Terranova West Municipal Utility District

It Bears Repeating!

Cold Weather and potential freezes will be with us for at least another month or so. The District’s Operator, H2o Innovation, is always prepared to deal with any water main breaks and or water plant issues in Terranova West. If you experience a water pipe break on your side of your water meter, H2o can only shut off the water at your smart meter. H2o cannot help you with leaks on your side of the smart meter. If you haven’t already done so and dodged a bullet during the most recent cold snaps, it’s a good idea to take the time now to wrap exposed pipes and outside faucets. If you have an irrigation system, turn it off and wrap and drain your backflow preventer. Why take the chance? A little up front preparation is way cheaper than a plumber’s bill! To read H2o’s tips regarding the freeze, click here.

Park News

The reclaim water irrigation system has been shut down and winterized.  The system is expected to be returned to service at the end of March.

The MUD Soccer field remains closed. The TNW POA has the parts to repair the entrance gate key card system but when their contractor attempted to make the repair, he discovered the gate frame needs reset. The MUD’s fence contractor has been contacted to make the repair.  As soon as it’s complete, the POA’s contractor will complete the key card system repair. We will let you know when the repairs have been completed.

The MUD Board has authorized its landscaper to plant nine Yaupon bushes in the Cypresswood Medians within the District.  The corner beds on either side of T C Jester at Cypresswood are also being freshened up.  Last, but not least, a fig tree is being added to the MUD Park as a point of interest near the US flag pole.  The MUD Board is always looking for opportunities to improve the look of the park and detention pond green spaces for the enjoyment of our residents.

Construction Update

The cold weather and a training meeting conflict delayed the completion of the Green Elm lift station upgrade.  By now the project should be completed and 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 by the District’s landscaper.

Keeping your “Eye on Water”

How do you know when you have a water leak at your home? Unless you actually see the leak, your higher than normal water bill may be your first clue, and by then, your money is literally down the drain! Detecting a leak with Eye on Water is quick, reliable 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, click here.

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 invite 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

The Board wants to keep our residents informed as quickly as possible in the event of an emergency. Have you signed up for the District’s emergency/broadcast messages? 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.

If you have not signed up, please 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

The District’s Operator, H2o Innovation, will be mobilized and standing by to deal with any water main breaks and or water plant issues in Terranova West.

If you experience a water pipe break on your side of your water meter, H2o can only shut off your water at your meter. They cannot help you with leaks on your side of your smart meter.

It’s a good idea to take the time now to wrap exposed pipes and outside faucets. If you have an irrigation system, turn it off and wrap and drain your backflow preventer.

To read H2os post and tips regarding the freeze, click on https://h2ocustomers.com.

Your Terranova West MUD Board of Directors

Be advised the key card system for the soccer field pedestrian access gate is not working. The TNW POA owns and manages the key card system, not the TNW MUD. The system failed during a storm. The POA filed a claim with their insurer, the claim has been approved, and a work order has been placed with their contractor to make the repair. We’ll keep you advised when the gate is working again.

Your Terranova West MUD Board

Where does it go????

When you drain your tub, take a shower, flush a commode, or your dishwasher or washing machine empties, ever wonder where it goes?

Waste water doesn’t magically disappear. It all flows from your residence into the District’s sealed sewer line system. The majority of the lines run through backyard easements to either the Cypresswood or Green Elm lift stations where it is pumped to the BAMMEL (Olde Oaks) waste treatment plant located on the south side of Cypress Creek where it is treated to meet Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) standards, then released into Cypress Creek.

The Terranova West MUD is one of four MUDs that pump their sewage to the BAMMEL MUD waste treatment plant for processing. Each of the four MUDs pay a monthly fee to BAMMEL based on the percentage of waste sent to the waste treatment plant. By volume, The Terranova West MUD pays 20% of the monthly operating costs, the second biggest user behind the BAMMEL MUD who pays 25%. In general, the monthly assessment runs $10,000-$15,000.

FAQs

Q – Why doesn’t the Terranova West MUD have its own waste treatment plant?
A – Good question. Waste treatment plants are extremely expensive to build and maintain and require a sizable piece of property. Whenever possible, it’s far more efficient for MUDs to band together and utilize one waste treatment plant.

Q – Does the percentage Terranova West MUD is charged by the BAMMEL MUD ever change?
A – No, for that to happen there would have to be a sizable change in the volume sent to the BAMMEL plant by one or more of the five MUDs altering the percentage balance.

Q – Does the BAMMEL MUD ever charge special assessments to the four other MUD partners?
A – Yes, anytime the BAMMEL plant requires an upgrade for any reason such as system age upgrades or changes in TCEQ requirements, that cost is charged proportionately to the five users. The current BAMMEL waste treatment plant upgrade project quote is $6.7 million, Terranova West’s share will be $1.3 million.

