewer systems. The Board of Directors is committed to levying only the taxes needed to meet these obligations and has lowered the District’s tax rate over the last 10 years. At the September 21, 2021 meeting, the Board continued its commitment and voted to lower the tax rate for 2021 to $0.29 per $100 of valuation from $0.32 per $100 of valuation. That’s a savings of $0.03 per $100 of valuation.

Also at the September meeting the Board voted to pay off $623,535 of callable bonds prior to their expiration date, which will save the MUD district $25,481 in future interest payments.

Suggested Watering Guidelines for Your Property

Proper watering is critical to your lawn’s health and vigor. Deep and infrequent watering is the best practice. This means wetting the soil to a depth of 3 to 5 inches per irrigation. This equates to 1 to 1.25 inches of water per week, split over several days. Your run times should be adjusted based on how dry your yard is. Winter watering should have run times 50% less than your summer run schedule.

Watering is most beneficial to your grass when done in the morning (5 a.m. to 10 a.m.) rather than afternoon or evening. Avoid overnight watering. Early morning watering allows the leaf blades to dry and reduces the risk of disease. Do not water every day or two. Frequent, short watering encourages shallow roots, unhealthy grass plants, and turf susceptible to drought and disease.

Let the turf determine watering frequency. Since heat, humidity and rainfall vary, it’s best to water at the first signs of stress, not on a predetermined schedule. As a note, St. Augustine turf has poor drought tolerance and requires irrigation to survive during our long hot summers.

Water newer plants 3 to 4 times per week for no more than 5 minutes.
Keep the ground around new trees and shrubs moist initially using a soaker hose or drip but gradually back off after two weeks.

Recommended Lawn Watering Schedule

Here are some general lawn-watering guidelines and tips:

Irrigation Spray Head Averages

Pop-up spray head: 10 to 12 minutes, 3 times per week = 1”
Rotary spray heads: 16 to 23 minutes, 3 times per week = 1”

Seasonal Watering Recommendations

• January & February – Rainfall is usually adequate.
  Water if no rainfall for four weeks.
• March, April & May
  Water only once per week in the spring if less than one inch of rainfall occurs.
• June, July, August & Early September
  Water each section heavily at least twice a week if less than one inch rainfall.
• Late September & October — REDUCE WATER FREQUENCY!
  Early fall is Brown Patch Season, and excess water triggers this disease. During September water only once per week if no rainfall and every two weeks in October if no rain.
• November & December
  Rainfall is usually adequate. Water if no rainfall for four weeks

Suggested Irrigation System Settings

Some irrigation timers have a seasonal adjustment setting that enables you to reduce or increase watering without changing zone settings. Suggested settings for our area:

• November, December, January and February- 0%
• March- 50%
• April- 70%
• May- 80%
• June- 90%
• July/August- 100%
• September- 70%
• October- 50%

Reminders

Encroachments and Easements — If you are new to Bentwater and/or are thinking of changing the structure of your house or yard on any Bentwater property, please review the Bentwater Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions on the POA website. Sections 2.02-2.05 deal with easements. Residents may petition the MUD 18 board for Consents to Encroachment of water, sewer and utility easements.

Reporting a Problem — Do not assume the problem has already been identified or reported. If you observe a water leak, sewer odor, discolored water, open manhole, alarms are sounding, or other problems, please help us by calling Hays Utility Service at 936-588-1166. Hays has someone in Bentwater every day, seven days a week. They can and will respond 24 hours a day. Their general office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sign-up for E-Blasts — If you are not receiving our E-Blasts, you are missing out on timely information. Go to our website at http://www.mcmud18.com and give us your email address. Your address will not be shared with anyone else. You can unsubscribe at any time.

MUD Meetings Open to the Public

Our regularly scheduled monthly meetings are the third Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Country Club Cypress Room. Meetings are open to the public. The agenda is posted on our web site and the message board in the breezeway entrance to the Country Club Grill near the Golf Pro-shop. Minutes from meetings are published on the MUD 18 web site.

