Category Archives: General

Construction, General, Infrastructure Improvements, Project & Construction Update, Projects

Photos of Water and Wastewater Construction

This blog provides general information about what to expect during construction. This is not comprehensive and may not include all equipment or construction situations.

Water and Wastewater Terms

WATER

Service Lines are the pipes between the water main under the street and the water meter. Sizes are ¾-inch or 1-inch in diameter at the meter box.

Water Mains (also distribution mains) are the pipes under the street that serve immediate customers and neighborhoods. Sizes range 4 to 12-inch diameter pipe along public streets or appropriate rights-of-way used for distributing water to individual customers.

Transmission Mains are the pipes under the street that serve several neighborhoods and zip codes. Sizes range from 16-inches in diameter to 72-inches.

WASTEWATER

Laterals convey wastewater (sewage) from an individual building to a gravity sewer pipe in the road right of way or a Charlotte Water easement.

Manholes are the access points for inspecting and maintaining wastewater pipes.

Low-Pressure Sanitary Sewer (LPSS) helps push wastewater away from properties near steep and uneven topography (usually near lakes and creeks).  Properties with this special need also have specialized maintenance needs. 

Trunk receives waste from laterals and conveys wastewater under the street or behind buildings along easements.

Interceptor is a large pipe that gathers wastewater from other trunks or collector pipes to convey to a wastewater treatment plant. Sizes range from 8-inches in diameter to 30-inches.

Relief Sewer is a large pipe to assist the existing interceptor when flows are reaching capacity. These pipes help prevent sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) especially during heavy rain events. Sizes range from 12-inches in diameter to 78-inches.

Force Main & Pump Stations (also known as lift stations) pump neighborhood(s) wastewater from one creek/drainage basin to another through force mains to gravity flow sewer lines so that it can be conveyed to a wastewater treatment plant.

Project Types

  • photo of Crews installing new pipe to replace older pipe.
    Capital Investment Project – 96-inch transmission water main valve
  • photo of men helping lower a blue pvc pipe into a trench for a water main replacement
    Water Main Replacement – Crews installing new pipe to replace older pipe.
  • photo of Crew cleaning underground pipe while customers are served with an above ground pipe.
    Water rehabilitation – Crew cleaning underground pipe while customers are served with an above ground pipe.
  • Crews will be on scaffolding installing a sock-like lining inside an existing pipe through manholes. The sock-like liner will extend the wastewater pipe’s service life minimizing construction in the area.
    Crews will be on scaffolding installing a sock-like lining inside an existing pipe through manholes. The sock-like liner will extend the wastewater pipe’s service life minimizing construction in the area.
  • photo of project inspector inspecting developer funded projects
    Donated Project – Project inspector inspecting developer funded projects
  • photo of Meter and meter box installed for a new customer.
    New Service – Meter and meter box installed for a new customer.

Capital Investment Plan (CIP)

Projects identified and budgeted through the Capital Investment Plan. These include projects to serve growing service areas, enhancements at water and wastewater treatment plants and other facilities, and to reline/replace old pipes. Size of equipment and construction zones will vary.

Pipe Replacement

Replacing the water main and/or service pipes (between the water main under the street to the water meter) to reduce future leaks/repairs due to age. Typical construction zone is a few street blocks.

Water Rehabilitation

Crews clean inside of 50+ year old pipes in the oldest neighborhoods. A temporary above-ground drinking water pipe may be installed.  Above-ground water pipes serve customers while the water pipe under the street is cleaned and relined with an epoxy solution. All pipes are tested for water quality. A typical construction area is several street blocks.

Wastewater Rehabilitation

Crews clean inside the pipe and install a

sock-like lining inside an existing pipe through manholes. Think of it as a new pipe inside the old pipe. The construction area may be in the street or the backyards.

Developer ‘Donated’ Projects (Installation Development Services, IDS)

Developers install new water and wastewater pipes and then donate to CLTWater.
CLTWater inspects pipe installation and tests pipes.

New Service Tap, Street Main Extension

Customers currently on well, septic, or developing a vacant lot can apply for water or wastewater service if it is within 1,000 feet of their property. Extending the pipe to serve a new customer may take months, depending on the location of the existing infrastructure and required permits.

