‘I’m very confused.’ Retired Houston couple stressed over $2,000 water bill
Hundreds of Houston water customers who have paid their bills on time every month are getting slapped with enormous charges months later with no explanation. The KPRC 2 Investigates team is digging into the billing nightmares that are leaving customers “DRAINED.”
KPRC 2 investigates outdated water maps costing city of Houston millions
Water leaks and pipe breaks is an expensive problem in Houston. In our ‘DRAINED’ KPRC 2 Investigation we've learned the reason it often takes so long to fix these issues is because the city of Houston has wrong and outdated water pipe maps.
Waste not: Worsening water shortages could lead to use of effluent
If drought conditions and low Rio Grande water levels persist, that could at least be a consideration for the future of the Rio GrandeValley and perhaps the entire state. Treated wastewater, called effluent, already is used in South Texas to irrigate local golf courses and some farms. Texas already allows the recycling of effluent water into municipal water supplies, and some cities such as Wichita Falls and Big Spring, in West Texas, already do so. Despite the region’s rapidly growing population and industrial and business sectors, agriculture still uses three-fourths of all the water used in the region. Using more effluent water for crop irrigation would maximize its use and leave more available for homes.
myrgv.comLevels ‘slightly above industry standards’ of Legionella bacterium found in water supply in Ben Taub Hospital, officials say
Three areas with levels slightly above industry standards of Legionella bacterium were found in the Neuro-Psychiatric Center on the Ben Taub Hospital campus, according to Harris Health System.
Hug a tree, or at least water it!
The devastating 2011 drought left 301million trees dead across Texas and while a drought can certainly increase tree problems of insects and disease, the real bottom line is that trees need water. And right now, most of them aren’t getting enough. Water allows trees to transport nutrients from their roots to their leaves. Almost all of the water moving through a tree is used to keep stomata open, which are the pores that let in carbon dioxide, allowing a tree to carry out photosynthesis. Without water, known as hydraulic failure, trees have to depend on stored sugars and starches and they’ll run out if the drought continues long enough. There are other reasons trees die during drought, according to this study by the National Science Foundation, but lack of water leads the list.
Rosenberg water might smell, taste differently in the coming weeks; Here’s why, authorities say
The City of Rosenberg said its water system will temporarily convert the disinfectant used in the water distribution system from chloramine to free chlorine. The conversion will begin on June 6, and continue through June 26.
Operator files for approval of Fukushima plant water release
The operator of the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant says it has applied for approval from safety authorities to construct an undersea tunnel and other facilities needed for the planned release of large amounts of treated radioactive water into the sea
washingtonpost.comKPRC 2 Investigates: Here’s how much more you can expect to pay for winter bills
At a time when it seems like just about everything is more expensive, we want to warn you about potential sticker shock when it comes to your bills. You’ll probably be paying more for several of your utility bills this winter. Our KPRC 2 Investigates team is here with what you need to know to prepare.
Harrowing North Carolina floods left farm animals stranded, lifted houses off their foundations
Once the water finally started retreating, Cordle went outside to survey the damage to the 10 acres where they’ve lived for more than a decade. The bridge over the creek and into their property had been washed sideways by the swells, trapping them on the farm. Just-purchased bales of hay had been swept downstream, leaving them short on animal feed. Fences across the property had been destroyed.
washingtonpost.comThese photos tell you everything you need to know about California’s drought
Just this week, a major Southern California water agency declared a water supply alert for the first time in seven years, and is asking residents to voluntarily conserve. Many of the state’s counties are already under a state of drought emergency.
What exactly was Mark Zuckerberg riding in that viral Fourth of July video?
If you’ve been scrolling around on social media this month, then you may have noticed that over the Fourth of July weekend, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg was riding on some sort of wakeboard on a lake with an American flag in tow.
Despite 20% of generators failing during Winter Storm Uri, city officials proclaim ‘infrastructure performed well’
Natural disasters, whether it’s a vicious hurricane or a crippling winter storm, they force municipalities and agencies into management mode. While managing the unpredictable is challenging, the approach is straightforward.
What you should do if you get a big water bill as a result of the freeze
HOUSTON – Water leaks from broken pipes during the state’s big freeze caused big bills for thousands of City of Houston customers. If you have already received a big bill for water usage during the time of the freeze, Houston Public Works Department says you should pay on the due date, but don’t pay the abnormally high amount. You should pay the amount on your previous water bill that was more in line with your normal usage. When you receive your April bill, Houston Public Works says you will notice an adjustment. Public Works says its software will flag accounts with abnormally high usage over the week of the big freeze.
A quarter of all Houston Water customers had a leak during the winter storm, city says
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)HOUSTON – An estimated 25% of all Houston Water customers experienced a leak on their property during the winter storm, the city said Tuesday. The statistic is based on Houston Public Works’ data from water meter readings. Of Houston’s single-family residential customers, an estimated 50,000 had no flow or constant flow, indicating a leak on the property, the city said in a news release. The city said Houston Public Works received more than 11,000 calls for help with water service the weeks during and after the event. If you are still without water service, you’re advised to call 311.
