Fort Bend County MUD No. 25’s Receives Award for its Efforts to Combat Subsidence Through Groundwater Reduction
To address the ongoing challenge of subsidence, Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 25 (MUD 25) is actively working to reduce groundwater withdrawals. One of the key initiatives supporting this goal is the strategic use of treated effluent in place of potable groundwater wherever feasible.
Sustainable Water Management in Golf Courses and Amenity Lakes
A significant project under this initiative involves redirecting treated effluent from the wastewater treatment plant for irrigation and maintaining amenity lakes. This approach has proven highly effective, particularly at Black Hawk Golf Course, where treated effluent is now used for both irrigation and lake replenishment. Over the past year, this has resulted in an average groundwater savings of 76,735,000 gallons.
Similarly, the Orchard Lakes Homeowners Association (HOA) has implemented treated effluent usage for its amenity lakes, contributing to an annual groundwater savings of 10,272,000 gallons. Additionally, MUD 25 has extended this practice to its own facilities, utilizing reclaimed water for irrigation, which has led to a substantial reduction of 140,933,381 gallons of groundwater usage last year.
The Impact of the Groundwater Reduction Plan
Through the implementation of its Groundwater Reduction Plan (GRP), MUD 25 has successfully generated significant groundwater savings. These efforts have not only contributed to the district’s sustainability goals but have also enabled the district to earn over-conversion credits, further reinforcing its commitment to responsible water resource management.
Recognizing the success of this initiative, MUD 25 has received an award at the 2025 Texas Water Conference for its innovative and impactful approach to groundwater conservation. This accolade highlights the district’s leadership in sustainable water management and its dedication to preserving valuable water resources for future generations.
By prioritizing the use of treated effluent, Fort Bend County MUD No. 25 is taking a proactive stance in preserving groundwater resources and mitigating subsidence. These ongoing initiatives highlight the district’s dedication to sustainable water management practices, ensuring long-term environmental and community benefits.