What To Expect Before Construction

photo of two surveyors using equipment to take measurements that will help design a water or wastewater extension project.

Surveying

Survey crews determine the required depth for pipes by calculating the elevations in the area. Stakes, brightly colored flagging, and paint marks may appear in your yard or on the street after a survey crew has worked.

crew blowing smoke into a wastewater manhole to find any cracks in the wastewater pipe.

Smoke Testing

Crews may blow smoke into wastewater pipes to identify potential pipe cracks (where smoke escapes). Customers will be notified in advance.

photo of a large equipment used to assess soil and rock conditions so contractor can be more prepared for where to expect rock along the pipe alignment.

Soil Boring

Subcontractors may conduct subsurface investigations (also known as test pit or soft dig) to assess existing utilities as well as soil and rock conditions along the pipe alignment.

photo of a person spray painting or locating the underground utilities before a contractor begins digging.

Locates (Spray Painting)

Utilities spray paint where fiber optic, gas, and water pipes to inform contractors before  they dig.

a black fencing between the construction zone and private property to prevent soil or sediment from washing away.

Silt Fence

Silt fencing prevents soil /sediment from washing away.

photo of chain link fencing with a screening fabric.

Fencing

Security and privacy fencing may be installed.

photo of a small flag with charlotte water logo.

Ribbons, Stakes, & Spray Paint

The project area will have various markings along the pipe alignment.  Trees may be labeled differently. Please talk to the project manager or inspector to confirm what markings may mean for the project.

large equipment used to clear trees and bushes that are in the construction easement.

Clearing

The easement and temporary construction easement will be cleared of trees (with some exceptions) and restored to grass after pipe installation. CLTWater will preserve trees if possible.

photo of the top of a wastewater manhole with area cleared around it and trees on the sides. the area is being restored back to grass after construction.

Easement

The easement for a project will vary based on size of pipe, required depth, and other factors.

photo of a semitruck delivering pipes. a backhoe is taking them off the truck and stacking them in prepartion fro

Pipe Delivery and Storage

Pipe, equipment, soil and other materials are stored in the construction easement or road right-of-way.

a photo of a man helping a trackhoe lift a 48-inch water pipe off a tractor trailer.

48-inch drinking water pipe delivered to a construction area.

several pipes laying beside the street.

6-inch drinking water pipe along the side of the road during a water pipe replacement project.

What To Expect During Construction

a photo of two large excavators digging in a park with a mound of dirt behind them.

Construction Zone

Construction zones will be large enough for excavators and dump trucks to move.

a photo of a trackhoe digging up the middle of the street

Trackhoe & Backhoe
Excavators use a bucket on a hinged boom to remove dirt in the middle of the road for a new 36-inch pipe.

a photo of a backhoe in use with cones as flaggers help drivers around the construction zone, smaller than the previous photo.

Crews using a backhoe at a water pipe rehabilitation project

a photo of equipment used to cut asphalt

Asphalt Cutter & Impact Hammer

Equipment used to break or cut asphalt to expose the pipe.

a photo of equipment used to break asphalt

a photo of a man looking at engineering plans for construction. the man is a construction inspector.

Inspectors

CLTWater inspectors will verify that pipes are installed in accordance with the design and assist customers.

a photo of an excavator dumping dirt into a dump truck.

Dump Trucks

Several dump trucks may assist with construction to remove and add soil, gravel, etc.

a photo of a trench box in a trench with a person working inside the box.

Trench Box

Trench boxes protect workers from cave-ins while installing, inspecting, or replacing pipes in the trench.

Wastewater Pipe Construction

a photo of two large excavators on a road that is closed for construction for a large wastewater pipe installation.

Large Equipment

24-inch wastewater pipe project under a street.

a photo of construction equipment driving over a creek that continues to flow via storm drain pipes.

Creek Crossing

Contractors may create a safe creek crossing for equipment. Large pipes keep the creek flowing underneath.

a photo of crews are lowering the top of a wastewater pipe manhole.

