FAQs on the Cinco Ranch Comprehensive Solution (Conservation + Reuse/Reclaimed)
The Harris –Galveston County Subsidence District, as well as Fort Bend County, received a mandate from the Texas the Legislature to reduce subsidence moving away from groundwater to an alternative supply of water. By 2010 the amount must be reduced by 30%; by 2020 it by 70% and by 2030 by 80%. If not reduced, then the water provider must pay a disincentive fee which greatly raises the cost of groundwater.
Because of the dramatic increase in population in Texas, despite the decades of construction of new reservoirs the ratio of Reservoir Storage Capacity to Population is the same in 2010 as it was in 1953. This growth, coupled with the drought, means that there simply may not be enough surface water. Building expensive reservoirs and pipelines to store and convey water that may not be there is why alternative sources must be found.
If properly practiced, about 50% to 70% however according to a water conservation expert, the industry rarely gets close to those numbers. Throughout the nation the figure is about 15% to 20%.
The type of reclaimed water is called type 1 effluent which goes through the most stringent treatment process. After being treated in the plant, the water is filtered through a multi-media sand filter to remove any remaining suspended particles and then dosed with ultraviolet light (UV) to sterilize the bacteria and viruses. It is then sent to a two million gallon storage tank where it is low dosed with chlorine to keep the water fresh.
The water will be used for common area irrigation and to fill community amenity lakes.
This is not potable or drinking water. While it meets many of the standards for potable water it does not meet all of them.
All reclaimed water distribution lines and visible components like sprinkler heads are colored purple for identification and are completely separate from the drinking water system. Also, for public safety, all areas irrigated by this water are noted by signs. Irrigation with this water, for both safety and conservation purposes are done between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.
According to Senior Project Manager for the engineering firm of Brown & Gay, Larry Mueller, about 445 million gallons of water per year can be reused and not have to use potable water. That amount of potable water could supply over 2,800 average residential homes per year.
Presently it is sent into Buffalo Bayou rather than being reused.
The estimated construction costs of the reclaimed system are broken down into Plant Facilities, (which is storage and pumping), distribution lines, and irrigation upgrades. The Plant Facility costs are $3,474,804. The distribution lines, which completed construction in 2016, cost $5,765,310. The irrigation upgrades, completed in 2015, cost $1,089,604. This cost does not include the last phase of meter transitioning.
There is the possibility there are traces of very low concentrations of pharmaceuticals in the water that were taken and passed through from the residents of the community. However, these concentrations are very low and meet all regulations set forth by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality.
Suberbugs are bacteria present in hospitals. These "bugs" are not in reuse water because of the additional treatment that is engineered into our facilities to meet the Type 1 standards. The treatment eliminates their presence.
There should be no problem because of the standard of treatment to the water.
There should be no problem because of the standard of treatment to the water.
There should be no problem because of the standard of treatment to the water.
The HOA and District are still working on the reclaimed water system. We cannot say when the system will be in operation. However, there will be an insert regarding the transition to the reclaimed system on the monthly water utility bills prior to transitioning.
At the time of transition from potable water to reclaimed water on each meter, the reclaimed signs for that area will be posted. Again, there will also be an insert regarding the transition to the reclaimed system on the monthly water utility bills.
Type I reclaimed water is approved by the TCEQ for use in areas where the public may be present during the times when irrigation takes place or for other uses where the public may come in contact with the reclaimed water. There would be no cause for concern.
Cinco HOA and District strive not to irrigate ANY property during the day as they are very concerned about evapotranspiration losses and water management. Therefore, if you ever see ANY irrigation running on common property during the day (and do not see landscape/irrigation maintenance staff working on the system for periodical checks for efficiency) please contact the HOA to let them know.
