Katy resident demands response on water line damage issues from Public Works

During the Katy City Council meeting on March 24, 2025, a significant concern was raised regarding the damage to water lines caused by contractors. A resident detailed their investigation into the issue, highlighting a gap in the current line locating process managed by Texas 8 1 1, which does not require water and sewer utilities to be members. This lack of mandatory participation may lead contractors to mistakenly assume that water and sewer lines are unmarked, resulting in accidental damage when they encounter other marked utilities.

The resident proposed several questions for the city’s Public Works department to consider. These included the feasibility of Katy becoming a member of Texas 8 1 1 to streamline notifications for line markings, the current communication methods for informing contractors about contacting the city for water and sewer line markings, the typical timeframe for marking these lines, and the measures in place to ensure the accuracy of the markings.

Despite following up on their initial inquiry, the resident expressed frustration over the lack of response from city officials, noting that it had been over 17 days since their questions were submitted. This delay in communication raised concerns about the city’s responsiveness to community issues, particularly those that could prevent costly damages and ensure public safety.

The discussion underscores the importance of effective communication and collaboration between the city and contractors to mitigate risks associated with utility work. As the council moves forward, addressing these concerns may enhance operational efficiency and protect vital infrastructure within Katy.