Harris County MUD 165 in Houston, managed by H2O Consulting, provides essential services like water, sewage, and drainage to both residential and commercial areas. H2O Consulting, a Texas-based company, was founded to support the growing number of Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) in Texas, particularly in fast-growing areas like Houston. With a passion for serving communities and helping them thrive, H2O plays a vital role in keeping Houston’s suburban neighborhoods running smoothly, providing reliable utility services that families and businesses can count on every day.
“We are the first responders that are making sure people’s water and their wastewater stay in the proper locations that they belong,” says Stephen Mendizabal, Smart Meter Specialist at H2O Consulting.
In 2019, when H2O Consulting faced the challenge of managing over 11,000 water connections at Harris County MUD 165, they knew it was time for an upgrade. The traditional direct-read meters, which required staff to physically visit every single property, had become unsustainable as the district continued to grow. Costs were skyrocketing, and valuable manpower was being spent on reading meters instead of focusing on other critical aspects of the district’s utility management. “As the District grew, the scope of meter reading was becoming outrageously expensive,” says Mendizabal. It was clear that a modern solution was needed.
H2O Consulting turned to HydroPro Solutions, a trusted partner known for providing innovative water management solutions, to help streamline operations for Harris County MUD 165. HydroPro, along with their partner Master Meter, offered a smart metering system that promised not only to cut down costs but also improve the overall efficiency of water management. The new system allowed H2O Consulting to remotely monitor water usage, providing real-time data that could be accessed from a central location, drastically reducing the need for in-person meter reads.
“Harris County MUD 165 [now] has every Master Meter under the sun,” Mendizabal recalls. “From Drive-by 3G to Allegro 4Gs, all reporting into the collection tower and subsequent repeaters.”
Since implementing the smart meters, H2O Consulting has seen remarkable improvements in both time and cost savings. Instead of sending teams out to manually read meters for several days each month, water usage is now tracked automatically, and any irregularities, such as leaks or abnormal consumption, are flagged immediately. This real-time data not only helps H2O manage water usage more efficiently, but it also empowers residents with greater control over their water consumption.
Another key benefit of working with HydroPro Solutions was their extended warranty maintenance plan, which provided Harris County MUD 165 with peace of mind when unexpected issues arose. In one instance their base station, a critical part of the metering system, suddenly stopped working, potentially threatening the accuracy of the district’s water usage data. Thanks to HydroPro’s extended warranty, the base station was replaced at no additional cost, preventing any disruptions in service or unforeseen expenses.
“One year ago, we had the main base station just die, no question, no reason,” Mendizabal shares. “And within a week, we had the new tower back up and running and working in time for the metering.”
The extended warranty not only saved Harris County MUD 165 time and money but also reinforced the trust and reliability that H2O Consulting had in HydroPro Solutions. Knowing that future maintenance needs were already planned for, H2O could continue focusing on serving the community without worrying about the cost of repairs or replacements.
Beyond the technology, the success of this project has been deeply rooted in the customer service provided by HydroPro Solutions, especially through their team member Teresa Pinyon, Account Manager. Her dedication and support have played an essential role in making this transition seamless for H2O Consulting.
“What makes Master Meter products and HydroPro Solutions products stand out from the competition is the dependability of Teresa and how well HydroPro is able to get us meters,” says Mendizabal. “She takes a lot of the burden on dealing with Master Meter. Teresa is usually Johnny-on-the-spot and will give me some meters as we go through waves of needing product.”
HydroPro Solutions prides itself on more than just delivering cutting-edge products; they prioritize strong relationships and responsive service. Teresa worked closely with H2O Consulting, offering guidance, troubleshooting technical challenges, and ensuring that Harris County MUD 165’s needs were met every step of the way.
“When they have a problem, we’re there to help solve it,” states Pinyon. “We don’t give them an 800 number to call, we actually show up and find a solution.”
Harris County MUD 165 stands as a powerful example of how collaboration and shared goals can benefit an entire community. For H2O Consulting, the partnership with HydroPro Solutions wasn’t just about upgrading technology—it was about improving service, reducing costs, and focusing more on the people they serve. With HydroPro’s innovative smart meters and the unwavering support of Teresa, the district has been able to manage its water resources more efficiently and effectively.
The success of this partnership is a reflection of the trust H2O placed in HydroPro, and the care with which HydroPro approached every challenge. When unexpected issues arose, like the sudden failure of the base station, HydroPro’s extended warranty plan ensured Harris County MUD 165 never faced additional costs or service disruptions. It’s this kind of support, along with HydroPro’s hands-on, personal approach, that has made all the difference.
For Stephen Mendizabal and his team at H2O, the partnership with HydroPro Solutions has allowed them to focus on what truly matters—providing reliable, affordable services to their community. It’s not just about the technology; it’s about the people behind it, working together to keep the water flowing and the community thriving.
About:
H2O Consulting is a Texas-based company specializing in the operation, management, and maintenance of water and wastewater systems, primarily for Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) across the state. The company was established to support the growing number of MUDs in Texas, particularly in fast-growing regions like Houston, where suburban development has increased the demand for utility services.
HydroPro Solutions is a Texas-based company specializing in providing advanced technology solutions for water and wastewater utilities. They offer a range of products and services, including smart water meters, data collection systems, and software platforms like HP Solve, designed to help utilities streamline operations, enhance regulatory compliance, and improve efficiency. With a focus on addressing challenges such as water conservation, lead line tracking, and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), HydroPro partners with leading manufacturers and innovators to deliver customized, scalable solutions. Their expertise supports utilities in optimizing performance, reducing water loss, and meeting industry standards.