Katy Magazine News - Katy, Texas
September 1, 2017
Due to Hurricane Harvey and the standing water in the flooded areas of Cinco Ranch, the water authorities have reported issues with the wastewater systems.
This article refers to Cinco 1 (the original, older part of Cinco Ranch, not the West Cinco Ranch newer areas which is referred to as Cinco 2)
ANSWERS PROVIDED BY SEVERN TRENT
What's going on with the Cinco Ranch wastewater system?
Currently, Cinco 1 South is experiencing severe flooding and water treatment capabilities have been impaired. This services Cinco MUDs 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 12, and 14
Customers in the Cinco 1 Central areas being asked to curtail any activities which use significant amounts of water i.e. clothes washing, dishwashing, and bathing. Showering and using the toilet are acceptable. Cinco 1 South) services Cinco MUDs 5, 6, 7, and 8
There is a distinct possibility that customers in these MUDs will experience back-ups. As soon as the flood waters recede, pumping equipment will be deployed at district lift stations to relieve the system.
Is my water safe to drink?
Yes. Customers served by the Cinco 1 have safe drinking water. At no time during this event has the water system supplied water that is not safe to drink and at no time have we experienced a loss of water pressure. Water is safe and continues to meet all federal guidelines as required by law.
Cinco 1 Central customers sanitary sewer services are not affected by the flooding. You may use your sanitary sewer as normal.
What may happen from the Cinco 1 South system being compromised?
As Cinco 1 South is underwater, sanitary sewer facilities in your house (bathtub, toilet, shower, sinks) may back up. If this happens, call 281-398-8211 and report the issue. Severn Trent will come out and evaluate the situation and take necessary actions to attempt to rectify.
What can residents to do help?
Residents of Cinco MUDs 5, 6, 7 & 8 can provide the most beneficial action by limiting the amount of water used as much as possible. Refrain from bathing, washing clothes, and using your dishwasher. Showers, use of toilets, brushing teeth are acceptable.
When will repairs be made?
Until the water recedes in the flooded areas of Cinco 1, we are unable to evaluate the condition of the assets. As soon as possible, we will deploy pumping equipment at district lift stations to relieve the system. Once water has receded, we will be able to mobilize on-site and evaluate the damage and begin repairs to the wastewater plant. However, this is totally dependent upon the water receding.
Whose fault is this? Were the MUD's not prepared?
MUDs are designed and required to build to certain criteria to protect customers from many events. Harvey brought in excess of 50 inches of rain to our area. In an area with the topography that Houston has, there is no amount of planning and preparation that can adequately deal with 50 inches of rain. CInco Ranch has taken extreme measures to protect its facilities and its customers but this event was of such great magnitude there was no way to repair or mitigate what this storm brought.
Summary
At this time, we are unable to access the infrastructure facilities to assess damage or to make necessary repairs. As the floodwaters recede and infrastructure facilities can be safely accessed, we intend to use all available resources to restore wastewater service to the entire Cinco community. This will include installation of stand-by pumping units.
Our primary concern is to protect the health and safety of the public and all actions taken will be with that goal in mind.
To contact Severn Treat please call 281-398-8211.