Articles

Many residents have asked questions about the North Harris County Regional Water Authority (NHCRWA) surface water pipeline project and its impact on Coles Crossing. The Board would like to provide clear background and context on why the project is occurring, the role of the Association, and what residents can expect going forward.

Why This Project Is Occurring
The NHCRWA pipeline project is being undertaken in response to a state-mandated requirement to significantly reduce groundwater usage in our region. These mandates are intended to address long-term land subsidence risks and ensure a sustainable water supply.
NHCRWA is responsible for the planning, design, routing, and construction of this infrastructure. These decisions are made by the Authority and its engineering partners, not by individual neighborhoods or homeowners associations.

The Role of the Coles Crossing HOA
Once the Board became aware that the pipeline project would proceed through or adjacent to Coles Crossing, our role was focused on impact mitigation, not route selection or project approval.

It is also important for residents to understand the practical constraints the Board was operating under. Had the Association not reached an agreement with NHCRWA, the Authority could have proceeded using its eminent domain powers, allowing construction to move forward while any disputes were litigated separately. In that scenario, the community would not have had the benefit of the mitigation commitments, restoration standards, and financial protections that were ultimately negotiated.

Accordingly, the Board focused its efforts on securing the best possible outcome for Coles Crossing under the circumstances.

Specifically, the Board has worked to:
Communicate resident concerns directly to NHCRWA
Advocate for minimizing construction disruption and tree removal
Negotiate mitigation commitments and financial resources to support restoration
Monitor compliance with agreed construction and restoration standards
The HOA does not have authority to approve, deny, or reroute the pipeline.

Tree Removal and Community Impact
We understand and share residents’ concerns regarding the removal of mature trees and the potential impact on the appearance of the neighborhood, particularly near key entry and common areas.
Protecting Coles Crossing’s green spaces has been a consistent priority in discussions with NHCRWA. While some impacts are unavoidable due to the nature of underground infrastructure work, the Board continues to advocate for responsible construction practices and appropriate post-project restoration.

Additional Information Available
In November 2025, the Association distributed a more detailed letter outlining the project, anticipated impacts, and mitigation efforts.
Residents who would like a copy may:
Pick one up at the Community Center, or
Request an electronic copy by emailing manager@colescrossinghoa.com

Post-Construction Restoration Input
As the project progresses toward completion, the Board anticipates seeking limited, structured resident input related specifically to post-construction landscape restoration.

Any such group would:
Be Board-appointed, not self-forming
Serve in an advisory capacity only
Focus solely on landscape restoration and aesthetics, not project routing or construction decisions
Residents with relevant professional or practical experience (such as landscaping, horticulture, civil construction, or project management) who wish to be considered may submit a brief summary of their background to manager@colescrossinghoa.com. The Board will review submissions and determine next steps if and when such input is needed.

Looking Ahead
This is a regional infrastructure project driven by state requirements, not a discretionary neighborhood improvement. The Board will continue to provide updates as meaningful milestones occur and remains committed to transparent communication and responsible stewardship on behalf of the community.