The initiative was launched by the Woodlands Water Agency in partnership with the San Jacinto River Authority to address water infrastructure needs in The Woodlands. The WWA manages the 10 municipal utility districts that serve The Woodlands.
“Infrastructure does not last forever,” WWA General Manager Erich Peterson said. “If we delay the infrastructure renewal projects too long, we open ourselves up to potential problems with the systems that deliver these essential services.”
What residents should know
The WWA launched the new water renewal initiative in September with a community survey gauging the need for long-term water infrastructure.
While the survey closed Oct. 6, it marks the beginning of the process for the estimated $108.6 million in infrastructure replacements and upgrades to begin, WWA officials said. Funding for the projects will be through Capital Improvement Program funds and future water rate increases, officials said.
Peterson said once a renewal plan is finalized, it will be updated annually. However, several projects are already underway. Projects are prioritized for funding based on factors such as:
- The condition and lifespan of the current infrastructure
- The likelihood and impact of system failures
- Regular staff inspections
- The results of ongoing studies
- Any upcoming regulatory changes
“The Woodlands MUDs in coordination with the community will determine the most cost-effective approach for renewal and what kind of funding they’ll need,” he said.
Also of note
The Southern Montgomery County MUD has also begun implementing its official 10-year Capital Improvement Plan, which was updated in April. The document outlines $27.9 million in improvements needed within the next five years and an additional $30 million needed by 2034.
“Although the existing capacity and availability of water is currently sufficient, the district is planning to reach 85% capacity and submitted the 85% Planning Report to [the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality] in February 2024,” SMCMUD General Manager Kim Wright said.
Why it's needed
The Woodlands and larger southern Montgomery County area has continued to grow over the last 10 years, quickly reaching capacity thresholds for multiple MUDs in The Woodlands area.
Wright said submitting the 85% plan allows the district to prepare for growing usage demand. The district is expecting to add 1,223 water commercial and residential users in the next 10 years, she said.
According to data collected by the SJRA, the amount of surface and groundwater produced and delivered to The Woodlands area has increased over the past four years. While data for fiscal year 2024-25 is not yet available, overall demand and usage is increasing, according to the SJRA.
“Many of our water and wastewater systems are getting old and need updates,” Peterson said. “If we don’t act soon enough, we risk service interruptions.”
“We want to avoid any big interruptions in water and wastewater services for our residents, visitors and businesses.”—Erich Peterson, general manager, The Woodlands Water Agency
“The [Southern Montgomery County MUD] has grown a lot more than what they anticipated.”—Rick Moffatt, Oak Ridge North City Council member
“Although the district is primarily developed, it continues to grow through new developments, redevelopments and by the annexation of properties.”—Kim Wright, general manager, Southern Montgomery County MUD
“We are appreciative of our partner agencies’ commitment to ensuring continued reliability of this vital resource for the community.”—Ann Snyder, chair, The Woodlands Township board of directors
Get involved
Outreach will be held in the coming months to discuss the potential cost increases and the issues which are causing the most problems, Peterson said.
“A community working group is currently being assembled,” he said. “The group will be key in sharing insights from the community with the MUDs as well as communicating project details back to the community.”
While the meetings are still being scheduled as of press time, residents can continue to provide feedback to the WWA.
The Woodlands Water agency is still accepting feedback from residents. Feedback can be submitted through a variety of ways including:
- Email: [email protected]
- Online: www.waterrenewalthewoodlands.com
The lifetime of water infrastructure depends on a number of factors including exposure to severe weather, usage and development surrounding an area according to the WWA, and most infrastructure has a life expectancy of 25-50 years before serious renovations become necessary.
Peterson also emphasized that while the agency will communicate with the community regarding projects and how they will be funded, there will be future increases that come with future projects such as the cement asbestos removal and Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 3 replacements.
“Thus far, the SJRA and MUDs have been able to fund and complete the current projects with minimal to no increase in rates to residents,” Peterson said. “As the various ongoing studies are completed, the MUDs will evaluate and determine the best path forward and any additional cost implications will be clearer.”
