Arctic Weather Alert

Wind has a major impact on whether exposed pipes freeze, even when the air temperature alone might seem marginal. Here’s how it works in practical terms:

1) Wind accelerates heat loss (wind chill effect)

• Wind strips away the thin layer of warmer air that naturally surrounds a pipe.
• This increases convective heat transfer, causing the pipe to lose heat much faster.
• Even though wind chills don’t lower the actual air temperature, they lower the effective temperature of the pipe surface, making freezing more likely.

Example: At 28°F (−2°C) with strong wind, an exposed pipe can cool as fast as it would in much colder, calm conditions.

2) Pipes freeze faster in windy conditions

• In still air, pipes may retain some heat from:
  • Residual warm water inside
  • Heat leaking from nearby buildings or the ground
• Wind removes that heat continuously, allowing the pipe temperature to drop below 32°F (0°C) more quickly.

3) Wind defeats insulation if it’s not sealed

• Insulation works by trapping air.
• Wind penetrating gaps or poorly sealed insulation nullifies its effectiveness.
• Even insulated pipes can freeze if wind is allowed to blow through or behind the insulation.

4) Evaporative cooling can worsen freezing

• If moisture is present (rain, melting snow, condensation), wind speeds up evaporation.
• Evaporation pulls additional heat from the pipe, lowering its temperature further.
• This is especially dangerous around outdoor faucets and irrigation lines.

5) Why moving water helps — but wind can still win

• Flowing water resists freezing because it brings in heat from upstream.
• However, in strong wind and prolonged cold:
  • Slow trickles may not provide enough heat
  • Small-diameter pipes can still freeze

Practical mitigation strategies

To reduce wind-related freezing risk:

• Block wind exposure (plywood shields, skirting, or wind barriers)
• Seal insulation with tape or vapor barrier
• Use heat tape rated for outdoor use
• Enclose pipes where possible

Bottom line

Wind dramatically increases the freezing risk of exposed pipes by accelerating heat loss. In freezing weather, a windy 28°F night can be far more dangerous to pipes than a calm 20°F night.

Common ways to help keep exposed pipes from freezing

1. Insulation: Use foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or heat cable to wrap pipes. Cover all joints and bends thoroughly.
2. Enclosures and Barriers: Build insulated boxes or enclosures around vulnerable pipes. Use plywood or other wind barriers to block strong gusts.
3. Sealing Gaps: Seal cracks, gaps, or openings in walls, floors, and foundations where cold air can seep in.
4. Heating Solutions: Install a small space heater or heat lamp in areas with exposed pipes. Use thermostatically controlled heat tape/cables to maintain a safe temperature.
5. Keep Indoor Temperatures Consistent: Maintain consistent heat in attics, basements, or crawl spaces where pipes are exposed.
6. Disconnecting and Draining: For outdoor hoses and sprinkler systems, disconnect and drain them before freezing weather sets in.
7. Outdoor Faucet Covers: Install insulated covers over outdoor faucets to help protect them from the cold.

Reminder: Winter Storm Uri & Senate Bill 3 (2021)

As a reminder from Winter Storm Uri, Senate Bill 3 was passed in 2021 which prevents penalties and water service terminations during an “extreme weather emergency.” This is defined as a period when the previous day’s highest temperature and the predicted temperature for the next 24 hours are both no higher than 28°F.

Inframark will be monitoring weather conditions and following the directives provided in SB3.

On behalf of the Texas MUD Leadership Team
Todd A. Burrer
President, MUDs
Inframark | 2002 West Grand Parkway North Suite 100 | Katy, TX 77449

Click here for a printable PDF version of this alert

Fort Bend County MUD 81 has implemented a new billing system. Please read the email from WaterDistrict-Inframark@starnik.net with instructions to create your account on the online portal. This email provided an encrypted security code only via the “register now” link or on your bill.  Please note, your “register now” link is unique to your account and cannot be shared for others to enroll.

Residents previously signed up for autopay and paperless billing will need to re-enroll in the new billing system.  If you were previously enrolled in automatic payments, please note that you will need to make this month’s payment manually and re-enroll for automatic payments through the new portal. If you mail your bill payment in, no further action is required but please note the P.O. Box designated to receive water bill payments has changed. The new address will be included on the payment coupon at the bottom of your bill.

If you did not receive the email to sign up for your new account, please visit the link below – you will need the security code that can be found at the top right of your most recent water bill.

https://inframark.starnik.net

Any residents who have questions or need assistance with the new billing process are encouraged to call Inframark at 832-467-1599 for assistance.

* PLEASE NOTE:  DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF PROBLEMS THAT THIS HAS CAUSED OUR CUSTOMERS,  ALL LATE FEES HAVE BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE WAIVED UNTIL THE EXPIRATION OF THREE MONTHS FROM THE INITIAL BILLING / PAYMENT  PROCESS CHANGOVER DATE

• Customer Portal: https://inframark.starnik.net
• GuestPay:  https://inframark.starnik.net/starnikERP/#/rp_guestpay

ATTENTION

Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation of the Sanitary Sewer Lines in the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 81 Sanitary Sewer System

During the next few months, Ram Rod Utilities, LLC, will be rehabilitating the underground sanitary sewer system pipelines as part of the sanitary sewer system improvements project in Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 81. This work does not require residents to be home and at no time will field crews have to enter your home or business.

Field crews may require access to your property if a sewer manhole or similar structure is located in an easement located along your back fence line on or adjacent to your property or located in your front yard. You will receive a follow up door hanger to serve as notice that rehabilitation of the sanitary sewer line located on or adjacent to your property is expected to begin within 48-72 hours. Your cooperation in providing access is critical to the sanitary sewer rehabilitation process and is much appreciated. In that regard, we request that you please restrain or relocate pets and unlock gates during the 48-72 hour window during working hours, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, identified on your door hanger.

This work is being conducted by Ram Rod Utilities, LLC, who is working under contract for Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 81. All employees will be wearing company uniforms. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Project Manager listed below.

Construction State Date:             September 2025

Expected Completion Date:         January 2026

Contractor:

Project Manager:                                                                         District Operator:

Quiddity Engineering, LLC.                                                       Inframark, Inc

1575 Sawdust Road, Suite 400                                                 2002 W. Grand Pkwy N, Suite 100

The Woodlands, Texas 77380                                                   Katy, Texas 77449

Mr. Jason A. Herman, P.E.                                                        Inframark’s customer service line:

(281) 363-4039                                                                            (281)-579-4500

ATTENTION ALL FORT BEND COUNTY MUD #81 RESIDENTS – REMINDER: tomorrow July 17, 2025 Inframark crews will be in your area performing annual district-wide directional flushing to maintain our superior water quality. You are advised to exercise caution when using water during this time as sediment in the lines may cause temporary discoloration and reduced pressure in some areas during the operation. Should you encounter persistent water quality issues in your residence, please contact Inframark at 281-579-4500 or www.inframark.com. “ALL CLEAR” will be posted on the website and email notification will be sent once this Flushing has been completed.

Attention Fort Bend MUD 81 Residents: ONCE AGAIN – On July 17th, 2025 crews will be performing annual, district-wide Directional Flushing to maintain our district’s superior water quality. During this time, you may see Inframark personnel operating fire hydrants near your residence. While hydrants are being flushed, it is possible that sediment in the lines may cause temporary discoloration of your water and pressure may also be temporarily reduced, so caution is advised when utilizing water from your taps during this operation. Should you encounter persistent water quality issues in your residence, please contact Inframark at 281-579-4500 or www.inframark.com. “ALL CLEAR” will be posted on the website and email notification will be sent once the Flushing operation has been completed.