Wastewater’s primary function is to protect public heath by operating and maintaining the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater in the city in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations.

Backflow Prevention

A joint responsibility between the city and its residents / customers must exist to ensure all areas of water distribution are adequately protected. The city will provide a safe, adequate water supply to the residents / customers who in turn should maintain their plumbing systems in compliance with local ordinances, requirements, codes and policies.

A backflow incident can seriously affect the quality and safety of our drinking water supply. Common examples of possible cross-connections include:

• Garden hoses
• Hose attachments for utility sinks
• Landscape sprinkling systems

Backflow prevention assemblies provide the public water system with protection against contamination or polluting.

For more information on what the city requires and additional resources, please call (281) 291.5600.

Sewer Stoppages

If you have a sewer stoppage and suspect it is a city problem, please call us first so we may inspect the sewer system before you call a plumber. If the problem is a city issue, we will dispatch a crew immediately to repair the line. If the problem is the responsibility of the homeowner, you will be notified and advised of what repairs need to be made either by the homeowner or a certified plumber. If a homeowner calls a plumber first and it turns out to be a city problem, the city will not be responsible for the plumbing bill.

Wise use of the sewer system and performance of simple preventive maintenance will help safeguard the system and reduce costs for everyone.

Wastewater is on call 24 hours a day.

Citizens may call (281) 291.5600 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and press 3 for the wastewater department. After hours or on weekends or holidays call (281) 291.5610.

Preventing Stoppages

There are several ways to prevent stoppages in our sewer system. Download a document on how to properly dispose of fats, oils and grease.

• Avoid release of hair into drains of showers, bath tubs and wash basins to prevent clogs in the traps and drains.
• Clean vents leading from toilets, located on the roof annually. It is identifiable by a two-inch pipe on the roof. Failure to clean vents may result in stoppages, causing dangerous sewer line gases to back up into your home.
• Scrape grease and food residue from dishes and pans into the garbage before placing into your dishwasher or sink. This will reduce grease buildup in the sewer lines.
• Unclog drains naturally by pouring ¼ cup of baking soda down the drain followed by ½ cup of white vinegar. Follow a few minutes later with boiling water. Pour boiling water down the drains weekly to prevent clogs.
• Empty washing machine lint into the garbage to avoid the discharge of lint into the sewer line.
• Associations from condominiums or town home complexes should hire a plumber to conduct preventive maintenance on collector lines in the street. Check all water sources such as sinks, toilets, showers and outdoor faucets for leaks which can overload the sewer system and increase water and sewer fee costs.
• Do not pour household grease into sinks, garbage disposals or other drains. This is one of the major contributors to sewer stoppages.
• Do not flush diapers, sanitary napkins, newspapers, soiled rags, tissues or paper towels down toilets.