Questions?  Send an email to the District’s email, TNW.mud@gmail.com.

 Park Greenspace News

Nothing new going on in the park or greenspaces.  Winter is a pretty quiet time giving our landscaper an opportunity to make minor repairs, trimming.and such.  The Board is looking into adding some additional shrubs and trees in strategic spots over the next couple of months.

Help yourself by enrolling in “Eye on Water”

You can be the first to know when you have a water leak at your house. Eye on Water will alert you quickly either through email or text (your choice). Using Eye on Water provides a historical snapshot of your water usage. You can view your usage by the week, the day, the hour, and even down to every 15 minutes. These tools really do give you an “Eye On Water”.

Eye On Water can be accessed through either a website or a smartphone app.

For an informational video showing the ease of setting up an account and viewing your water consumption data, click here.

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 invite 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. If you see something that needs the Boards attention, please let us know by emailing tnw.mud@gmail.com  You will always receive a prompt, accurate and honest reply!

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

Are you receiving the District’s emergence/broadcast messages? 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.

If you have not signed up, please 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

The Harris County Flood Control District is expected to begin construction related activities on the east compartments of the T.C. Jester Stormwater Detention Basin project soon. The T.C. Jester Stormwater Detention Basin project within the Cypress Creek watershed consists of four compartments and will increase stormwater storage capacity along Cypress Creek.

East Compartments

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.

Funding:

The east compartments will be advertised for bids as two construction packages.

• Compartment 1B: State community-directed funding ($12 million) secured by State Representative Sam Harless through the Texas Water Development Board, and Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funding ($20.8 million)

• Compartments 1A & 2: Federal community-directed funding ($9.95 million) secured by Congressman Dan Crenshaw through Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the 2018 Bond Program ($2.5 million).

Anticipated Schedule:

• East Compartment 1B:

  • Design Completion: Q4 2025
  • Bid Advertisement: Q4 2025
  • Construction Start: Q2 2026
  • Construction Completion: Q4 2028

• East Compartments 1A & 2:

  • Site Preparation: Q1 2026
  • Design Completion: Q2 2026
  • Bid Advertisement: Q3 2026
  • Construction Start: Q4 2026
  • Construction Completion: Q1 2028

West Compartment

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

Funding:

The west compartment will be advertised for bids under a single construction package.

• West Compartment: Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation funding ($16.4 million) and the 2018 Bond Program ($1 million).

Anticipated Schedule:

• Design Completion: Q3 2026
• Bid Advertisement: Q3 2026
• Construction Start: Q1 2027
• Construction Completion: Q4 2028

Submit a question or comment about this project!

Thank you to Commissioner Ramsey and the Precinct 3 team for their support of our work in this area.

The Flood Control District appreciates the support of our federal, state, and local partners as we continue implementing flood risk reduction projects across the Cypress Creek watershed.

Learn more about the T.C. Jester Stormwater Detention Basin project.

HCFCD Unit ID: K500-23-00 – Bond ID: Z-02

🎄 Merry Christmas🎄

Why do tax rates differ from one MUD to another?

Just like counties and school districts, MUD tax rates differ from one District to another  There are a lot of factors to consider when comparing tax rates between Districts.

• How much bond debt is a District carrying?  Bond principal and interest payments can greatly affect District tax rates.
• How much commercial property is there within a District?  Tax revenue from commercial properties can greatly influence a District’s tax rate.
• What amenities and services does a District provide?  They can differ widely from one District to another and impact tax rates charged.
• Is the district still developing where the tax rate is still growing?
• How does one District maintain its infrastructure compared to another?  For the long term health of a District, it’s essential to maintain and improve aging infrastructure. Districts deliberately deferring maintenance and improvements to maintain lower rates eventually pay the price for those decisions by having to sell bonds and/or raise rates to generate needed income.
• Does the District maintain partnerships with regulatory agencies such as the NHCRWA and or shared cost service agreements with other Districts?
• What’s the long term vision and business plan for the District?
• Are there ongoing or planned long term capital improvement projects to ensure the District meets the needs of its residents and commercial enterprises?

These are just a few of the things to consider when you compare one District’s rates to another. District tax rates are not an apples to apples comparison.

All Districts should have a website where you can find the answer to most of the above for comparison purposes.

Your Terranova West MUD Board of Directors are committed to keeping water/sewer and tax rates as low as possible while maintaining and improving infrastructure to ensure the District is a strong, healthy one for residents and attractive to home buyers.

Click here to view the “TNW MUD Tax History” document found on the District’s website under “Resources”, Documents” detailing the MUD tax rate 2008 to the present.

