Keeping our wastewater system free of blockages is the main goal of the Defend Your Drains North Texas campaign. Created by Dallas Water Utilities, the campaign is an educational effort that encourages residents to properly dispose of items that can harm a... more
As the communities we serve grow, basic infrastructure must be in place to support the new businesses and residents moving in. A recent nationwide report listed two of our Member Cities as one of the three fastest-growing cities in the... more
Long-term planning is a critical role of the NTMWD Wastewater division. The District must work closely with wastewater Member Cities to make sure the regional systems have the capacity necessary as demands increase. Steve Massey, Director of the Community Services... more
The comment period for the revised draft environmental impact statement for the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir (LBCR) project has closed, and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is reviewing comments received. USACE officials are scheduled to submit a report on... more
The school year may be over, but learning never stops. The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center is offering some great summer education programs for the public, including several workshops for educators. The Wetland Center sits in the middle of the... more
Rain events have filled our reservoirs in recent weeks, yet maintenance on our 60-year-old original water treatment plant will have our team watching demands very closely this summer. Our Wylie Water Treatment Plant I is out of service undergoing extensive... more
Each year, the North Texas Municipal Water District sets wholesale water rates for Member Cities and Customers based on the cost to obtain, treat and deliver water. One of the biggest misconceptions by ratepayers, is that water rates pay for... more
The weekends are typically a time when most of us catch up on yard work and the perfect time to start maintaining healthy lawns. A properly maintained lawn can increase your home’s value, reduce your energy costs, and help you burn... more
Infrastructure affects every single American. We all have experienced dodging potholes while we drive, water main breaks, or being packed like sardines in an overcrowded airport. We have seen the stories about the drinking water crisis in communities with neglected... more
When we told you back in April that May was going to be a busy month, we weren’t kidding. There are a lot of events and observances coming up that highlight the importance of using water efficiently this summer and... more
Did you know that we waste almost 50 percent of the water we use outdoors through inefficient watering methods and faulty irrigation systems? Curb your water waste this May during EPA WaterSense Sprinkler Spruce-Up month by inspecting and repairing your... more
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and water professionals across North America are kicking off Drinking Water Week with the theme “Your Water – To Know It Is To Love It.” NTMWD encourages all consumers during #DrinkingWaterWeek17 to recognize the... more
April 22 was Earth Day and NTMWD once again came together with our partners at Texas A&M AgriLife Water University to offer tips on rainwater harvesting. Earth Day Texas at Fair Park is the world’s largest Earth day event and... more
On April 19, Director of the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center John DeFillipo spoke at the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce partnership luncheon at Fate City Hall. The center provides education and research opportunities pertaining to water conservation, wetland systems... more
On Saturday, April 29, many of our communities are participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. At these events, participants can safely dispose of accumulated expired, unwanted and unused prescription drugs. The service is free and... more
April has been a busy month so far and May is going to be even busier. This month, we are highlighting industry news and how this relates to issues in our region. Share this newsletter with your friends and colleagues.... more
Many homeowners are already preparing their garden for spring. Make the most of your time outdoors by creating a beautiful landscape that is water-efficient. Start by selecting native and adapted plants that thrive in North Texas and need less maintenance.... more
NTMWD has launched the first issue of the quarterly Project Pipeline newsletter, a new tool to keep you abreast of the latest projects around the District. This new communications tool is for anyone interested in learning about some of our... more
Despite what the labels and fancy marketing may suggest, flushable wipes are NOT flushable. On March 29, 2017, the NTMWD’s Squabble Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Rockwall experienced a major blockage due to accumulation of “flushable” wipes and cloths. The... more
There is no better time than now, during Fix-A-Leak Week, to check for water leaks inside and outside your home and business. Checking and making repairs for the most common leaks is simple, but if you’re not a DIY-er then you... more
Wylie, Texas — The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) will host an open house Thursday, March 23, 2017, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at North Texas Municipal Water District – Training Room, located at 505 E. Brown Street, Wylie,... more
Spring is just around the corner, which means things are about to get a lot busier for all of us. While residents are preparing their landscapes, the value of water infrastructure has become a hot topic in Washington. Subscribe now... more
