Notification of Temporary Free-Chlorine Conversion – PWS 0790005

PUBLIC WORKS

March 5, 2026

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Water Supply Division
P.O. Box 13087 MC-155
Austin, TX 78711-3087

Re: Notification of Free-chlorine Conversion for PWS 0790005

Public Drinking Water staff,

The City of Sugar Land public water system, (PWS) ID 0790005, will temporarily convert the disinfectant used in the water treatment process from chloramine to free chlorine. The conversion will begin on April 7, 2026 and continue until May 5, 2026.

Please see below for name, title, and phone of PWS contact.

The City of Sugar Land water system, PWS 0790005, supplies treated water to Fort Bend County MUD 128, PWS 0790498.

The City of Sugar Land has chosen to implement a temporary disinfectant conversion to free chlorine to control nitrification and protect the City of Sugar Land’s long term drinking water quality.

Sincerely,

Ashley Kirkpatrick
Water Quality Manager
City of Sugar Land
832-600-8139

Notification of Temporary Free-Chlorine Conversion – PWS 0790005 (PDF)

E-Scooter Safety: What Texas Parents and Riders Need to Know

Electric scooters have become a familiar sight across Texas neighborhoods, offering kids and teens a fun and fast way to get around. However, local officials are reminding families that while e-scooters are convenient, they are not toys, and crashes can lead to serious injuries, particularly when riders skip safety gear like helmets.

Safety experts urge parents to talk with their children about rules of the road, personal responsibility, and the importance of following traffic laws. Under Texas law, all riders on public roads must obey the same traffic regulations as other vehicles, including signaling turns and observing posted speed limits.

According to the Texas Transportation Code §551.352, motor-assisted scooters can operate on certain roadways and sidewalks, but with restrictions:

  • Scooters may only be ridden on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.
  • Riders can only cross higher speed roads at intersections.
  • Cities and counties can restrict scooter use on specific streets, highways, or sidewalks if it’s deemed necessary for public safety.
  • Scooters are also permitted on bike paths and sidewalks, following the same rules that apply to bicycles.
  • Vehicle laws that apply to cars or motorcycles generally do not apply to scooters.

Officials note that many major roads in the area exceed the 35 mph limit, meaning scooters are best suited for residential neighborhoods and designated bike paths.

Whether you’re a parent, a teen rider, or simply sharing the road with scooters, the message is the same: Ride smart, follow the law, and put safety first.

Tips For Winterizing Your Home

As Texas winters become increasingly unpredictable, taking steps to prepare your home for the colder months is more important than ever. Simple, preventative measures now can protect your property, improve energy efficiency, and help you avoid costly repairs. Here are eight practical ways to get your home “Winter Ready”:

Clean Gutters and Inspect the Roof

  • Remove leaves and debris from gutters to ensure proper water flow and prevent ice dams that can lead to water damage.
  • Check the roof for damaged or missing shingles.
  • Trim any overhanging branches to reduce the risk of breakage from ice or wind during storms.

Winterize Your Sprinkler System

  • Drain all water from the system at least a week before a hard freeze to prevent pipe damage.
  • Contact a licensed irrigation or plumbing professional for thorough winterization.
  • For safety, remember to turn off the water and timer, fully drain lines, and insulate exposed parts such as backflow preventers and valves, making sure not to block vents or drains.

Prepare Pool Equipment

  • Consult a certified pool maintenance technician for guidance.
  • Depending on the weather, your professional may recommend fully shutting down, insulating, and winterizing your pool or running the equipment through winter to keep water moving.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

  • Use pipe insulation for plumbing in unheated spaces, such as attics or garages.
  • On extremely cold nights, let faucets drip slightly to guard against freezing.
  • Disconnect hoses from outdoor spigots and cover both pipes and faucets outdoors.

Seal Gaps Around Doors and Windows

  • Inspect doors and windows for drafts and use weatherstripping or caulk to close any gaps.
  • Sealing these openings helps your heating system run more efficiently and keeps your indoor spaces warmer.

Service Your Heating System

  • Schedule a professional checkup for your furnace or heater.
  • Replace air filters, clean ducts, and verify everything works correctly.
  • Regular maintenance boosts efficiency and reduces the risk of breakdowns just when you need heat the most.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

  • Test all detectors and replace batteries as needed.
  • With greater heater use during winter, keeping these safety devices working properly becomes even more crucial.

Stock Up on Winter Supplies

  • Prepare for the possibility of power outages or blocked roads by keeping water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, blankets, and other essentials on hand.
  • Having emergency provisions ready ensures comfort and safety during unexpected winter events.

By following these steps, you’ll protect your home and ensure the comfort and safety of everyone inside. For further updates on local weather or impacts to municipal facilities, check the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 128 website regularly.

Share these tips with your neighbors to help your community thrive throughout the winter season.

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