For homeowners and families in North Forest, the work of the North Harris County Regional Water Authority (NHCRWA) may not be something that comes up in everyday conversation. Still, the agency plays an important role in how water is supplied across much of northern Harris County, how major water infrastructure projects move forward and what those investments ultimately cost the communities they serve.

The Authority's Board of Directors will hold its next regular public meeting on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6 p.m., with discussions expected to cover surface water supply, ongoing construction projects, water system operations and financial matters.

The meeting follows a September board session that included approval of a nearly $27.5 million construction contract, discussion of groundwater conversion progress, decisions involving water system security and questions about the long-term costs and benefits of regional water policies.

For residents interested in understanding where their water comes from, how infrastructure improvements are funded and what decisions could affect local water providers, both meetings offer a closer look at the Authority's work.

What Is the North Harris County Regional Water Authority, and Why Does It Matter?

The North Harris County Regional Water Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1999 to help address groundwater-related land subsidence in northern Harris County.

Land subsidence occurs when the ground gradually sinks, which can happen as groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers. In a region where flooding and drainage are ongoing concerns, limiting subsidence is an important part of long-term water resource management.

The Authority works to reduce dependence on groundwater by developing infrastructure that delivers treated surface water to participating water providers. Its service area includes numerous municipal utility districts and other water suppliers serving residential neighborhoods and businesses across northern Harris County.

Rather than supplying water directly to most individual homes, NHCRWA works with local water providers that distribute water to their customers.

For residents, that distinction is important. Even when homeowners receive their water bills from a municipal utility district or another provider, regional water supply costs and infrastructure investments can influence the expenses those providers face.

The Authority's responsibilities include planning and constructing water transmission facilities, coordinating surface water delivery, maintaining infrastructure and managing the financial obligations associated with these systems.

These efforts are also connected to groundwater reduction requirements established by the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District, which regulates groundwater withdrawals to help limit subsidence.

November 2 NHCRWA Board Meeting: What's on the Agenda?

The November meeting includes several items involving the Authority's ongoing operations and infrastructure projects.

Surface Water Supply and New Infrastructure Agreements

General Manager Jun Chang is scheduled to provide an update on surface water supply and groundwater conversion efforts.

Board members will also consider authorizing a Water Supply Agreement and Water Line Construction Agreement with East Lake Houston MUD for Villa Robles.

These agreements are part of the work involved in extending and coordinating regional water service. The agenda identifies the proposed agreements but does not provide their financial terms or detailed construction schedules.

Advanced Water Metering Technology

The Board will receive an update on advanced metering infrastructure, commonly called AMI.

AMI systems use technology to collect water meter readings electronically, potentially improving the availability of water usage information and helping utilities monitor their systems.

The November agenda calls for a status update. It does not specify whether new meters will be installed in particular neighborhoods or establish a timeline for changes affecting residential customers.

Construction Projects and Pump Station Conditions

The Board will review the proposed closeout of three construction projects: Project 31D, Project 35A and Project 35B.

Project closeout is an important administrative step that generally involves confirming completed work and resolving remaining contractual obligations.

The Operations and Maintenance Report will also include a review of the condition of the Louetta Road pump station.

Pump stations are important components of regional water systems, helping move water through the infrastructure that serves local providers.

Financial Oversight and Staffing

The November meeting will include the Authority's monthly financial report and payment of bills.

The Board will also receive updates on the search for a Certified Public Accountant and Assistant General Manager, along with a Request for Qualifications for investment advisors.

The meeting will include a recognition of Director Ron Graham for 25 years of service on the Board.

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September Meeting Recap: Major Construction Decisions and Water Supply Progress

At its September 14, 2026, meeting, the NHCRWA Board addressed several matters involving infrastructure spending, groundwater conversion and future financial planning.

All five directors were present: President Mark Ramsey, Vice President Melissa Rowell, Secretary Kelly P. Fessler, Treasurer David Barker and Assistant Secretary Ron Graham.

Nearly $27.5 Million Construction Contract Approved

One of the largest financial decisions at the September meeting involved Project 37A, a major water infrastructure project that will expand surface water delivery across northwest Harris County.

