Disinfectant Change/Chlorine Flush
The City of Round Rock, from whom we purchase our water, has informed us that they will once again be using chlorine instead of chloramine to flush out the distribution systems beginning August 3 through the month of August. Fern Bluff residents may notice a slight chlorine taste or smell in your tap water because of this change. The monthlong change is part of routine maintenance to help maintain the effectiveness of the water distribution system. This program will also require Fern Bluff MUD to flush the water distribution system. Homeowners should not be concerned if you see flushing from our fire hydrants, both the automatic ones (red boxes on the hydrant), and manually by Fern Bluff MUD Operations Staff.
Trash Service Update
Our contract with Republic Services (our current trash service provider) expires at the end of September and the Board of Directors went out for competitive bids for a new contract. Republic came back with an aggressive bid which the Board of Directors accepted. Aside from pricing, the new contract includes twice a year on-demand bulk pickup service. This change does away with the fall and spring bulk pickup days and now each MUD resident can call Republic twice a year to haul away their bulk trash; the limitations as to what bulk items they will accept for you did not change. This new contract does not include any “Composting” services. As we let the ink dry on the new contract, we’ll post updates on our website.
Backflow Prevention Devices Tips
Backflow prevention devices prevent water from flowing back into our water system which could cause contamination. These devices are required on pools, irrigation systems, and on all hose bibs around your home. These devices (except those on hose bibs) are required to be tested and certified every 7 years.
MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System)
Every drop of rain that falls in our neighborhoods eventually flows into our local watershed. By properly disposing of pet waste, reducing fertilizer use, keeping litter out of streets, and never dumping chemicals into storm drains, each of us can help protect the quality of our water and preserve our natural resources for future generations.
Property Tax Rate Hearing
The Fern Bluff MUD will hold its 2026 Tax Rate Public Hearing on Tuesday, September 27, 6:00 pm, at the Fern Bluff MUD Community Center, 7320 Wyoming Springs Dr, Round Rock.
How To Turn Off Water If A Pipe Breaks
If you have a pipe break within your home, your first step is to locate the whole house shutoff valve that should be in your home, likely in the garage or by a water softener if you have one. If you do not know/can’t find the home shutoff valve, every home should have a homeowner shut off valve just past the meter (normally under a round lid). We encourage every homeowner to locate this valve before its operation is necessary. In a worst-case scenario, the curb stop at the meter can also be shut. While we discourage the practice, there are times when this can’t be avoided. The trick is to make both rings come together (“righty-tighty” – close, “lefty loosey” – open)
Fern Bluff Neighborhood
The Fern Bluff MUD has taken the Fern Bluff Section 1 and 2 Deed Restriction Enforcement in-house and we have chosen SmartWebs as our software provider. Fern Bluff Neighborhood residents will be receiving an email regarding the details of the SmartWebs customer portal rolling out in the next few days. Further details will also be updated on our website.
Stone Canyon and Oak Brook have their own respective Homeowner Association (HOA), but the two sections of the Fern Bluff neighborhood have deed restrictions with no official Association, this is where the MUD has assumed the responsibility under Texas Water Code 54.237 granting MUDs this enforcement authority.
