Preparing Pipes For Freezing Weather

National Weather Service Issues Hard Freeze Watch

December 22, 2022: The National Weather Service has advised that subfreezing temperatures are likely beginning Thursday night and into Friday morning following the passage of a strong cold front. Freeze Warnings and possible Hard Freeze Warnings can be expected. High temperatures could quite possibly remain below freezing throughout the day on Friday and not warm up above freezing until during the day on Saturday.

Follow the Houston/Galveston National Weather Service for information and forecast updates.

How to Prepare Your Pipes For a Severe Winter Weather Event

According to Texas A&M AgriLife, water pipes have the potential to freeze when the outside temperature is 20°F or below. The most vulnerable pipes include outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool lines, sprinkler systems, and pipes in areas without heat such as garages, crawl spaces, and attics. If you haven’t already done so you can prepare your pipes with these tips:

  • Drain pool supply lines and sprinkler systems.
  • Remove outdoor hoses and cover with insulated covers if possible.
  • Keep your garage door closed if you have supply lines or a water heater located inside.
  • Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to circulate warm air to the pipes
  • Keep your thermostat set no lower than 55°F both day and night. If you are planning to travel, keep your heat turned on.

See the infographic below for additional information on how to keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe, or visit the Red Cross website.

For the latest news regarding Greenwood UD’s service during this weather event, sign up for our newsletter or check back on the website.

Boil Water Notice Rescinded

On November 27, 2022 the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Greenwood Utility District public water system, PWSID: TX1010554, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals, or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of November 29, 2022.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Municipal District Services at 281-290-6503 or www.mdswater.com.

Boil Water Notice for Community Public Water Systems

Due to the City of Houston’s loss of pressure and issuance of a Boil Water Notice, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the Greenwood Utility District (TX1010554) public water system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, 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 concerning this matter, you may contact Municipal District Services at 281- 290-6500 or www.mdswater.com.