LIST: Food and water distribution sites in the Houston area
HOUSTON – Many local businesses and organizations have opened food and water distribution sites in the Houston area in the wake of the recent winter storms. Various distribution sites pop up daily, so please keep checking this list if you’re in need. Houston Community College-North Forest CampusTexas State Representative Senfronia Thompson, NACC Disaster Services, Teamsters Union, Houston Community College (HCC)- North Forest campus, HCC Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, Peoples United Summit, and other volunteer groups host water and food distribution in northeast Houston. The organizers will provide food and water for about 1,000 vehicles. Pet owners will receive free pet food, supplies, and information on additional resources such as the Houston Humane Society’s free spay/neuter program.
Here are winter storm relief resources for Sugar Land residents
SUGAR LAND, Texas – The Sugar Land City Council recently approved steps to help residents impacted by last week’s winter storm. “Residents of Sugar Land have endured conditions no one should have to experience during the past week,” said Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman in a release. AdCalculations for 2021 winter averages will be based on last year’s average to ensure excessive water usage related to the recent winter storm doesn’t create higher than normal winter averages, according to the city. AdThis will include the following items through May 1:Permit fees for repairs needed as a result of the winter storm will be temporarily waived. Contractors registering with the city to perform repairs related to the winter storm will have their annual registration fee waived.
Disinfectants blamed for reports of smelly water in Houston
HOUSTON – A higher concentration of normal disinfectants in Houston’s water system is causing an odor that has some people concerned, according to officials. According to Houston Public Works, a blend of chlorine and ammonia, called chloramine, are used to clean surface water. Where these two water sources carrying these disinfectants combine is causing the stink. RELATED READ: Complaints of strange-smelling water across Houston area after boil water notice lifted“This is a harmless odor that we try to avoid in our water system, but right now Houston Water is disinfecting the drinking water at higher concentrations in response to last week’s water emergency,” Carol Haddock, director of Houston Public Works. AdOfficials said the disinfectants are being reduced to normal concentrations, which should reduce the smell in two to three days.
Lights may be on, but the suffering isn’t over
HOUSTON – Texas Senate and House hearings are only the beginning of the investigations into our state’s power grid failures during a blistering winter storm. Ten days after the winter storm blanketed Texas, Anderson still has no water in her Yorkdale neighborhood home in Northwest Houston. Like millions of Texans, Anderson lost power as temperatures dropped, pipes in the ceiling froze and then cracked. Hearings in the House and Senate will start the work to get those answers. We should have taken action then, what prevented that from happening, why did we not take the action?”
Thousands flock to food, water giveaways across Houston area
RICHMOND, Texas – Thousands showed up to community food and water giveaways in Rosenberg, Richmond and Missouri City Wednesday. Some waited for hours to make sure they would get some food and water. The need for food and water still so great for many Houston area families. They depend on these food giveaways and say this is saving lives. Boys and Girls Club will also host several more giveaways this week.
Sun and snow melt: Chicago warming up after bitter cold and heavy snow
There is about 2 to 3 inches of liquid water “trapped” in all the snowfall the area has experienced in the past few weeks, according to recent core samples taken by the weather service. A good meteorology rule of thumb is 10 to 13 inches of snow is about a solid inch of liquid water, said meteorologist Lee Carlaw of the Chicago area office of the weather service.
chicagotribune.comHouston distributes thousands of cases of water after pipes freeze in week’s severe winter storm
HOUSTON – The City of Houston handed out thousands of cases of water to Houstonians Friday. “We’ve lost gas, water, lights, food, but we don’t lose hope,” said Percy McGee. He and hundreds of others waited outside Delmar Stadium, where the city started distributing thousands of cases of bottled water. RELATED STORY: LIST: Food and water distribution sites in the Houston area“No water, electric, just have to make that big sacrifice. Also, the city planned to deliver bottled water to disable people who cannot make it to one of them.
Houstonians rush to grocery stores in search of bottled water but find mostly empty shelves
Folks all across the Houston area in search of food and water started lining up outside of grocery stores at about 7 a.m. Thursday. Most stores were out of bottled water in a matter of minutes leaving shoppers like Adrienne Parker no choice but to continue searching. Others told KPRC 2 they will find ways to collect water and boil it as part of the city’s boiling water notice. We are also working closely with hospitals and food banks, along with city representatives to ensure that essential organizations have access to bottled water. We are thankful that almost all of our Kroger stores across Greater Houston are now back up and operational, and we look forward to serving our communities.
Mayor Turner, city officials provide update on city’s water system
Mayor Turner provided an update on the city’s water system and an announcement on bottled water distribution at an 11 a.m. news briefing Thursday. Houston residents Wednesday were warned to boil their water -- if they had the power to do so-- after water pressure plummeted throughout the Houston-area. A combination of bursting pipes and equipment failures at water distribution facilities during the freezing weather caused the water pressure to fall, said Carol Haddock, director of public works. In a news briefing Wednesday, city officials said water pressure would improve throughout the day and expected pressure levels to stabilize and return to an operational range before the end of the day on Thursday. After water pressure returns to normal levels, a 24-hour observation period on water samples must occur before the boil water notice can be lifted.
VIDEO: Stunning footage from inside area home shows the extent of water damage
HOUSTON – A video from northeast Harris County shows the mess a broken waterline from frozen pipes can bring. Video of the home -- said to be on Highway 90 at Sheldon Road – shows water falling on sodden insulation and sheetrock strewn over furniture in what looks to be a living room. Watch the video in the player above. Have you experienced similar damage in the severe weather? Let us know.