Terranova West Municipal Utility District

Let’s hope it’s a quiet season but it only takes one. Prepare now just in case!

If you have not already done so, the Board urges you to sign up for MUD emergency broadcast text messages by texting TWMUD to 682-356-5083. This is the TNW MUD’s main communication tool for emergency broadcasts. The MUD does not post on social media. Make sure you don’t miss an important emergency broadcast message, sign up now!

Have a whole home or portable generator?  If it’s a whole home, are you running a weekly test cycle?  Make sure the oil & filter have been changed and you have spare oil and filters on hand, check the spark plug, filter, and battery. It’s a good idea to have a service agreement with a qualified generator service company if you’re not comfortable doing these checks on your own. Make sure your generator exhaust vents away from your home!

If yours is a portable generator, when was the last time you ran a test cycle, checked the items above, and have the name of a qualified generator service contractor should you need one? If your generator runs on gas, do you have spare gas cans and a list of service stations to fill them at? Stations run out, you may need to travel to find available gasoline? Never run a portable generator indoors and point the exhaust away from your home.

Do you know where your sewer line cleanout cap is located?  It’s most likely located on an outside wall near your master bath.  In most cases, it’s a white PVC cap roughly 6″ in diameter.  A large wrench or pliers are needed to remove it.  In the unlikely event of a sewer line backup, loosening or temporarily removing the cap may reduce or prevent sewage backup into your home.

All 4 major local news stations include storm trackers on their websites and apps. It’s a good idea to follow one for up to date storm information including evacuation route information.

Consider downloading the Harris County Constables “C4 Now!” app (Android, Apple).

Know where the evacuation routes are by checking local news and the Constables app.

The water plant and Green Elm lift station generators makes it highly unlikely the water plant or lift station will shut down during an emergency.

It’s still a good idea to have bottled water on hand during an emergency. Tubs filled with water and swimming pools can be used to fill your toilets during an emergency.

Make sure you have flashlights, battery operated lanterns, and a supply of batteries on hand for emergencies.

Keep your mobile phone charged. A good mobile phone battery backup is essential anymore. Most newer vehicles have ports you can use to charge your phones.

Having tarps to cover leaks and duct tape for windows on hand is a good idea. Big box and hardware stores sell out quickly on essential storm items.

If you have a gas grill, make sure your tank is full and consider a spare.

The majority of grocery stores and big box stores have standby backup generators but, keep in mind, essentials such as milk, bread, and ice can be hard to find or limited for purchase during an emergency.

Have a neighbor that’s new to the Gulf Coast? Most have no idea what to expect. Share your experiences and tips with them.

Reminder, H2o Innovation, the District’s Operator, manages the District’s water/sewer operation.  H2o Innovation call center numbers can be found on your water/sewer bill and on H2o and District’s websites. It’s a good idea to save them in your mobile phone contact list for quick access. H2o Innovation’s first priority is the District’s water/sewer operation, field staff cannot help you with issues past the District’s water meter or sewer backups on your property.

Emergency and Repairs: (281) 353-9809
Customer Service: (281) 353-9756

Stay safe and check on your neighbors!

Your TNW MUD Board of Directors

Park News, Greenspaces, & Reclaim Irrigation Update

The following is a release from the 2026 annual Texas Water Conference recognizing the Terranova West MUD for the District’s reclaim irrigation project.

While the award is an important recognition for the District, more important is the savings achieved since the reclaimed water irrigation system went live in September, 2025. Through the end of April, the system has saved the TNW POA $ and the TNW MUD $. A very good return to date on the investment.

The Palms office condos made the switch from treated water for irrigation to reclaim water for irrigation effective April 22nd.  Their usage will increase the monthly credit the District receives from the RWA.  The Palms will also benefit as reclaim water for irrigation is exempt from the RWA fee.  A win win for the District and The Palms.

Harris County Flood Control News

By now you’ve seen the orange construction signs on Cypresswood and T C Jester. The following project update is an excerpt from the Flood Control District news release,

The T.C. Jester Stormwater Detention Basin project consists of four compartments designed to increase stormwater storage capacity along Cypress Creek.

