Pipelines are being built underground to carry water from Lake Houston to the Cy-Fair area as part of a state mandate. Pipelines are being built underground to carry water from Lake Houston to the Cy-Fair area as part of a state mandate.[/caption]

What we reported The North Harris County and West Harris County regional water authorities have been tasked with transitioning the Cy-Fair area from groundwater to surface water. The state is requiring that 60 percent of water use come from surface water by 2025 and 80 percent by 2035.

The latest The authorities are both working on pipeline projects that will help carry water from Lake Houston to pumping plants in the Cy-Fair area, where municipal utility districts and water providers will then pump the water along to residents.

What’s next Water pumping fees, which are paid by residents through their water bills, are expected to increase in 2017 to help fund the projects. For the NHCRWA, the rate will rise on April 1 from $2.40 to $2.90 per 1,000 gallons of groundwater pumped and $2.85 to $3.35 per 1,000 gallons of surface water pumped. For the WHCRWA, the rate rose on Jan. 1 from $2.25 to $2.45 per 1,000 gallons of groundwater pumped and $2.65 to $2.85 per 1,000 gallons of surface water pumped.

This story is one update from The January Issue. View the full list of 10 things to look for here.