Author: LFUD

Lead & Copper Inventory Update for 2024

Understanding the Lake Forest Utility District’s Lead and Copper Service Line Inventory

In compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), the Lake Forest Utility District (LFUD) has completed its comprehensive inventory for 2024. This vital step ensures transparency and safety in drinking water systems by identifying and tracking service line materials.

Key Findings:
  • No Lead Lines Detected: The district confirmed that none of its 1,562 service lines contain lead or require replacement due to galvanized connections.
  • Comprehensive Review: Historical records, distribution maps, and meter data were meticulously analyzed.
  • Ownership Clarified: Service line ownership is clearly split between the utility and customers, as defined in local regulations.

Why It Matters: This inventory demonstrates LFUD’s commitment to public health and regulatory compliance. Lead contamination in drinking water poses serious health risks, especially to vulnerable populations. By maintaining an accurate and accessible inventory, the district enhances community trust and safeguards water quality.

For further details on the inventory process and the measures being taken, please refer to the official Lead & Copper Inventory document.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about their water supply. If you have questions or wish to view the detailed inventory, please contact the District.

Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate – October 15, 2024

Lake Forest Utility District will be holding a public hearing to discuss the proposed tax rate. Here are the details:

Date: October 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: 11450 Compaq Center Drive, Suite 660, Houston, Texas 77070

During this meeting, there will be a comprehensive analysis of the proposed tax rate, its potential impact on the local community, and its implications for public services and infrastructure. The proposed rate could affect property taxes and funding for key city services. Attendees are encouraged to participate and voice their concerns.

More Information

For further details, please refer to the official document. It includes a thorough explanation of the tax rate, its justification, and any alternative proposals considered by the city council. Attendees are encouraged to review the document prior to the meeting to better understand the topics of discussion.

Make sure to attend the meeting and voice your opinion on the proposed tax rate!

Surface Water

Lake Forest Utility District (the “District”) is located within the North Harris County Regional Water Authority’s (“NHCRWA”) Groundwater Reduction Program (“GRP”) and is mandated to receive surface water.

The District currently uses groundwater as its water source, which is disinfected with chlorine. The NHCRWA uses chloramines to disinfect their water.

The District is scheduled to receive surface water in the fourth quarter of 2024. To prepare for the delivery of surface water, the District must convert their current disinfection system from chlorine to chloramine disinfection.

The extension of NHCRWA surface water lines and the chloramines conversion projects are currently in construction and is expected to be complete by the end of 2024.

Storm Preparedness: Case Study

When Hurricane Harvey struck the Houston area, historic levels of rainfall significantly impacted the operations of water and wastewater utilities across the region. Four feet of floodwaters caused the Lake Forest Utility District’s main water treatment plant to go offline for several days.

The District contacted Baxter & Woodman to evaluate the facility for damage and necessary modifications. After temporary emergency repairs to the plant were made, Baxter & Woodman recommended additional resiliency upgrades to reduce the risk of essential equipment failure in future flood events while providing cost savings to the District. Improvements were designed to elevate critical infrastructure and electrical equipment above Harvey’s flood level, including raising the roof and wall height of the control building by approximately five feet, installing an interior mezzanine deck to house the new, raised motor controls center, and constructing a raised concrete pad for outdoor placement of the new generator along with a metal pedestrian platform around the perimeter to provide access for maintenance.

Baxter & Woodman helped the District coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to secure $294,000 in reimbursements for the $926,100 repair and mitigation project.

Click here to read the case study.