Condition studies and community feedback are narrowing a proposed 10-year program for renewing water, wastewater and drainage infrastructure in The Woodlands, although officials have not released a final revised cost.
An initial projection placed the San Jacinto River Authority’s 2026-35 project plan for its The Woodlands division at $729 million. According to a Woodlands Water report sourced to Community Impact, that total is being revised downward as officials eliminate, delay or phase projects based on new assessments.
Woodlands Water General Manager Erich Peterson said the agency is using system condition—not age alone—to help determine which work should move forward. Woodlands Water oversees 10 Montgomery County municipal utility districts in The Woodlands, and the individual MUD boards will ultimately decide which projects advance.
Waterline estimate falls by about $100 million
A yearlong assessment completed in late 2025 reduced estimated asbestos-cement waterline replacement needs for the next 10 years from $250 million to about $150 million.
Some lines not selected for immediate work could be reconsidered in years 12 through 15. Peterson said those deferrals and other reductions are expected to lower the overall plan’s cost, but the revised total was not included in the supplied material.
One project still being considered is a $24.2 million rehabilitation of waterlines in Town Center. Design work is underway, and construction could begin by the end of 2027.
If approved, the Town Center work is expected to require extended single-lane closures in the Grogan’s Mill area. Water service interruptions would be limited to periods when rehabilitated lines are connected to the system, with officials planning to minimize disruptions.
Sawdust Road wastewater options remain under review
Officials have rejected a previously considered $100 million project to convert lift stations near Sawdust Road to gravity lines after determining that the proposal was not cost-effective.
The future of the wastewater treatment plant on Sawdust Road in the Village of Grogan’s Mill remains unresolved. A full replacement of the community’s oldest wastewater facility could cost “hundreds of millions” of dollars, Peterson said, but officials are still studying whether replacement or refurbishment is needed.
A separate $13 million sanitary sewer rehabilitation project near the south shore of Lake Woodlands was nearing completion when reported. That work includes repairs to gravity mains and manholes and has required frequent single-lane closures to protect workers.
Drainage program targets 35 miles of ditches
Woodlands Water is also undertaking $3 million in improvements to The Woodlands’ 35 miles of drainage ditches. The work, expected to take 12 to 18 months, is intended to clear ditches and improve stormwater flow.
The program follows a 10-month evaluation of every ditch in the community. Peterson said the system was generally in good condition but had issues requiring attention. The agency plans to continue the work through a proactive maintenance program.
Laura Norton, vice president of MUD 47, said effective drainage remains important during major rain events because streets may temporarily hold water that must then be moved out of neighborhoods.
No immediate bond election planned
Woodlands Water had no immediate plan to hold a bond election for the infrastructure program at the time of the report. Officials said customers could instead see higher water rates as projects proceed, but no increase, amount or effective date has been announced.
The financing discussion also involves limits on MUD tax rates. Peterson said a MUD cannot increase its tax rate by more than 3.5% annually without voter approval, restricting how districts can respond to major capital costs.
Woodlands Water formed a Community Working Group of residents, stakeholders and MUD representatives to provide feedback on the plans. Residents can follow future decisions through the agency’s meeting agendas, approved minutes and recordings.
Customers concerned about their current bills can use the agency’s free WaterSmart portal to review water use, receive high-use and leak alerts, and check available rebates. Woodlands Water can also be reached at 281-367-1271 or information@woodlandswater.org.
Source: Original source