Manholes

Manholes vary in size depending on the amount of wastewater generated by a community.

Drinking Water Pipe Construction

a photo of two men using a valve key to turn water off to repair a pipe.

Valves

Crews may use drinking water valves to temporarily turn off water to a pipe.

a photo of crews flowing water from a fire hydrant after a repair.

Fire Hydrant Flushing

Crews may flow hydrants to test or maintain water quality.

photo of Meter and meter box installed for a new customer.

Meter Box Installation

A new water service installation includes: pipe near the property line, meter, and meter box. The property owner is responsible for connecting plumbing to tailpiece leaving the meter box.

a photo showing a fire hydrant including the exposed pipe and valve that are typically under ground.

Fire Hydrant Installation or Replacement

Fire hydrants are installed to provide emergency water service.

photo of 72-inch water transmission pipe to serve several neighborhoods.

A 72-inch water transmission pipe to serve several neighborhoods.

a photo of a 24-inch water pipe being lowered into a trench with a crew member watching it.

24-inch drinking water pipe installation.

a photo of a crew member on one side of the street working with crew on other side to install water service pipe under the pipe without trenching the entire street. a small backhoe or excavator can be used for a typical water main replacement or service line replacement project.

6-inch drinking water pipe replacement project, including new service pipes to each water meter.

What Does Tunneling (Boring) Look Like

a photo of a large tunneling operation installing wastewater pipe under a busy street. The photo includes a large pit or trench with tall trenchboxes, a trackhoe, crane, fencing and materials needed to tunnel underground.

CLTWater may tunnel under major roads to reduce lane closures. Tunneling requires entry and exit pits. Tunneling takes several months to complete. Some boring operations may be smaller to go under a large tree or driveway.

a photo of a large tunnel boring machine being lowered onto a tractor trailer.

Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)

Some tunnel boring machines uses disc cutters to fracture rock.

a photo of a tunnel boring machine inside a pit with ladders to get down to the tunnel.

Tunnel boring machine at the bottom of the photo.

a photo of a man connecting a hook to a metal casing as part of tunneling process.

The pipe is installed inside a metal casing to
protect the pipe, the street, and other infrastructure above the tunnel.

a photo from inside a tunnel looking back at the entry pit or hole where someone is working.

View from inside the tunnel looking at the entry pit.

Cranes may be required to move equipment and dirt.

Cranes may be required to move equipment and dirt.

What Does Rock Blasting Look Like?

a photo of an excavator is lowering heavy matts in preparation for blasting.

CLTWater may contact customers to conduct a pre-blast survey to record building details.

A seismograph monitor records blast vibrations to
verify they are within safe specifications.

Blasting is a standard construction procedure for removing rock when other methods are not effective.

Holes are drilled to insert the dynamite charges into the rock.

Residents may hear a warning horn, a muffled noise, and slight vibration or rumble similar to a slammed door or thunder.

What Does Water Rehabilitation Look Like?

When pipes exceed 50 years of service, CLTWater can extend their service life through rehabilitation. Crews will clean and add a new interior lining. First, the contractor will install a temporary above-ground drinking water pipe and test it for quality. Once the above-ground pipe is approved, customers are connected.

Crews dig at strategic locations reducing the amount of lane closures, pavement repair, and inconvenience to customers.
Crews dig at strategic locations reducing the inconvenience to customers.
The above ground pipe will have small ramps or be just under the street for customers to access their driveway and use sidewalks.
The above-ground pipe will have small ramps.
photo of crews in trenches on either side of an intersection. Crews clean the inside of the water pipe before adding a new lining.
Crews clean the inside of the water pipe before adding a new lining.
Crews will inspect the inside of the pipe using a small camera on wheels.
Crews will inspect the inside of the pipe using a small camera on wheels.

What Does Wastewater Rehabilitation Look Like?

Crews will be on scaffolding, installing a sock-like lining inside an existing pipe through manholes. The sock-like liner will extend the wastewater pipe’s service life, minimizing construction in the area.

