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So far Shady Hollow MUD has created 9 blog entries.

Shady Hollow MUD is Changing the Way We Bill for Wastewater

Shady Hollow MUD is changing the way we bill for wastewater. Your wastewater charges moving forward will be based on the average amount of water used in the preceding months of December, January and February. This type of billing is commonly referred to as winter averaging and is common in the water utility industry. Prior to this change, Shady Hollow MUD used a flat rate billing method where all customers paid the same amount.

The new wastewater charges are as follows:

  Old Rate 0-2,000 Gallons

(Minimum Charge)

Per 1,000 Gallons above 2,000 Gallons
In-District $82.41 $60.00 $8.00
Out of District $94.77 $69.00 $9.20

 

The Enclave at Shady Hollow and Shady Hollow West are out of district customers.

Estates of Shady Hollow wastewater charges will be based on Shady Hollow average winter water usage.

For customers whose winter average water use is greater than 10,000 gallons per month billing will be based on a 10,000 gallon per usage. This “cap” will remain in effect for the first year of the new billing method to give large water users an opportunity to adapt.

Examples for an in-district customer:

Your usage is 1,500 gallons, your wastewater bill will be $60.00

Your usage is 5,000 gallons’ your wastewater bill will be $84.00

Your usage is 10,000 gallons or more, your wastewater bill will be $124.00

Shady Hollow MUD is Changing the Way We Bill for Wastewater2023-04-10T14:28:03-05:00

Current Water Restrictions

For Shady Hollow Residents

Austin residents can protect their lakes, the environment, and their future water supply by watering only one day a week with automatic sprinklers and a second day, if need be, with hoses. Join your neighbors in helping your community and wallet by adhering to the mandatory watering days and times.

By watering only one day a week with a typical automatic irrigation system rather than two to three times a week, a household could save 7,000 to 14,000 gallons a month. That could be a savings of up to $150 a month, depending on how much additional water is used by a household.

The City of Austin is currently in Conservation Stage Water Use Restrictions.

  • Residential
    • Hose-end Sprinklers – ​two days per week – midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to midnight
      • Even address – Thursday, Sunday
      • Odd address – Wednesday, Saturday
    • Automatic Irrigation -one day per week – midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to midnight
    • (Residential customers may also water a second day with a hose-end sprinkler)
      • Even address – Thursday
      • Odd address – Wednesday
  • Commercial / Multi-family / Public Schools
    • ​Hose-end Sprinklers or Automatic Irrigation – ​​one day per week – midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to midnight
      • Even address – Tuesday
      • Odd address – Friday
  • Wasting water is prohibited
  • Washing vehicles at home is permitted with an auto shut-off hose or bucket
  • Charity car washes may only be held at a commercial car wash
  • Fountains must recirculate water
  • Restaurants may not serve water unless requested by a customer
  • Patio misters at commercial properties (including restaurants and bars) may only operate between 4 p.m. and midnight
  • Commercial power/pressure washing equipment must meet efficiency requirements

 

Current Water Restrictions2022-05-17T11:31:47-05:00

Incorrect Date on Water Bill

Customers in your October water bill from Shady Hollow MUD the penalty date is incorrect, the correct date is 11-2-2021. We apologize for the confusion and billing errors for this month’s billing cycle.

If you have questions please call 512-280-6622

Incorrect Date on Water Bill2022-03-03T12:31:47-06:00

Billing Error

Customers if you received an e-bill for shmud6 , please disregard bill with a late fee these were in error the corrected bill has been sent.
If you have questions please call 512-280-6622.

Billing Error2022-03-03T12:32:17-06:00

Winter Averaging

Shady Hollow MUD is considering changing the way customers are charged for their wastewater services from a flat rate method to a winter averaging method. No changes are planned for the immediate future, but the MUD will be collecting data this winter to use in deciding whether a change in the current billing method would benefit the MUD’s customers.

Currently the MUD’s customers are charged flat monthly rates for wastewater: $82.41 for customers in the District and $94.77 for customers outside the District. These rates are constant from month to month and are the same for every customer in the same rate class. Shady Hollow MUD has billed this way since it was created in 1980.

While Shady Hollow MUD is not the only utility to use this flat rate method, most utilities determine charges for wastewater service using a method commonly referred to as winter averaging. In this method, the average water use during the winter months is used to determine wastewater charges for the upcoming year. Usually, December, January and February are used because outdoor water use is minimal during those months so the water used gives the best estimate of how much is actually entering the sewer. It is thought that this billing is fairer to small households and encourages water conservation.

After the water use data from this winter is available, the MUD’s rate consultant will be asked to develop rates that will generate the revenue needed to provide wastewater service. The MUD Board will then consider making changes in the current method. This will likely happen in May – June of 2022.

Citizens are welcome to submit any comments or concerns regarding this on the MUD’s website at shmud.org/contact.

Winter Averaging2023-05-08T11:28:51-05:00

Meter Readings and Billing

Shady Hollow MUD will be reading water meters May 3rd, 2021 and May 4th, 2021, the billing will go out as e-bills and paper bills on May 7th, 2021.

Online payment through the Payclix account will be permissible after you receive your first bill. You can complete the process as described on http://www.shmud.org/water/.

