Grass clippings, leaves and household chemicals dumped into Spring-area storm drains could cost residents up to $20,000 per violation under Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 71's Rate Order.

The district posted an advisory on its website on Wednesday, Sept. 30, reminding homeowners that disposing of unauthorized materials in the storm drainage system is a fineable offense. The warning landed as forecasters projected 1 to 3 inches of rain across the Houston area through the weekend, with locally higher totals possible where storms repeatedly pass over the same ground.

Debris dumped in drainage ditches blocks stormwater flow and can cause or worsen flooding in nearby neighborhoods, the district said. HCMUD 71 said stormwater runoff flows untreated into neighborhood lakes, detention ponds, drainage channels and local bayous. Anything tossed into a ditch can end up in those shared waterways.

KPRC 2 reported that the Houston area faced several rounds of storms through the weekend. FOX 26 reported the biggest flooding risk was expected Thursday, Oct. 1, through Saturday, Oct. 3, as tropical moisture interacted with a slow-moving front.

What the district says to do

HCMUD 71 listed several steps residents should take:

• Use a mulching mower or bag and bundle yard waste for proper pickup. Do not push clippings into ditches or drains.
• Hold off on fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides before heavy rain. The district said those products will likely wash straight into storm drains.
• Sweep excess fertilizer or pesticide granules off sidewalks, driveways and curbs back onto the lawn. Do not rinse them into the street with a hose.
• Secure trash and recycling so it does not blow or wash into drainage infrastructure.

The district said yard debris entering the stormwater system can trigger algae blooms that rob water of oxygen and harm fish. It can also raise bacteria levels, cloud the water and produce foul odors. Those effects are especially visible in detention ponds and neighborhood lakes, where water sits relatively still.

Who is affected

HCMUD 71 serves Westland Creek Village, Lakes of Bridgewater, Bridgewater Point, Bridgewater Village, Enclave at Bridgewater, Mason Lakes, Morton Ranch, Bridgewater Meadow, The Lakes at Mason Park, Bridgewater Place and Vineyard Meadow. The district is operated by Regional Water Corporation.

Residents with questions can call the district at (281) 897-9100. The HCMUD 71 board normally meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m.