Crews will be on scaffolding installing a sock-like lining inside an existing pipe through manholes. The sock-like liner will extend the wastewater pipe’s service life minimizing construction in the area.
Crews will be on scaffolding installing a sock-like lining inside an existing pipe through manholes. The sock-like liner will extend the wastewater pipe’s service life minimizing construction in the area.
Large diameter pipe rehabilitation project.
Large diameter pipe rehabilitation project.

What Does Restoration Look Like?

  • wastewater pipe construction inthe street with two excavators with a ternch.
    wastewater pipe construction inthe street with two excavators with a ternch.
  • restored area showing repaved road and new grass
    restored area showing repaved road and new grass
  • All construction and restoration by CLTWater contractors includes a one year warranty.
    All construction and restoration by CLTWater contractors includes a one year warranty.
  • Subcontractors or Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) Street Maintenance may repave a larger area than the trench after the project is complete.
    Subcontractors or Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) Street Maintenance may repave a larger area than the trench after the project is complete.

What Do Charlotte Water’s Visible Utility Structures On Private Property Look Like?

  • Fire hydrants are installed within 1,000 feet of every existing property served by Charlotte Water.
    Fire hydrants are installed within 1,000 feet of every existing property served by Charlotte Water.
  • photo of a water sampling station (green) The purpose is to monitor quality of water within the system.
    photo of a water sampling station (green) The purpose is to monitor quality of water within the system.
  • photo of grass and two circles in the lawn that are the meter lids so that crews can turn water off to a water pipe to replace or repair a pipe.
    photo of grass and two circles in the lawn that are the meter lids so that crews can turn water off to a water pipe to replace or repair a pipe.
  • Auto-flushers are used on dead ends or locations to flow water where water flow isn’t optimal to maintain excellent water quality.
    Auto-flushers are used on dead ends or locations to flow water where water flow isn’t optimal to maintain excellent water quality.
  • Manholes are installed flush with grass if in a maintained yard. If the manhole is installed in a floodplain, it may have a vent coming out of it or may be raised.
    Manholes are installed flush with grass if in a maintained yard. If the manhole is installed in a floodplain, it may have a vent coming out of it or may be raised.
General

Meet the 2026 Utility Tech I Apprentices: Growth, Goals, and What’s Next

Every career begins with a first step, but what comes next is just as important.

Charlotte Water’s Utility Tech I Apprenticeship is designed not only to train employees for today’s work, but to help them build long-term careers. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional development, apprentices gain the skills and confidence needed to grow within the organization.

In the final installment of our three-part series, we hear from several apprentices about their future goals and what they hope to achieve through the program.

Portrait of Tyis Cunningham wearing a green button-down shirt and smiling against a blue background.

Tyis Cunningham

Before becoming an apprentice, Tyis built a career in construction and heavy equipment operation, working on projects ranging from commercial development to infrastructure work.

His experience operating machinery and working in the field provided him with a strong foundation for the hands-on work in water utilities. Tyis said the apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity to expand his skills in a new industry.

“I’m excited to learn something different and earn new certifications,” he said.

He is particularly interested in continuing his education while building his career. In addition to pursuing industry certifications, he hopes to take business and accounting classes to help him grow professionally and personally.

“I want to leave a legacy,” he said. “I want to make sure I’m building something that lasts.”

Outside of work, Tyis enjoys spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and riding ATVs.

Portrait of Keijuan Green wearing a light gray polo shirt against a blue background.

Keijuan “KayJay” Green

Before joining Charlotte Water, Keijuan Green, who goes by KayJay, gained experience across a wide range of industries, including construction, landscaping, railroad operations, and restaurant management. Throughout those roles, he developed strong leadership and communication skills that continue to shape his approach to his work today.

“I’ve always been someone who can work with anybody,” he said. “No matter someone’s background, I can find a way to connect and work together.”

KayJay had also pursued coursework in construction and plumbing at Central Piedmont Community College, making the apprenticeship a natural next step toward the hands-on trade career he had been pursuing. He hopes to continue developing his leadership abilities and eventually move into an operator role.

“I finally feel like I’ve found a career,” he said. “I want to grow here and build something long-term.”