Questions?  Send an email to tnwmud@gmail.com. You will always receive a prompt, honest reply to your questions.

Reclaim Irrigation Update

The MUD’s reclaim irrigation system has been up and running since September 1st. The system is remotely monitored by Hines Inc., formerly Masuen LLC, and managed on site by the District’s landscaper, Brian Gardens.

For the month of November, 862,390 gallons of reclaimed water was used to irrigate MUD and POA common areas replacing treated water previously used for irrigation saving the POA $2,773.66 and the MUD $1,581.40. Weather played a significant role in reduced reclaim irrigation gallons used during November.  Both are still significant savings to the POA and MUD budgets.

Detention Pond Green-Spaces

Coyotes have been caught on the Oaks detention pond security cameras twice late at night.  They come and go, just be aware they’re around when walking the detention ponds. While it’s doubtful they can catch a healthy deer, they will scatter the ones that call our detention ponds home.

Green Elm Lift Station Update

Repairs and upgrades are wrapping up. The District thanks you for your patience during this time.

“Eye on Water” really can save you $$

You do not need to wait on a high water bill to alert you of a leak, you can be notified immediately when you enroll in “Eye on Water”.  Did you know that Eye on Water can be accessed through both a website or a smartphone app? Using Eye on Water empowers you to actively engage in water conservation and leak prevention efforts.

For an informational video showing the ease of setting up an account and viewing your water consumption data, click here.

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 invite 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

Are you receiving the District’s emergence/broadcast messages? 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.

If you have not signed up, please 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

2025 MUD Tax Rate

By now you have received your 2025 MUD tax bill.

Based on analysis of the District’s spend and the adopted budget for 2026, the Board of Directors proposed a 2025 MUD tax of .5173 per $100 of assessed value, the same as the 2024 tax rate, during the September board meeting. The proposed rate notice was published in the Chronicle and on the District’s website for a 30 day public comment period. The 2025 tax rate was adopted during the October board meeting.

Question: Since the District kept the 2025 MUD tax rate the same as the 2024 MUD tax rate, then why is my bill higher than last year??

Answer: Great question. The Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) is the culprit. If your 2025 appraisal was higher than 2024 and you did not protest your appraisal, you protested but your adjusted appraisal did not significantly reduce your original appraisal, or your protest was denied by HCAD, then your 2025 MUD tax may be higher than last year.

The District has no control over HCAD appraisals and the same applies to your combined Harris County and or Klein School tax bill.

For more information on appraisals, click here for HCAD website.

Reclaim Irrigation Update

The MUD’s reclaim irrigation system has been up and running since September 1st. The system is remotely monitored by Hines Inc., formerly Masuen LLC, and managed on site by the District’s landscaper, Brian Gardens.

For the month of October, 1,788,011 gallons of reclaimed water was used to irrigate MUD and POA common areas replacing treated water previously used for irrigation saving the POA $4,577 and the MUD $4,445. Both are significant savings to the POA and MUD budgets.

The MUD met with the NHCRWA reclaim irrigation committee on November 6th to present the construction costs and 1st and 2nd month’s reclaim water usage. The RWA will use those numbers to calculate a one time construction incentive credit to be paid to the MUD and the monthly reclaim water fee credit.

Detention Pond Green-spaces

Question: What’s the purpose of the fence stretched across the concrete swale in the Terravista DP?

Answer: Good question. A lot of trash flows into the DP and accumulates on the catch racks in the concrete outfall on the west end of the DP to prevent it from flowing into Spring Creek Gulley.

These racks must periodically be cleaned of the trash requiring a 2 man via a shaft because it’s considered an OSHA confined space. To eliminate that expense, a section of hog fence was stretched across the swale before the outfall to catch the majority of the trash before it ends up in the outfall space. Now the District’s lawn service clears the trash saving the District money.

Green Elm Lift Station Update

Repairs and upgrades are progressing and on schedule. Work is expected to last another couple of months before wrapping up. The District thanks you for your patience during this time.

Are you using “Eye on Water”?

The District encourages each resident to monitor the amount of water you use by downloading the EyeOnWater app.

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

Your Board invites 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

The District wants to “thank” all the residents who have signed up for our Emergency Broadcast Messaging System. 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.

If you have not signed up, please 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

Equipment has been staged and work will soon begin on the Green Elm Lift Station located just south of Glenmere. Information door hangers are being placed today on homes immediately surrounding the lift station. Anyone driving or walking in the vicinity during the project can expect construction vehicles, workers, some noise and should exercise care when passing the site. The project is expected to last a couple of months.

Questions, concerns? Send an email to TNW.mud@gmail.com.