Houston's water pipes are leaking more this summer

• That's compared to roughly 75 to 100 leaks the city deals with on a normal basis, says Drew Molly, director of Houston's drinking water operations.

Yes, but: The number still pales in comparison to the nearly 1,200 active leaks during the height of the 2011 drought.

What's happening: The lack of substantial rainfall this summer is drying up the region's clay-based soil, making it easier for the ground to shift, which then cracks brittle pipes or disjoins one from the other.

• "It's kind of a hard fact of living in Houston," Molly said.

How it works: Each repair only takes about three hours to complete, but the city is still behind.

• Crews have to wait at least 48 hours before fixing a leak to make sure they won't disrupt underground utilities.

• Sometimes, workers have to wait on special tools or parts — which often delays repairs.
• Of note: Houston has hired three contracting teams to help deal with the workload this summer.

Get involved: To report an active leak, call 311 or make a report online. Within 24 hours, a Public Works employee will look at the leak and determine how to prioritize repairs.

• "If the leak is bad, we want to be on it immediately," Molly said.