The east side of the T.C. Jester Stormwater Detention Basin project includes three compartments (1A, 1B, and 2) across approximately 128 acres along T.C. Jester Boulevard, between Cypresswood Drive and Cypress Creek. Once constructed, the compartments on the east side of the project are expected to provide approximately 1,000 acre-feet of stormwater storage – that’s roughly 1,000 football fields covered in one foot of water.

The west side of the project, located on the west side of T.C. Jester Boulevard, is expected to consist of one large compartment on 44 acres and is anticipated to provide up to 200 acre-feet of stormwater storage.

This project is one of several upcoming stormwater detention basin projects in the Cypress Creek watershed. A regional drainage study for the Cypress Creek watershed found that flooding along tributaries of Cypress Creek is predominantly due to stormwater from Cypress Creek backing up into tributaries, rather than a lack of sufficient stormwater conveyance capacity on the tributaries themselves. Therefore, stormwater detention basins are recommended to help reduce the risk of flooding.

Construction on the east compartments 1A & 2 is estimated to cost $10.2 million and is anticipated to begin in Q4 2026.

Construction on the east compartment 1B is estimated to cost $18.5 million and began in Q1 2026 and is expected to be completed by Q2 2027.

Construction on the west compartment is estimated to cost $11.7 million and is anticipated to begin in Q1 2027.

While this project should help mitigate potential flooding in our area, unfortunately, we’ll see an increase in dump truck traffic on Cypresswood and T C Jester as the excavated dirt is hauled off.

Do you have your “Eye On Water”

When a leak happens, your water usage increases and so can your water bill. By using “Eye on Water” leak alert system, a high water bill can be prevented. The app is easy to use, accurate and notifies you when a leak is detected. Why spend more money on water than you have too.

Timely leak notifications will be sent via text or email. Eye on Water is quick, reliable, user friendly and FREE. For an informational video showing the ease of setting up an account and viewing your water consumption data, use this link.

For more information on understanding your water bill, available tools for tracking your usage, and helpful  water conversation tips, click here.

Monthly Board Meetings

As a Board, we encourage you to attend our monthly meetings to learn what is happening in the District. As a  resident, your input is always the first item on the agenda.

Regular monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month, at the clubhouse (unless otherwise  stated) and start promptly at 6pm. Agendas are posted on the District website no later than 3 days prior to the  meeting.

The District’s Emergency Broadcast Messaging System

In the event of an emergency, the Board wants to keep our residents informed as quickly as possible. The  District will broadcast messages to communicate critical events affecting the District’s water/sewer operation to  residents in real time. The system is also used to communicate periodic routine updates and information to  residents.

You can sign up quickly by going to our district website, (click here) and filling out the alert message window  that appears OR by clicking the “Sign Up for Email Alerts” link in the top right hand corner of the homepage.

Another option is to add, alerts@tnwmud.org and +1 (682) 356-5083 to your email and mobile phone contact  lists.

The District does not post on social media!

District Website

The District’s website is a great source of information for everything happening in the District. Check out the  District’s website by clicking here. If you don’t find what you are looking for online or have questions about  anything in this article, please email the District at tnw.mud@gmail.com. You will always receive a prompt,  accurate, and honest reply!

Your Terranova West Board of Directors

Tom Lovell, President, Park/Greenspaces Oversight current term ends 5/2027

Rob Sorensen, Vice President, Water Plant/GenSet Oversight, current term ends 5/2027

Shyanne Meekins, Treasurer/Assistant Secretary, current term ends 5/2029

Nannette Burrage, Secretary, Web Oversight, current term ends 5/2029

George Hatfield, At Large, current term ends 5/2027

Park News & Greenspaces Update

Because of the unseasonably mild weather we’re experiencing, the reclaim water irrigation system run times are being increased to keep the common areas properly irrigated.

Since the reclaim water irrigation system went live in September, through the end of March, the system has saved the TNW POA $18,616.42 and the TNW MUD $21,350.40. A very good return on the investment.