Your MUD Board:
Susan McFarland, President
Lou Tichacek, Vice President
Gary Montgomery, Treasurer
Rex Cambern, Secretary
John Crystal, Assistant Secretary

MUD 18 Newsletter
June – August 2021

Board of Directors: The MUD 18 Board of Directors consists of 5 members elected by registered voters in the District for staggered four-year terms. Nancy Busen is retiring from the MUD 18 Board effective May 30 and a new board member will be named to fulfill the remaining term.

Water, Sewer, Trash & Recycling: Many Bentwater residents had damage to their homes and freeze damage to plants and trees caused by the winter storm and extended cold temperatures in February. As a result, Spring clean-up is more extensive this year. All yard debris including plants, trees, and shrubs should be cut up, tied, and bundled for Waste Management pick-up. If possible, place yard debris in large trash bags. Make sure that the recycle bin is placed free from bags or other items. If you have any questions about what is eligible for pick-up call Waste Management at 1-800-800-5804.

Like many homeowners, the District lost landscaping around 17 lift stations. A proposal for removing dead plants and debris and replanting the areas is under consideration by the board.
Watering Tips for June-August: Texas summers are generally hot and dry, but water conservation is always recommended. Water between Midnight and 6 AM to help maintain a consistent water pressure in our wells. Avoid short, frequent periods of watering to encourage the roots of plants and trees to seek water at lower depths. As we move into warmer weather, monitor automatic sprinkler systems, especially when you are away. Watch the weather and water smarter! For more information, check Texas A & M website at http://aggieturf.tamu.edu.

Hurricane Preparedness: Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. National Hurricane Preparedness week is May 9-15, 2021. Since Houston and surrounding areas have recently been affected by major storms, Bentwater residents must be prepared. Educational information prepared by NOAA includes the following:

• Determine your risk
• Develop an evacuation plan
• Assemble disaster supplies
• Check insurance coverage
• Strengthen your home
• Help your neighbors

More specific guidelines from NOAA regarding hurricane preparedness can be found on the MUD 18 website at www.mcmud18.com.

Section 2013 of the American Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) requires community water systems that serve more than 3300 people to complete a risk and resilience assessment and develop an emergency response plan to the U.S.E.P.A. The MUD 18 Board has authorized Bleyl Engineering to complete the assessment by June 30, 2021.

Reminder on Encroachments and Easements: If you are new to Bentwater and/or are thinking of changing the structure of your house or yard on any Bentwater property, please review the Bentwater Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions on the POA website. Sections 2.02-2.05 deal with easements. Residents may petition the MUD 18 board for Consents to Encroachment of water, sewer, and utility easements.

Need to Report a Problem? Do not assume the problem has already been identified or reported. If you observe a water leak, sewer odor, discolored water, open manholes, alarms are sounding, or other problems, please help us by calling: Hays Utility Service @ 936-588-1166.

Hays has someone in Bentwater every day, seven days a week. They can and will respond 24 hours a day. Their general office hours are from 8:00AM to 4:30PM Monday through Friday.

Sign-up for E-Blasts: If you are not receiving our E-Blasts, you are missing out on timely information. Go to our website at www.mcmud18.com and give us your email address. Your address will not be shared with anyone. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Meetings Open to the Public:
Our regularly scheduled monthly meetings are the 3rd Tuesdays at 9:30AM in the Country Club Cypress Room. Meetings are open to the public. The agenda is posted on our web site and the message board in the breezeway entrance to the Country Club Grill near the Golf Pro-shop. During the COVID19 restrictions, meetings of MUD18 have been conducted by Zoom. If you wish to attend a meeting, please contact Susan McFarland for the meeting ID code. Minutes from meetings are published on the MUD 18 web site.

Your MUD Board:

Susan McFarland President
Lou Tichacek Vice President
Gary Montgomery Treasurer
Rex Cambern Secretary
Nancy Busen Assistant Secretary