Harris County Municipal Utility District 501

Through HCMUD 501’s website you can easily find links to the following services:

Tax Rate

Information about the District required by Section 26.18, Texas Tax Code, created by Senate Bill 2 (also known as the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019), is available here: https://bli-tax.com/harris-county-mud-501

For the 2025 tax year, Harris County MUD 501 levied a total ad valorem tax of $0.5972 on each $100 of taxable property within Harris County MUD 501 consisting of the following three components:

  • $0.39 to pay the District’s contract tax
  • $0.145 to pay the District’s debt service
  • $0.0622 to fund the District’s maintenance and operation expenditures

Arctic Weather Alert

Wind has a major impact on whether exposed pipes freeze, even when the air temperature alone might seem marginal. Here’s how it works in practical terms:

1. Wind accelerates heat loss (wind chill effect)

  • Wind strips away the thin layer of warmer air that naturally surrounds a pipe.
  • This increases convective heat transfer, causing the pipe to lose heat much faster.
  • Even though wind chills don’t lower the actual air temperature, it lowers the effective temperature of the pipe surface, making freezing more likely.

Example: At 28°F (−2°C) with strong wind, an exposed pipe can cool as fast as it would in much colder, calm conditions.

2. Pipes freeze faster in windy conditions

  • In still air, pipes may retain some heat from:
    • Residual warm water inside
    • Heat leaking from nearby buildings or the ground
  • Wind removes that heat continuously, allowing the pipe temperature to drop below 32°F (0°C) more quickly.

This is why pipes often freeze:

  • On north-facing or windward sides of buildings
  • In crawlspaces, attics, or under homes with air infiltration
  • On bridges or elevated structures

3. Wind defeats insulation if it’s not sealed

  • Insulation works by trapping air.
  • Wind penetrating gaps or poorly sealed insulation nullifies its effectiveness.
  • Even insulated pipes can freeze if wind is allowed to blow through or behind the insulation.

Key point: Insulation must be continuous, sealed, and wind-blocked to be effective.

4. Evaporative cooling can worsen freezing

  • If moisture is present (rain, melting snow, condensation), wind speeds up evaporation.
  • Evaporation pulls additional heat from the pipe, lowering its temperature further.
  • This is especially dangerous around outdoor faucets and irrigation lines.

5. Why moving water helps—but wind can still win

  • Flowing water resists freezing because it brings in heat from upstream.
  • However, in strong wind and prolonged cold:
    • Slow trickles may not provide enough heat
    • Small-diameter pipes can still freeze

Practical mitigation strategies

To reduce wind-related freezing risk:

  • Block wind exposure (plywood shields, skirting, or wind barriers)
  • Seal insulation with tape or vapor barrier
  • Use heat tape rated for outdoor use
  • Enclose pipes where possible

Bottom line

Wind dramatically increases the freezing risk of exposed pipes by accelerating heat loss. In freezing weather, a windy 28°F night can be far more dangerous to pipes than a calm 20°F night.

There are several effective methods to keep your exposed pipes from freezing. Here are some of the most common ones:

  1. Insulation:
    • Use foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or heat cable to wrap pipes.
    • Make sure to cover all joints and bends thoroughly.
  2. Enclosures and Barriers: Build insulated boxes or enclosures around vulnerable pipes.
    • Use plywood or other wind barriers to block strong gusts.
  3. Sealing Gaps:
    • Seal any cracks, gaps, or openings in walls, floors, and foundations where cold air can seep in.
  4. Heating Solutions:
    • Install a small space heater or heat lamp in areas with exposed pipes.
    • Use heat tape or cables that are thermostatically controlled to maintain a safe temperature.
  5. Keeping Indoor Temperatures Consistent:
    • Maintain consistent heat in areas where pipes are exposed, such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces.
  6. Disconnecting and Draining:
    • For outdoor hoses and sprinkler systems, disconnect and drain them before freezing weather sets in.
  7. Using Outdoor Faucet Covers:
    • Install insulated covers over outdoor faucets to help protect them from the cold.

By combining several of these methods, you can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes.

As a reminder from Winter Storm Uri, Senate Bill 3 was passed in 2021 which prevents penalties and water service terminations during an “extreme weather emergency.” This is defined as a period when the previous day’s highest temperature and the predicted temperature for the next 24 hours are both no higher than 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

Inframark will be monitoring the weather conditions and following the directives provided in SB3.

On behalf of the Texas MUD Leadership Team

Todd A. Burrer
President, MUDs

24/7 Customer Service 832-467-1599.

Inframark | 2002 West Grand Parkway North Suite 100 | Katy, TX 77449 US

Bridge Over Cypress Creek

MUD 501’s engineer, EHRA Engineering, has been in contact with the Harris County senior project manager for the addition of the northbound Greenhouse Bridge over Cypress Creek.

The remaining railing and posts will be installed this week, and northbound traffic is expected to move over to the new bridge by the end of the month.

The remaining work in the median will follow shortly after and substantial completion of the project is expected in February.

Important Update Regarding Today’s Trash Collection

Dear Residents,

Please be advised that our service provider, Texas Pride Disposal, has notified us that trash collection for our community is experiencing a delay today.

This delay is due to the increased volume following the holiday season and significant wait times at the landfills. While they anticipate completing all services before the end of the day, collections will occur later than the regular schedule.

We are in contact with them and will pass along any further updates if the situation changes.

We appreciate your understanding.

Freeze Warning Tonight

Temperatures are forecasted to drop below freezing overnight, into early tomorrow morning. Please take time to protect your pipes, pets, plants, and people, from the freezing temperatures.

  • Wrap pipes and let faucets drip to prevent freezing
  • Bring pets and sensitive plants indoors
  • Dress appropriately and check conditions regularly