Recently NTMWD partnered with the Plano Fire Department to hold a confined space rescue drill at one of our wastewater lift stations on Rowlett Creek. The drill brought together the best of Plano Fire Department’s rescue, recovery and hazmat crews... more
Spring is right around the corner. That means that it’s time to start preparing your lawn for spring planting. Recently, our own Denise Hickey and AgriLife Water University’s Patrick Dickinson were on WFAA Channel 8 giving tips on how to... more
Starting on March 13 and continuing through April 10, some residents may detect a slight difference in the taste and smell of their water, said Public Works Director Kevin Mattingly. “Every year around this time, the town’s water supplier takes... more
John Bunker Sands Wetland Center sits on a hill outside of Seagoville overlooking one of the largest man-made wetlands in the U.S. On the other side of the 800-acre wetland two bald eagles and their two eggs have homesteaded on a large metal... more
While last month’s issue of the News Stream newsletter was a reflection on our accomplishments in 2016, this month’s issue is a look forward to what’s in store for 2017. Subscribe now to receive monthly updates from NTMWD and stay... more
Looking Ahead We made much progress last year in support of our mission to provide the essential services of water, wastewater and solid waste disposal that North Texans depend on 24/7. Fulfilling this mission requires well-maintained infrastructure, which includes pipes... more
The Melissa City Council approved a motion authorizing the city manager to finalize negotiations with Morrow Renewables at the Jan. 24 city council meeting. Morrow Renewables was awarded a contract by the North Texas Water District, the owners of the... more
2016 was a busy year for NTMWD and the January issue of the News Stream newsletter is packed full of recaps from last year and the latest information you need to know. In this issue: Updates on Trinity River Mainstem Pump... more
In May 2016, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) adopted the 2017 State Water Plan. This comprehensive plan is designed to make the most of our existing water supplies, plan ahead for future growth, and preserve our natural resources. The... more
The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) has experienced a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) of domestic wastewater from its 121 Force Main in Plano. The SSO occurred from a pipeline break in the 121 Force Main near White Rock Creek... more
By Tom Kula, Executive Director of NTMWD Recently, four Member Cities of the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) announced they are requesting the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) to review the wholesale water rates charged by NTMWD. The... more
At this time of year, we like to remind everyone to Defend Your Drains from fats, oils, greases and flushable wipes that clog up sewer lines and can cost more money for repairs. More commonly known as “fatbergs” (think iceberg made... more
Tom Kula, NTMWD Executive Director Response to News Conference by Four Member Cities on Water Supply Contract and Wholesale Water Rates “We are disappointed these four Cities announced this action. For the past year, the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD)... more
Colder temperatures signal time to winterize your lawn and garden. Denise Hickey from NTMWD and Patrick Dickinson from Texas A&M’s Water University was at FOX4 this morning to tell people how to winterize their lawn in four easy steps. Most... more
It’s been a busy year and the holidays are a good time to reflect back on our accomplishments. We are proud of our work on behalf of the communities we serve and hope that next year will bring greater success... more
The November issue of News Stream was full of exciting news about the District and our efforts to provide essential services to our Member Cities and Customers. The most important milestone was our celebration of 60 years of water service to... more
Sixty years ago, we celebrated a monumental achievement for our region – the first delivery of water from our water treatment plant in Wylie. This month, we honored that milestone with an Open House for our Member Cities and Customers.... more
Collin County’s economic boom — from the Dallas Cowboys to Toyota’s U.S. headquarters — gets plenty of attention. But the agency that provides water to much of the area wants a little recognition too. The North Texas Municipal Water District is... more
The US House of Representatives passed a bill that will allow the construction of the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek reservoir to be expedited. It was introduced in May 2016 by Congressman Sam Johnson along with Representatives Pete Sessions, John Ratcliffe, and... more
We are excited to launch the first issue of our News Stream Newsletter! With facilities spanning across multiple counties and cities and a service area of 1.6 million people, staying in touch and providing you with valuable information can be challenging. Our goal is... more
We recently launched our first ever digital newsletter, News Stream, as a way to keep you informed about what’s going on around the District. With facilities spanning across 10 counties, 90 cities and communities, and more than 1.6 million people in... more
As the wholesale water provider for one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, we are focused on helping North Texans use water as efficiently as possible. That’s why we’re partnering with graduate students from the University of North Texas... more
Water resources development act aims to expedite permitting process for Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir A resolution to help the North Texas Municipal Water District get its largest project to date online sooner rather than later was passed by the U.S. House... more