The project includes the installation of large water transmission pipelines, ranging from 12 to 42 inches in diameter, along portions of Spring Cypress Road, Louetta Road, Grant Road and North Eldridge Parkway, extending toward Malcomson Road. Construction will involve both traditional excavation and underground tunneling, with potential temporary impacts on nearby roadways and neighborhoods.

The Authority received seven construction bids on August 4, 2026, with Reytec Construction Resources, Inc. submitting the lowest bid of $27,495,689.25. The Board unanimously approved awarding the contract to Reytec, contingent upon authorization from the Texas Water Development Board.

Project 37A is part of the Authority's larger Project 37 expansion, which is expected to include more than 40 miles of water pipelines connecting approximately 22 water providers. The broader project is intended to reduce dependence on groundwater while expanding access to treated surface water across the region.

The Board also approved a related agreement with Harris County Municipal Utility District 358 to acquire land needed for Project 37 facilities. Once installation is complete, the land and facilities will be transferred to the district for ongoing maintenance.

Groundwater Conversion Reached a Reported August High

During the September meeting, Program Manager Amber Batson of Carollo Engineers presented information on the Authority's progress in converting water providers from groundwater to surface water.

According to the approved meeting minutes, preliminary August figures showed a conversion rate of 55%, which Batson described as a record.

That figure represents progress in the Authority's surface water conversion efforts, although it does not mean every water provider or neighborhood receives the same proportion of surface water.

The continued conversion effort is central to NHCRWA's mission of reducing groundwater pumping and meeting regional subsidence regulations.

Two Construction Projects Received Final Acceptance Approval

The Board also approved final acceptance and contract payments for two additional projects, subject to TWDB acceptance and authorization to release funds.

Project 31A, completed substantially on February 23, 2026, received approval for a final payment of $1,098,877.47 to Reytec Construction Resources, Inc.

Project 31B, which reached substantial completion on May 19, 2026, received approval for a final payment of $1,497,942.94 to MC2 Civil, LLC.

Together, the two approved final payments total approximately $2.6 million.

These were final contract payments, not the total construction costs of the projects.

Water Rates, Subsidence and Infrastructure Costs Raised Questions in September

One of the more substantial policy discussions during the September meeting concerned the financial burden of groundwater conversion and whether the Authority should undertake a broader evaluation of its costs and measurable benefits.

Vice President Melissa Rowell presented comments questioning how the costs of additional groundwater conversion compare with the expected reductions in subsidence.

Her comments, included as an exhibit to the official meeting minutes, focused on groundwater data, historical pumping, conversion deadlines and the financial obligations facing water ratepayers.

Rowell said, "I am not suggesting that subsidence is not real or that groundwater pumping cannot cause subsidence. My question is what caused the historical subsidence in Regulatory Area 3, what is causing measurable subsidence there today, and how much additional subsidence our current conversion requirements are expected to prevent?"

She also questioned the measurable benefits of moving from one groundwater conversion threshold to another.

"What is the additional benefit of going from approximately 60 percent conversion to 80 percent? How much additional subsidence is that expected to prevent, where, and over what period of time?"

Rowell raised concerns about the financial implications of conversion requirements, particularly when water authorities are actively building infrastructure but may be unable to complete projects by regulatory deadlines.

"And if an entity is actively constructing the required projects but cannot physically meet HGSD’s deadline, what environmental benefit is achieved by imposing substantial disincentive fees or requiring costly credits?"

Her comments also addressed the responsibility of public agencies to explain major expenditures to the residents and businesses funding them.

"Before our ratepayers are asked to spend billions more, I think we owe it to them to explain exactly what they are getting for that money."

These statements reflect Rowell's position and questions, rather than findings adopted by the full Board. The minutes do not establish that the Authority has completed the cost-benefit analysis she requested.

During the meeting, directors considered whether to consult legal counsel regarding water rate strategies. A motion to proceed with that consultation failed by a 2-3 vote. The Board subsequently voted unanimously to table legal options and issues involving water rate strategies.

Rowell also proposed a future agenda discussion examining the costs and measurable benefits of Harris-Galveston Subsidence District groundwater reduction requirements, including conversion deadlines, fees, credits, impacts on ratepayers and possible regulatory changes.

