Behind the Faucet: WHCRWA’s Water Projects Are Reshaping Sheffield—Find Out How
It’s easy to take clean water for granted—until it’s gone. But behind every faucet in your home, every classroom in your neighborhood, and every fire hydrant on your street, there’s a vast and carefully managed network making it all possible. And for residents of Sheffield, that network is powered by the West Harris County Regional Water Authority (WHCRWA).
On Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM, following its regular board meeting, WHCRWA is inviting the public to take a closer look behind the curtain during its “Spotlight on WHCRWA” Show and Tell Workshop—an interactive, community-focused event designed to help residents “know the worth of water,” in the words of Ben Franklin.
This hands-on event will give residents in Sheffield and surrounding communities within the WHCRWA service area a rare opportunity to meet the directors, ask questions, and walk through exhibits that explain the region’s complex water delivery system. There will be free outreach materials, raffle prizes, refreshments, and one-on-one conversations with those who help keep our water systems flowing safely and sustainably.
What is the WHCRWA—and Why Should You Care?
Established by the Texas Legislature in 2001, the West Harris County Regional Water Authority was formed with a big mission: reduce the region’s dependence on groundwater, which causes land subsidence (i.e., sinking), and transition to sustainable surface water sources.
WHCRWA serves an area of 232 square miles, reaching more than 626,000 residents in parts of the City of Katy and more than 150 municipal utility districts, including Sheffield.
Their work touches nearly every faucet in the region, yet many residents don’t even realize the role they play.
“Most people don’t think about where their water comes from until something goes wrong,” said a WHCRWA representative. “This event is designed to change that—by helping our neighbors understand how water decisions are made and how they can be part of those conversations.”
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Surface Water = Sustainable Future
The WHCRWA is a major player in Texas’s long-term water strategy. Over the past two decades, it has delivered more than 81.9 miles of new waterlines, built major pump stations, and negotiated long-term water supply contracts with the City of Houston—all with the goal of reducing reliance on groundwater.
Currently, WHCRWA delivers approximately 28 million gallons of surface water daily to 69 water plants, and that number is expected to rise sharply in the next decade.
Thanks to the award-winning Surface Water Supply Project, which includes Segment C2—recognized as Water Project of the Year in 2025—the region is well on its way to meeting state-mandated groundwater reductions of 60% by 2025 and 80% by 2035.
“Our goal isn’t just to build pipelines,” said another WHCRWA official. “It’s to ensure every community we serve has safe, sustainable water now and for generations to come.”
Why This Affects Your Bill—and Your Backyard
Water isn’t just a resource—it’s a cost. And every drop you use, every lawn you water, and every sprinkler you run is connected to the infrastructure WHCRWA builds and maintains.
In fact, starting January 1, 2025, districts or utility providers that don’t meet the groundwater reduction goals will be hit with a $12.12 per 1,000-gallon disincentive fee, according to the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District.
That fee could be passed on to residents in the form of higher water bills if their MUDs fail to comply.
“Understanding where your water comes from can empower you to conserve more, support smarter infrastructure, and avoid higher costs in the long run,” one WHCRWA board member emphasized.
Why You Should Attend the October 8 Show & Tell Workshop
Whether you’re new to Sheffield or a longtime resident, this workshop is your chance to:
- Explore educational exhibits about regional water projects and conservation.
- Speak directly with WHCRWA Directors about current challenges and future plans.
- Pick up free outreach materials to share with your local MUD or neighborhood.
- Enjoy refreshments and enter raffle prize drawings.
The event aims to foster an open dialogue around water use, infrastructure, and community resilience.
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Supporting Water Facts: Why Regional Planning Matters
According to the Texas Water Development Board, the state’s population is expected to grow by over 70% by 2070, while existing water supplies could decrease by 18%. Without significant planning, Texas faces an estimated $153 billion in economic losses by mid-century due to water shortages.
Regional authorities like WHCRWA play a crucial role in averting this crisis.
Get Involved, Stay Informed
Curious about how water gets to your tap—or how much it really costs to keep it flowing in Sheffield? The upcoming WHCRWA “Spotlight” Workshop is your chance to get answers, meet decision-makers, and learn how you can help protect our most essential resource.
Residents are encouraged to visit whcrwa.com for updates, conservation tips, and educational resources.The WHCRWA Board meets in person on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Fry Road MUD Building, 20111 Saums Rd, Katy, TX 77449, and all residents are welcome to attend and stay informed.
The future of water in Sheffield isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a personal one. From water bills to neighborhood development, your involvement matters. Join the conversation on October 8 and be part of shaping a sustainable future.
Event Details
- Spotlight on WHCRWA: Show & Tell Workshop
- Date: October 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM
- Time: 6:00 PM, following the WHCRWA Regular Board Meeting
- Location: Fry Road MUD Building at 20111 Saums Rd, Katy, TX 77449
- Admission: Free
- Open to: All residents within the WHCRWA boundaries
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for more stories that impact your community—and the water beneath your feet.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.