Joe Farmer’s mentor was his uncle, G.T. Stogner. Stogner taught the former Allen mayor an important lesson: Always believe in people and be friendly to everyone you meet. Farmer must have taken it to heart because you won’t meet many... more
When the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment to H.R. 5302, the Water Resources Development Act last week, it brought a project in Fannin County one step closer to completion. The bipartisan amendment introduced by Reps. Sam Johnson, Pete... more
News reports and social media postings regarding an environmental advocacy group’s report on chromium and public water systems has resulted in questions from some NTMWD customers. It is very important for us to emphasize that treated water provided by NTMWD... more
Message from Tom Kula, Executive Director: We’re in a period of significant investment for our water and wastewater systems. Daily headlines highlight the booming growth and economic prosperity happening in our region. The services we provide at NTMWD are the... more
It was standing-room-only Monday, August 29 at the South Annex in Bonham as concerned residents filled the Fannin County Court-at-Law chambers to learn more about the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir Comprehensive Plan. One purpose of the public meeting was to review... more
North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) is pleased to launch our new and improved website this month! We have completely revamped the site to make it more visually appealing and provide helpful information in a way that is easy to... more
For the 10th year in a row, the North Texas Municipal Water District has increased water rates to its member cities. The NTMWD, a nonprofit wholesale water provider, is increasing its rates almost 10.5 percent, or 24 cents per 1,000... more
Heavy rains across North Texas over the past week provided lawns and landscapes relief from normally hot and dry summer conditions. Officially, 4.42 inches of rain was recorded at DFW Airport in August, however some areas may have received a... more
A nonpartisan coalition of public- and private-sector stakeholders has chosen “Infrastructure Week,” May 16-23, to promote the need for government to invest in improvements to “roads, bridges, rails, ports, airports, pipes, the power grid, [and] broadband.” The mantra is #InfrastructureMatters,... more
It’s that time of year again – the days are getting warmer and homeowners are turning on their automatic sprinkler systems. It’s also the time of year when I remind my neighbors that their lawns may not need as much... more
With a goal of meeting the drinking water, wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal needs for the member cities and customers, the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) looks to provide regional service through unity to fulfill the needs of... more
We were recently featured in NTX Magazine, a publication by the North Texas Commission, which is dedicated to promoting economic growth in North Texas. In their piece, “Preparing for The Next Million” they highlighted how important safe, reliable water and... more
Our Executive Director, Tom Kula, was also featured on the cover of Municipal Water Leader Magazine. Inside, he talks about the challenges that come with providing water to 1.6 million people across 46 communities. There is also a special section... more
We estimate the eaglets hatched on March 3rd or 4th. We have been observing feeding behavior – the adult eagle stands on the side of the nest and crouches down to feed and then comes back up. We will continue... more
Plano’s water supplier, the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), will perform annual chlorine maintenance on transmission and distribution systems from March 7 through April 4. You may notice a shift in the taste or smell of your drinking water.
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are sure to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy The topic of change is a common theme in recent discussions as we discuss... more
With population growth in Collin and adjoining counties booming and demand for water on the rise, Rep. Sam Johnson has submitted a first-of-its-kind bill to Congress that would exempt a proposed Fannin County reservoir from federal oversight for construction and... more
Wylie City Council dealt with three street issues last week, two construction upgrades, and the third, a change in the speed limit. The council met in regular session Tuesday, Jan. 26. Other business included accepting annual financial audits for the... more
The city of Plano announced a 10 percent rate increase in September for its water and sewer services. Officials said the change was a result of rate increases approved by the North Texas Municipal Water District at the time. NTMWD... more
With the horrific news coming out of Flint, Mich. — particularly lead levels in drinking water high enough to cause permanent damage to small children who drank it — it’s natural to wonder what’s in the water in Dallas-Fort Worth.... more
Big decisions made in 2015 • Bond election In November, voters participated in the largest bond election held by the city to date. Five of the seven bond proposals in the $160.3 million election passed, bringing improvements to infrastructure, municipal... more
In recent news, Flint, Mich. made national and international headlines when it was revealed that their water had been contaminated with toxic levels of lead. According to recent news reports, the city’s state-appointed emergency manager made a cost-saving decision in... more
