News post

Water Supply Source Conversion

June 11, 2026

West Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 10 (WHC MUD 10) is issuing an official announcement to all residents regarding a significant infrastructure upgrade to our regional water system.

Beginning Summer 2026, WHC MUD 10 residents will begin receiving treated surface water instead of groundwater. This conversion is managed by the North Harris County Regional Water Authority (NHCRWA).

Please read the details below to understand why this change is occurring, what aesthetic adjustments you can expect, and critical safety steps required for specific households.

Why is the Water Supply Source Changing?

The transition from groundwater to treated surface water is driven by legal mandates and long-term environmental sustainability plans for our region:

  • Ensuring Reliable Long-Term Supply: Groundwater reserves alone are no longer sufficient to support the existing population and future development of our rapidly growing region.

  • Legal Mandate & Combating Subsidence: Excessive historical groundwater pumping has caused severe regional subsidence—a process where the land surface physically sinks. Subsidence damages public infrastructure and heavily increases regional flood risks. The Harris-Galveston Subsidence District was established by law to regulate groundwater use and mandate the reduction of well-water dependency.

  • Regional Implementation: The NHCRWA was specifically created to implement and build out the surface water distribution infrastructure required to comply with these subsidence laws.

What to Expect: Water Quality & Systems Changes

Your drinking water will remain entirely safe, clean, and reliable, continuing to strictly meet or exceed all regulatory standards enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

However, during and after the conversion, you may notice a few temporary or permanent physical differences:

  1. Slight Change in Taste: You may notice a slight difference in the taste of your water. This is normal and is due to the baseline difference between a surface water source and groundwater, combined with upgraded purification techniques.

  2. "Softer" Water: The incoming treated surface water will be softer than our previous groundwater supply. This means you will see fewer water spots on your shower doors/glass and less lime scale buildup inside your pipes and appliances.

  3. Temporary Discoloration: Immediately following the conversion, a minor, temporary discoloration may occur in your water color. This happens because the softer water naturally dissolves existing scale built up inside older pipe networks. This effect is completely normal and is expected to disappear entirely within a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will my water utility rates change because of this conversion? A: No. Based on current regional rates, the WHC MUD 10 Board of Directors does not expect to modify water rates at this time.

Q: Who manages my daily service, maintenance, and billing? A: Your day-to-day water infrastructure, sewer systems, and account billing will continue to be completely managed by SiEnviro. There are no changes to your service contacts or account procedures.

Q: What happens if there is an operational issue with the regional surface water supply? A: To maximize local water security, WHC MUD 10 is maintaining our neighborhood groundwater well system. It will remain fully functional and available to switch back online immediately as a backup supply in the event of any regional distribution disruptions.

Health & Safety Considerations: Disinfectant Change

As part of modern surface water treatment methods, our water system is switching its primary disinfectant from chlorine to chloramine. Chloramine is preferred because it lasts longer in the distribution network and produces fewer chemical by-products.

While entirely safe for human consumption, bathing, and everyday use, chloramine requires immediate attention for two specific activities:

  • Medical Dialysis Patients: Home dialysis systems must completely remove chloramine from the water before it can safely be used in treatment. If you use a home dialysis machine, please consult your doctor or medical equipment supplier immediately to ensure your filtration systems are correctly configured.

  • Fish & Aquarium Owners: Chloramine can be highly harmful or toxic to fish, reptiles, and amphibians if left untreated. Traditional chlorine removal tablets are not strong enough to break down chloramine. You must purchase and use water conditioning products explicitly designed to neutralize chloramines to keep your aquariums or ponds safe.

Trusted Resources & Helpful Reference Links

For the latest project schedules, full regulatory details, and water-related guides, please visit the following resources:

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