For North Forest homeowners, the discussion is relevant because regional water infrastructure and regulatory compliance carry costs that may be reflected in the rates and fees charged to water providers and their customers.

However, the September minutes do not document approval of a new residential water rate increase.

Budget Discussions Deferred Until November

The September meeting also included consideration of a budget amendment intended to better reflect year-end financial estimates.

Finance Director Cynthia Plunkett discussed operational changes, cost savings and areas where additional spending was necessary.

She recommended further analysis of operations, maintenance and management services before the Board considered the proposed adjustments.

President Ramsey withdrew his motion to approve the amendment, and the Board agreed to postpone the matter.

A budget workshop is scheduled for November 16, 2026, giving directors another opportunity to review financial planning and expenditures.

The September Board also authorized the General Manager to negotiate professional engineering services agreements with Plummer Associates, Inc., Tunnel Tex LLC, Professional Services Industries Inc. and Associated Testing Laboratories Inc.

In addition, directors approved negotiations for a renewed Procore subscription and authorized a Request for Qualifications for investment advisors.

Water System Security and November Board Election

During the September meeting, directors held a closed executive session to discuss water system security under the applicable provisions of the Texas Government Code.

After returning to public session, the Board unanimously authorized the General Manager to implement security measures discussed during the closed session.

The public minutes do not describe those measures.

The Board also addressed the November 3, 2026, directors' election.

Districts 2 and 3 were declared uncontested after candidate withdrawals, and the Board approved cancellation of the elections for those two districts. David Barker and Melissa Rowell were declared elected to their respective positions.

The election for Single-Member Voting District 1 was not canceled and remains scheduled for November 3.

Director Ron Graham also announced in September that he would not seek reelection because he plans to relocate north of Tomball.

His 25 years of Board service will be recognized at the November 2 meeting.

How NHCRWA Fees Can Affect Local Water Bills

One reason these Board discussions matter to residents is that the Authority's infrastructure is funded differently from many other public services.

NHCRWA does not have taxing authority. Instead, it finances its operations, debt obligations and water infrastructure through revenue bonds, groundwater pumpage fees and surface water sales.

According to the Authority's published rate information, its listed wholesale rates are $2.60 per 1,000 gallons for groundwater and $3.05 per 1,000 gallons for surface water. The Authority notes that individual utility districts may charge customers more to account for local system expenses, including water losses and other operational needs.

That means the amount appearing on a homeowner's water bill may differ from the wholesale rate established by NHCRWA.

The Authority's long-term conversion program is intended to meet regulatory requirements while providing a dependable water supply for a growing population. Its published groundwater reduction milestones call for 60% reduction by 2025 and 80% by 2035.

Questions about how to meet those goals, what additional infrastructure will cost and how those expenses affect customers remain relevant as the Board continues its work.

How to Attend or Watch the November 2 NHCRWA Meeting

The North Harris County Regional Water Authority's regular Board meeting is open to the public.

Residents who wish to address the Board must attend in person and sign a blue public comment card. Public comments are limited to three minutes per person, with a maximum of 30 minutes allotted for the public comment period.

Residents who prefer to follow the meeting remotely can register for the Zoom webinar. Registration provides access to the viewing link, telephone listening information and password.

However, Zoom participants cannot address the Board during the meeting. The Authority also cautions that it cannot guarantee all proceedings will be visible or audible through the broadcast. The Zoom session will be recorded.

The full November 2 meeting agenda is available online.

What's Next for the North Harris County Regional Water Authority?

Following the November 2 meeting, the Board has scheduled a budget workshop and directors' election canvass meeting for November 16, 2026.

The next regular Board meeting is tentatively scheduled for December 7, 2026.

NHCRWA generally holds regular Board meetings on the first Monday of each month, although residents should check the official agenda for any changes to the date, time or location.

For North Forest residents who want to follow water rates, groundwater conversion projects, water infrastructure construction or the Authority's financial decisions, meeting agendas and records are available through the NHCRWA website.

As northern Harris County continues to depend on an extensive network of water providers and regional infrastructure, decisions made by the Authority remain relevant to the households and businesses that rely on those systems every day.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates on NHCRWA Board decisions, water infrastructure projects and other developments affecting local communities.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

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.

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