Collin County has set up two free Saturday trash drop-offs for residents bringing storm debris to the North Texas Municipal Water District’s landfill in Melissa. In response to this weekend’s tornado damage, all county residents will be allowed to haul... more
The North Texas Municipal Water District extended its Stage 3 watering restrictions through April at a February meeting, citing continuing drought and low lake levels. “Our primary water supplies are below normal due to less than average rainfall and the... more
Zebra mussels have been found in Lake Dean Gilbert in the city of Sherman’s Pecan Grove Park. Lake Dean Gilbert is a small, 45-acre lake and its fishery is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division... more
The first forty years of the history of the North Texas Municipal Water District is a fascinating story and well documented in our 1994 publication “Gift of Water, Legacy of Service.” The last chapter, titled “Lessons of the Past and... more
The city council has adopted a resolution that sets a new, three-year water and sewer rate schedule that will become effective with February bills. The new schedule will amount to an $8.33 per month increase for the average Royse City... more
While water bills in Frisco are increasing, North Texas Municipal Water District officials said it is not due to an increase in the city’s water usage, but rather a need to make sure water infrastructure continues to keep up with... more
The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) announced completion of several key projects necessary to continue providing reliable water and wastewater services to the growing region. The projects, which total nearly $140 million, are funded through bond sales that are... more
Bonham — A large crowd filled the county courtroom at Fannin County Courthouse Monday morning to witness a presentation regarding the preferred route for FM 897, an existing thoroughfare that will be realigned to extend across the proposed Lower Bois... more
WYLIE (CBSDFW.COM) – The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) announced completion of several key projects necessary to continue providing reliable water and wastewater services to the growing region. The projects, which total nearly $140 million, are funded through bond sales that are... more
Three North Texas congressmen are urging the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency to move quickly in granting the last major permit needed by the North Texas Municipal Water District to build a new reservoir in Fannin... more
The city of Frisco increased its water and sewer rates by 5 percent and 14 percent, respectively, for the average utility customer. This equates to the average utility customer paying 17 cents per 1,000 gallons more for water and 58... more
U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-3), U.S. Congressman John Ratcliffe (TX-4), and I released the following statement regarding our joint letter on behalf of the North Texas Municipal Water District to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Environmental... more
Many water utility customers across North Texas saw their monthly bills spike by hundreds of dollars over the summer. Rain and cooler weather means bills are now starting to come down, but some customers are about to get hit with... more
FORT WORTH Fort Worth Water Department workers visited nearly 4,200 residents in August and September — far more than usual — who had called the city to say their water bills were too high. Field investigators found 10 water leaks,... more
More outdoor watering – brought on from an end of summer dry spell and eased restrictions allowing twice weekly frequency – got the blame for higher utility bills arriving at the end of summer. New rates, approved by the Frisco... more
The late-summer Sturm und Drang over high water rates made it to the Dallas City Council this week, where Dallas Water Utilities Director Jody Puckett explained that, calm down, your water meter’s fine, you probably don’t have a leak, you just probably forgot... more
Higher water rates flowing across North Texas have reached McKinney. Dripped into the fiscal year 2015-16 budget are 11 percent and 13 percent increases in city water and wastewater rates, respectively. Those hikes are to the base bill, so customers... more
More than 100 Royse City residents attended a community meeting Friday night with questions about why their recent water usage increased dramatically — some with water usage totals that jumped from several thousand gallons to more than 60,000 gallons in... more
AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Fitch Ratings has assigned an ‘AA’ rating to the bank notes corresponding to the city of Garland, Texas (the city) water and sewer commercial paper notes as follows: –Approximately $90 million series 2015. In addition, Fitch affirms the... more
Water: It’s a natural resource we must provide, protect, build, resupply and use wisely. When you turn the tap, you expect clean, treated water to drink and use for your daily needs. The reliable, safe water supply that’s delivered to... more
NORTH TEXAS (CBS11) – A shockingly high water bill left Lisa Barham furious with the city of Plano. “I’m angry. I’m super angry. And I’m going to fight,” she said. The city itself, though, is also unhappy with its bills.
McKinney lost about 2.5 billion gallons of water last year mostly because of leaks from failing service lines, according to city staff. About 27,000 service lines are prematurely failing, and many are copper ones installed over the last 15 years.... more
A report found the North Texas Municipal Water District projects charging member cities $3.40 per 1,000 gallons by 2020, compared to the $1.20 rate in 2010. Do you think the NTMWD needs to raise rates at the current pace?
