Construction Impacts & Recent Water Outages
Dear Texas National Residents,
Over the past several weeks, you have experienced multiple service disruptions and inconveniences associated with ongoing fiber optic construction by a third party telecommunications contractor.
While this work is not being performed by the District, it can impact water and wastewater systems when underground utilities are struck during construction:
- A water outage last Thursday lasting approximately 8 hours
- A water main break yesterday afternoon that required shutting down the system
- An additional line strike discovered during system restoration, requiring further emergency repairs into the early morning hours
- An electrical line strike earlier in the project, which impacted residents, although the District’s water system was not directly affected
We fully understand how frustrating and disruptive these events have been. Please know that the Board of Directors and Aqua Management share that frustration with you.
All members of the Board are residents of this community and have experienced these same outages and disruptions firsthand. The frustration you are feeling is shared at every level — by your neighbors, your Board, and your Operator. We are all working through the same challenges together.
What the District Has Done
In response to prior issues, the District has taken proactive and, in many cases, uncommon steps to govern and manage these contractors, including:
- Establish strict working requirements, including limited work hours, no weekend or holiday work, and daily shutdown requirements
- Require traffic controls to maintain emergency vehicle access
- Restrict work to one side of the roadway at a time
- Prohibit access to private property without prior coordination
- Require non-destructive excavation (potholing/daylighting) near utilities
- Require certificate of insurance to cover damages
- Provide ongoing oversight to protect District infrastructure
These measures are intended to reduce risk, protect infrastructure, and limit disruption to residents.
Challenges with Underground Utilities
Much of the District’s water and sewer infrastructure was installed many years ago, prior to modern locating technology. As a result:
- Available records and markings are approximate and provided for general reference only
- Even with precautions, utility strikes can still occur
That said, we are continuing to reinforce expectations with contractors and require them to address repairs and restoration associated with their work.
Where We Stand Currently and Moving Forward
We want to be candid: Utility districts across the region have experienced similar challenges with telecom fiber installations which state law allows in public right of way and utility easements. They have attempted to delay or prevent this work and have been largely unsuccessful.
While the District does not control the telecommunications project itself, we are assuming control within our authority to manage how the work is performed to protect our infrastructure and residents as much as possible. Aqua Management currently:
- Monitors construction daily
- Responds immediately to any utility impacts
- Coordinates directly with contractors daily to minimize future incidents
- Evaluates the water and sewer systems for any additional damage
In Closing
We understand how disruptive these outages have been, and we sincerely appreciate your patience. Please know that the District and your Operator are working diligently to manage this situation and protect the integrity of your water and wastewater systems. We remain committed to taking reasonable actions within our authority to minimize further impacts. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Aqua Management at (281) 440-0900.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Texas National Municipal Utility District
Aqua Management Texas
District Operator