Stormwater Management Program – Public Education – Year 5
Order Approving a Name Change Request
Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to an Order Approving a Name Change Request by the Texas Commission Environmental Quality dated June 28, 2021, Sienna Plantation Municipal Utility District No. 1 of Fort Bend County, Texas has changed its name to Sienna Regional Municipal Utility District of Fort Bend County, Texas, in accordance with Section 49.071, Texas Water Code and 30 Texas Administrative Code, Section 293.102.
Winter Storm Uri — Proper Planning Produces Resilient System
In 2018, the Sienna water and wastewater system, a group of the Sienna MUDs (Sienna MUD’s 1,2,3, 10, 12 and the Management District), undertook a $1.6 million renovation to install permanent backup power for the sanitary sewer lift stations throughout the community. Many of the sanitary lift stations in Sienna provide services to multiple districts. The Sienna MUDs purchased and installed a total of 21 permanent natural gas generators. These generators are designed to keep the lift stations operational in the event of an electrical power outage, such as Winter Storm Uri. Sienna chose to implement generators that operate on a natural gas fuel source to limit the amount of time, effort, and expense to refuel them.
The District’s water supply system also has permanent emergency generators located at the three water plants. The availability of the backup power during the outages experienced during Uri allowed Sienna to continuously provide plentiful and safe water to residents throughout the event. There was a short period of time when pressures dipped in the community. This was caused by a frozen pressure sensor which, when located by the operator, was quickly remedied and pressure was restored to the system.
The District’s critical systems have been upgraded in anticipation of extended grid power outages. While the District cannot anticipate every eventuality, it will continue to monitor and upgrade its systems when appropriate to provide high levels of service to its customers.
Groundwater Reduction Plan Fee Increase
Sienna participates in the City of Missouri City’s groundwater reduction plan (GRP). The GRP was adopted to meet the the Fort Bend County Subsidence Districts mandatory ground water reduction requirements. As part of the GRP Sienna receives treated surface water from the Missouri City plant located near the Brazos River in Sienna. The City periodically updates the fees they charge Sienna and other users for the costs associated with the surface water and GRP. The City recently increased the fee it charges by 8%. The fee appears on customers water bills as “City GRP Fee”. This is the first increase in the GRP fee since 2018.
Sienna Release Surface Water
Missouri City has been notified by the Gulf Coast Water Authority (the raw water supplier) that there is a maintenance issue with a water pump station.
GCWA is currently addressing this maintenance issue and they are anticipating the system to be fully operational by the end of the day.
In the meantime, customers should know the water meets all regulatory requirements and is safe to drink and use. However, there may be some difference in water quality due to the temporary conversion from surface water to ground water.
If customers have questions, they should contact their Municipal Utility Districts. The City will be receiving updates from GCWA throughout the day. Please watch the City’s outlets for updates.