Richardson residents have organized their own town hall for Wednesday to discuss ways the city can lower water costs for residents. Many residents in cities and towns around Dallas have complained about abnormally high water bills they say they received last... more
North Texas’ hot, dry weather over recent weeks has left the North Texas Municipal Water District’s water supply with a taste and smell that doesn’t seem quite right. But officials say the water is perfectly safe to drink. “We are... more
Some Collin County residents are turning up their noses at smelly tap water. Phil Glasgow, of Plano, stopped drinking it. His family switched solely to bottled water after noticing a difference in taste last week.
Nothing quenches the thirst during the kind of heat wave we’ve been experiencing over the last week-plus than a big glass of ice-cold water. But customers of the North Texas Municipal Water District – where Mesquite customers get their water... more
Many communities in the Northeast would welcome the frenetic pace of economic development that exists in Texas. A new Buc-ee’s opened in Terrell in June and another is scheduled to be built in Royse City.
(TNS) — In a world that has become reliant on technology for daily life, security extends beyond a lock and key. For corporations, governments and individual in the 21st century, it includes the protection of information and electronic systems. On... more
The North Texas Municipal Water District has taken a major, historic step forward in its effort to supply Frisco and other regional cities for decades to come. The issuance by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of a water rights... more
The North Texas Municipal Water District has achieved a historic milestone for the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir with issuance of a water rights permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
The city of Plano Customer and Utility Services Department is receiving complaints from citizens regarding recent, noticeable increases in their water bills. The reason for the increase is two-fold: customers are using more water and wholesale rates from the North Texas... more
A morning commute or shoreline drive along the lake – at least until recent rains – shows everything one needs to know about Collin County’s greatest needs. Growth is here and it’s coming, quickly – now it’s a matter of... more
The unusually wet winter extended into storms and rain that have brought local reservoirs up to capacity. And, finally, the news many residents had been waiting for came from the U.S. Drought Monitor last week: Collin County is drought free.
Due to slightly above average rainfall the past few weeks, lake levels that supply the North Texas Municipal Water District’s (NTMWD) nearly 1.6 million customers with water have risen dramatically. As of Saturday, both Lavon Lake and Lake Jim Chapman... more
The first four months of the year have given the region a bit of a break from years of drought, filling some North Texas lakes above conservation capacity and pushing others to levels that haven’t been seen in at least... more
COLLIN COUNTY (CBSDFW.COM) – Residents in and around Collin County are being treated to a sight they haven’t seen in years. Lake Lavon is so full, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is releasing water from the lake to reduce flood risks.
Last summer, McKinney area lake levels plummeted due to high temperatures and little rainfall causing the city to tighten water restrictions at the recommendation of the North Texas Municipal Water District.
North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) water supply reservoirs have reached sufficient levels and capacities to allow the district to ease watering restrictions earlier than previously planned. Beginning May 1, the NTMWD will terminate all drought stages, and will implement... more
The Tulsa District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will be holding a public meeting (open house) on Tuesday, March 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Fannin County Multi-Purpose Complex, FM 87, 700 Texas 56... more
The newly reformed Sierra Club Cross Timbers Group, which serves Denton and Collin counties, will hold a free long-range water planning and conservation panel discussion on March 23 in Frisco. The event will feature speakers from the Sierra Club’s Lone Star... more
A new mobile gaming app featuring wildlife native to Lavon Lake is teaching children to help their parents save water and making it more likely that families will talk about water conservation at home. The North Texas Municipal Water District... more
Exposed lake beds once covered with water crack under the sun as the shoreline retreats farther from where its former position. With an extended drought leaving a noticeable effect on many of the lakes that supply the nearly 1.6 million... more
DALLAS (AP) – A contractor for the North Texas Municipal Water District plans to start dredging two areas of a key reservoir amid the lingering drought and concerns about supplying users. The Dallas Morning News reported on Monday (http://bit.ly/1ECPxNn) that... more
AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A new statewide poll commissioned by the Texas Water Foundation (TWF) shows only 28 percent of Texans indicate they “definitely know” the natural source of their drinking water — the same percentage as 10 years ago.
As part of its 50-year plan to provide the growing population of Fannin County and North Texas with a reliable supply of water, the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) has taken steps to construct the Lower Bois d’Arc Reservoir... more
Water levels at Lavon Lake are already more than four feet lower than this point last year, and there’s an extra-hot summer in the forecast. So Tom Kula, executive director of the North Texas Municipal Water District, recently asked the... more