Shady Hollow MUD does not have a local office so bills will need to be mailed or paid online. Payments will not be accepted at the Shady Hollow HOA drop box or office.

Below is the Water and Sewer Application for download and/or print.

Meter Readings and Billing2021-09-20T17:25:38-05:00

Operation & Maintenance Tax Election- May 1st, 2021

On May 1st, 2021, the Shady Hollow Municipal Utility District (SHMUD) will hold an election to allow for an increase of the cap on the Operation & Maintenance Tax (O&M).

An increase in the tax cap from 5 cents to 11 cents does not mean SHMUD will adopt a tax rate of 11 cents; it is simply the maximum tax rate that the Board could adopt, if needed. The Board of SHMUD reviews and adopts its tax rate each year in September after adopting a budget sufficient to meet the needs of SHMUD. The Board anticipates that if the tax rate does increase to sufficiently cover the District’s current O&M costs, as its coffers are replenished, the tax may be be lowered in later years.

As you are aware, the proposed annexation of Shady Hollow by the City of Austin was prevented. As a result, SHMUD has returned to providing water and wastewater service to the residents of SHMUD as of March 27, 2021.

SHMUD spent down its cash reserves so that the City of Austin would not receive a windfall from the capture of the accumulated reserves upon annexation. The SHMUD is presently cash poor because of this defensive action. SHMUD must now rebuild these cash reserves for repairs, emergencies and the everyday operation of its water and wastewater facilities.
Repairs to the water and wastewater system occur regularly yet unexpectedly. A break in a line to an individual home can cost more than $4,000 per incident. A lift station failure can cost between $25,000 and $100,000 and SHMUD operates 5 of these lift stations to move wastewater through the system.

Election Day is Saturday, May 1st. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Early voting begins Monday, April 19th and ends on Tuesday, April 27th. Travis County’s Election Web Page provides times and locations for early voting. Travis County has authorized countywide voting on Election Day, which means that voters can vote at any election location provided by Travis County on Election Day. A link to Travis County’s Election Web Page can be found on the SHMUD website.

Operation & Maintenance Tax Election- May 1st, 20212021-05-03T10:57:19-05:00

Boil Water Notice

BOIL WATER NOTICE – Feb. 17, 2021

Austin Water is asking customers in southwest Austin and Lost Creek neighborhood to boil their water prior to using it for drinking or cooking, until further notice. The boil water notice is required because water pressure in portions of the water distribution system dropped below minimum standards.

Maps of the affected areas can be found below:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Austin Water issue boil water notices?

As a precaution during line repair, Austin Water can request that customers boil their water or use bottled water until water sample lab test results become available.

What is a boil water notice?

A boil water notice is a public statement advising people to boil their tap water before using it, typically in response to an event that has (or could have) introduced contaminants into the water distribution system. Such events include a large water main break, widespread loss of system pressure, or results of routine sample testing in the system. Although waterborne diseases are extremely rare, they can be serious. The risk is higher for infants, the elderly and persons with immune deficiency disorders. Austin Water issues boil-water notices even if the possibility of contamination is remote to safeguard the health of the community.

What do I need to do to make sure my water is safe to drink and use?

You should boil tap water vigorously for at least two minutes prior to using it for drinking or cooking (the minute starts when the water begins to bubble). This includes water used for brushing teeth, making ice, washing raw foods, preparation of drinks and water for pets. Wait for the water to cool before using it or store it in the refrigerator in a clean container. Boiling removes harmful bacteria in the water that may cause illness. You should throw away ice made during the time the advisory or notice was issued, as freezing does not kill bacteria.

Is the water safe for washing dishes, laundry, and bathing?

The water is safe for washing dishes, but you should use hot, soapy water (you may add one tablespoon of bleach per gallon as a precaution) and rinse dishes in boiled water. There are no restrictions on doing laundry. The water is also safe for bathing during an advisory or notice; if the water is contaminated by a chemical that will cause harm on contact, Austin Water will issue a Do Not Use Notice, meaning the water should not be used for bathing.

How do I prepare food and baby formula?

Use boiled or bottled water only for drinking, cooking, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, brushing teeth, making baby formula, bathing and cleaning.

Breast feed your baby or use ready-made formula. If you must use water to make formula, use bottled water. If you don’t have bottled water, use water that has been rapidly boiled for at least two (2) minutes.

What about my pets?

You should follow the same boiling water procedures for your pet as you would for yourself.

How long will the need to boil water continue?

Public notification will be given when a boil water notice or order is lifted. Typically the need to boil water lasts for 24 to 48 hours, but can be longer and may last for several days or more. How long will depend on the conditions that caused the need to boil, how quickly the conditions are corrected, and how long it takes for laboratory results to confirm it is safe to return to normal water use. Austin Water will provide updates on the progress of corrective actions and how long the event is expected to last.

What do I need to do when the notice has been lifted?

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice. After an advisory or notice has been lifted (if water contamination did occur), you should flush household pipes, ice makers, water fountains, etc. prior to using for drinking or cooking. Flushing simply means letting the water run to ensure that no contaminated water remains in your pipes. Follow the following guidelines for flushing:

  • Run all cold water faucets in your home for one minute
  • To flush automatic ice makers, make three batches of ice and discard
  • Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle
Boil Water Notice2021-03-08T19:29:34-06:00
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