Conroe City Locks Valves After Willis ISD Violates Water Use Regulations

In a recent press conference held by the City of Conroe, officials addressed ongoing issues regarding unauthorized use of city water by the Willis Independent School District (WISD) during construction at 7373 Longmire Road. The meeting highlighted a series of violations where the general contractor, Duratech, allegedly turned on water valves without proper authorization from the city, prompting city officials to take action.

The city’s utility manager reported that this was the second instance of unauthorized valve activation, with the first offense occurring on May 30, 2025, followed by a second on June 5, 2025. In response, city personnel locked and chained the valves to prevent further unauthorized access. The city had previously required WISD to sign a waiver acknowledging that the water taps could not be used until permission was granted, a condition that was reportedly violated.

City officials emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations designed to protect the public water system, particularly noting that WISD lacked a necessary backflow prevention device, which could pose contamination risks. The city has been working closely with WISD to resolve these issues, especially as the new middle school is set to open in August 2025.

WISD representatives denied any wrongdoing, asserting that they did not instruct the contractor to turn on the water. They acknowledged the challenges faced in securing the necessary permits from the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and expressed confidence that the situation would be resolved soon. Despite the ongoing disputes, WISD indicated a willingness to pay a fine for the inconvenience caused, although they contested the amount.

The meeting underscored the complexities of managing municipal resources and the critical need for compliance with city regulations. As the city continues to navigate these challenges, officials remain focused on ensuring the integrity of Conroe's water supply while supporting the development of educational facilities in the area. The next steps involve ongoing communication between the city and WISD to finalize the necessary agreements and ensure compliance moving forward.