General Information and 2010 Update on Water Charges
We rely on you to report leaks immediatlely and conserve water whenever possible - we all pay for it! (pls. report here)
Most of us live in BSHA communities with shared water meters;
even those who have individual meters share the expenses
for irrigation (see Association Fees in Assoc Details).
App. 1/3 of the total BSHA Budget (2010: 34%) is allocated to Water/ Sewer Charges by the City of Houston. Of that, app. half is allocated to irrigation and drainage of BSHA common grounds and the Right of Way and therefore benefits and is paid for by all 165 BSHA property owners (pls. see 2010 Budget pdf and Powerpoint pdf)
- Common Water Meter Charges Based on Actual Usage
54 of 165 BSHA town homes receive individual water/ sewer charges directly from the City of Houston. Therefore, these units do not pay a water assessment to BSHA. Those owners will see an immediate increase in their monthly water bills from the City of Houston.
111 of 165 BSHA Town homes have common water meters supplying groups of town homes ('communities'). Monthly charges for common meters are received and paid for by BSHA, and at year end rolled into the annual water assessment portion for those properties. 50% of the total BSHA water charges budgeted ('Residential Usage') is allocated to, and paid for, by the Water Assessment portion of 111 of 165 units. In the interest of fairness, at year end BSHA calculates the Water assessment portion for each affected property based on previous usage patterns of each community supplied by a common meter, plus necessary anticipated increases.
For 2010, the Water Assessment for common Water Meter Charges was calculated using Actual Residential Charges from Q4/08 to Q3/09 for each community supplied by common meters, divided by units per individual community (8 communities with a total of 111 units), + 6% anticipated rate increase for 2010. This increase was based on usage patterns, historical increases, and CoH rate information available in Sep/ Oct 2009 when the budget was finalized.
- 2010 Houston Water Crisis: Rates are Skyrocketing
On April 21, 2010, Houston City Council raised water and sewer rates by nearly 30 percent on an average
single-family household, among the largest increases in
Houston's history and one that places the city's rates at a
higher level than many major U.S. municipalities.
Therefore, it is now more important than ever that we all work together to make sure we are not wasting water. For many years, current and previous BSHA boards have had effective cost control measures in place to carefully monitor and contain water cost, consumption, and related costs for BSHA. This Board will continue these efforts, but we need the help of all property owners to contain costs and reduce waste.
- 2010 Common Irrigation
BSHA has again impressed on our landscaping contractors the importance of properly maintaining and controlling the irrigation systems as part of their contractual responsibilities. Further, BSHA has recently completed installation of rain sensors throughout the communities
which are designed to prevent automated sprinkler
systems from turning on during rain. In addition, BSHA will continue to properly maintain and repair existing systems, and has budgeted for and will implement additional
system improvements to conserve water, if and when current irrigation controllers have to be replaced by newer technology. This will include smart irrigation systems that auto-regulate based on real time weather information; as well as landscaping changes that will reduce irrigation needs.
- 2010 Residential Water Usage
Individual residents must join in this effort to contain our costs. First, pls. check
all of your home faucets and toilets to make sure they are not
leaking or that the water is not constantly “running” in your
toilet, resulting in major loss of water that is commonly underestimated. You can purchase repair
kits at Home Depot, Loews, or other
hardware stores. Just ask the
sales staff for assistance and
then follow the easy directions. If
you are not inclined to “do it
yourself,” local plumbers will
make these repairs for you for a
nominal charge. In the end, you
will benefit by helping to control
our community water rates, and preserving a precious resource.
Please remember that even if
you do not receive an individual
water bill, at year end, you will still be responsible for your community’s
water usage. For this reason, we will continue to provide you with up-to-date usage information, as compared to prior years.
With the help of one of our residents, Ms. Dianne Reece (thanks to her outstanding initiative!), BSHA is publishing quarterly and annual usage information
by community (see above).
We rely on you to report leaks immediatlely and conserve water whenever possible - we all pay for it! (pls. report here)
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