The fastest way to shut your water off is to locate your private shut off valve, typically placed on the side of your home. This valve is usually located in line with the meter box, low to the ground, sometimes behind bushes, on property between the District’s water meter box and your residence. If you are experiencing a leak at a fixture (such as a sink or toilet), look for a small shut-off valve behind or below the fixture to shut off water flow to that fixture until a repair is completed. 

We recommend that every home or structure have a private shut off valve. This will help minimize water damage to property in cases of emergencies, allowing you to shut off water to your home or business without delay. 

If your property does not have a private shut off valve, call (281) 579-4500 to schedule a turn off. For emergency turn-off assistance, call (281) 398-8211. The curb stop located in the water meter box is District property. District Rate Order Section 5.1 prohibits anyone other than an authorized representative of the District from turning off or turning on water at the District’s curb stop. Any damage to District property as a result of unauthorized use will be billed to the utility account holder of the property.

Some companies sell water softeners to reduce the hardness of water. The softener’s purpose is to improve the aesthetics or feel of the water. Using a water softener is a matter of personal preference – but, using a water softener may not improve the safety or quality of water as it relates to health. 

As water travels over or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals such as calcium or magnesium. The ‘hardness’ of water refers to the amount of these minerals in the water. Because calcium or magnesium can prevent soaps from lathering or creating suds, cleaning with water containing high amounts of these minerals is considered ‘hard’ or difficult. Water containing very little calcium or magnesium is called ‘soft’ water. In general, water from wells contains more minerals because ground water is exposed to the minerals longer. 

Hard water is fine to use and drink without a softener. Some people like the way their hair and skin feels when suing soft water. Others do not like soft water because they feel the soap won’t rinse off and may note a ‘slimy’ feel. People with hard water may notice white deposits on dishes, cookware or coffee makers. Some detergents now contain the softening ingredients to reduce and remove these deposits. The calcium in the water can deposit on faucets and shower curtains as a white residue (which is most easily cleaned with a vinegar-soaked cloth). 

Many water softeners exchange sodium for existing calcium and magnesium in the water and therefore, increase the sodium content in the water. The sodium increase in softened water may be a concern to you. If you are on a sodium restricted diet, you may want to consult with your physician to determine what is best for you. The softened water may be more corrosive and may harm your water pipes in your house. The resin beads in the water softener slowly break down and these break-down materials sometimes settle as deposits in the toilet tanks and in the water heater indicating your softened water may contain these materials. An unused softener can grow bacteria and may be a source of potential water contamination in your home. 

The cost of softening water is a factor that must be taken into consideration. Some water softeners have features to reduce water use. On-demand water softening equipment measures the demand and softens water only when needed. These units can save water by eliminating unnecessary regeneration cycles and making the most efficient use of water, salt and energy. 

If you are considering installing a water softener, the not-for-profit National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) independently tests home water treatment devices and has a guide to selecting the right household water treatment system to meet your needs. For more information visit www.nsf.org