The MUD park & soccer field corner beds at TCJ and Cypresswood have been planted with perennial Rudbeckia to match the MUD park pedestrian gate entrance beds. Rudbeckia has showy bright yellow flowers that will bloom early spring through winter until the first frost then it will spring right back. As a perennial, it will save the District the cost of twice yearly annual plantings.

The MUD Board is very pleased to announce The Palms office condos are making the switch from treated water for irrigation to reclaim water for irrigation. Their usage will increase the monthly credit the District receives from the RWA. The Palms will also benefit as reclaim water for irrigation is exempt from the RWA fee. A win win for the District and The Palms.

Strip Center Update

The sign is up for the new coffee on the south end of the T C Jester strip center. NO word on when it’s expected to open.

Did you know the commercial properties along Louetta Road, the MUD park, and the three detention pond green spaces within the MUD District are all outside the POA boundaries?

Construction Update

After way too many delays, the Green Elm lift station is finally complete and the temporary generators have been removed. The project will greatly improve the performance and reliability of the lift station. The landscaping in front of the lift station, and immediately across Green Elm from it where materials were staged, will be restored as they were before construction began.

Public Service Information

If you haven’t already, consider adding the Constable’s “C4 Now!” app to your mobile phone. It gives you quick access to a lot of useful information.

It Bears Repeating!!

The MUD Board has not raised the District’s resident water/sewer rates since 2020. The Board is doing all it can do to hold the line on residential rates for as long as it can.

Since 2008, the MUD Board has lowered the MUD tax rate 0.1727 cents per 100$ of your home’s assessed value.

Each September, the MUD Board sets the proposed MUD tax rate based on input from the District’s financial analyst and consultants. The proposed rate is published in the local newspaper for public review and comment, the final rate is set at the October board meeting. If your 2025 MUD tax bill increased from 2024, it’s due to the Harris County Appraisal District increasing your assessment. Watch for your 2026 appraisal. Every homeowner has the right to protest your assessment. For more information, logon to https://hcad.org/.

Great time to check your “Eye On Water”

As we are headed into the spring and summer months, and begin using our irrigations systems more, now is a great time to download “Eye On Water” app and become familiar with your water usage.

Detecting a leak with Eye on Water is quick, reliable, user friendly and FREE. Timely leak notifications will be sent via text or email. For an informational video showing the ease of setting up an account and viewing your water consumption data, use this link.

For more information on understanding your water bill, available tools for tracking your usage, and helpful water conversation tips, click here for District website.

Monthly Board Meetings

As a Board, we encourage you to attend our monthly meetings to learn what is happening in the District. As a resident, your input is always the first item on the agenda.

Regular monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month, at the clubhouse (unless otherwise stated) and start promptly at 6pm. Agendas are posted on the District website no later than 3 days prior to the meeting.

The District’s Emergency Broadcast Messaging System

In the event of an emergency, the Board wants to keep our residents informed as quickly as possible. The District will broadcast messages to communicate critical events affecting the District’s water/sewer operation to residents in real time. The system is also used to communicate periodic routine updates and information to residents.

You can sign up quickly by going to our district website, (click here) and filling out the alert message window that appears OR by clicking the “Sign Up for Email Alerts” link in the top right hand corner of the homepage.

Another option is to add, alerts@tnwmd.org and +1 (682) 356-5083 to your email and mobile phone contact lists.

The District does not post on social media!

District Website

The District’s website is a great source of information for everything happening in the District. Check out the District’s website by clicking here. If you don’t find what you are looking for online or have questions about anything in this article, please email the District at tnw.mud@gmail.com. You will always receive a prompt, accurate, and honest reply!

Your Terranova West Board of Directors

Tom Lovell, President, Park/Greenspaces Oversight current term ends 5/2027
Rob Sorensen, Vice President, Water Plant/GenSet Oversight, current term ends 5/2027
Shyanne Meekins, Treasurer/Assistant Secretary, current term ends 5/2029
Nannette Burrage, Secretary, Web Oversight, current term ends 5/2029
George Hatfield, At Large, current term ends 5/2027