Outside of work, KayJay is a former two-time state champion wrestler who spent much of his youth competing in athletics.

Portrait of Allen Blackmann wearing a patterned black-and-cream collared shirt and smiling against a blue background.

Allen Blackmann

Allen entered the apprenticeship with a background in aviation work at the airport and technical training through Goodwill’s training program. While the water and wastewater field was new to him, the opportunity to build a long-term career quickly stood out.

“Charlotte Water has a lot to offer,” he said. “It’s not just short-term. If you put in the time and learn, it benefits you in the future.”

As an apprentice, Allen focuses on learning from experienced crew members and building the skills needed to succeed in the field. Much of the training so far has emphasized communication, teamwork, and professionalism.

“It’s not just about the labor,” he explained. “They’re really building your character and teaching you how to communicate and work with people.”

Looking ahead, Allen hopes to grow within the organization and eventually step into leadership opportunities once he gains more experience in the field.

Apprentices lined up for a group picture, an apprentice named Ten sits at a table in the front with two instructors, signing a paper for completing training.
A group photo taken at the apprenticeship signing

Building the Future of Charlotte Water

The Utility Tech I Apprenticeship program reflects Charlotte Water’s investment in developing skilled employees and creating long-term career pathways. Each apprentice brings unique experiences, goals, and perspectives, but they share a common commitment to learning, teamwork, and serving the community.

As this year’s cohort continues their training, they are not only developing technical skills but also laying the foundation for the next generation of water utility professionals.

Getting to learn about each apprentice’s story has been a privilege, and their passion and commitment make it clear that the future of our community is in good hands!

General

From Data Overload to Strategic Insight: Turning Information into Impact at Charlotte Water

At the NC One Water Annual Conference, Charlotte Water’s Colin Stifler shared a simple example to explain why data matters. He said to think about a trip to the doctor. When you check in, they take your blood pressure, temperature, weight, and other numbers. Each number tells you something small, but when you look at them together, you get a clear picture of your overall health. That’s what helps the doctor figure out what’s going on and what to do next.

Colin explained that organizations work the same way. To understand how they’re doing, they need to look at a few key results that really matter. Then they need to understand what affects those results. When you connect the dots between what you want to achieve and what causes changes over time, you can make smarter decisions.

Focusing on What Matters Most

Charlotte Water has six main priorities that guide its work:

  • A strong, high-performing workforce
  • Great customer service
  • Good community engagement
  • Reliable and safe infrastructure
  • Financial stability
  • Protecting the environment

For each priority, Charlotte Water tracks certain measures. However, Colin emphasized that the numbers alone aren’t enough; leaders also need to understand what drives them.

For example, a key measure for workforce success is the vacancy rate. Vacancy rate is shaped by things like how long it takes to fill a job, how many people apply, and how many accept an offer. Those things are then shaped by deeper factors, like training, leadership, pay, and workplace culture. Looking at all of this together helps leaders understand why a number changes, not just that it changed.

Turning Insight into Action

Colin shared how this approach is helping Charlotte Water reduce sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). An SSO happens when wastewater spills out of the sewer system. These spills are bad for the environment and for public health.

Last year, Charlotte Water had 3.2 SSOs for every 100 miles of pipe. This result is good compared to many large utilities, but the team’s goal is two or fewer. To understand why the number wasn’t lower, staff looked at the main causes of recent SSOs. They found that more SSOs were happening because of pipe failures—up 68% compared to the last three years.

Taken by Cam Coley, employee City of Charlotte, Charlotte Water

After seeing that, staff checked the rate at which old pipes were being replaced. They discovered that pipe replacement had slowed down during the same time pipe-related SSOs went up. This showed a clear path forward: increasing pipe repair and replacement would help bring SSO numbers down. Engineering teams will continue working on the details, but the data helped point everyone in the right direction.

A Clearer Path Forward

Colin closed with one key message: when you choose the right things to measure and take the time to understand what affects them, you make better decisions.

This approach helps leaders avoid guesswork, stay focused, and take action that truly makes a difference. Just like a doctor uses vital signs to care for patients, Charlotte Water is using simple, meaningful data to guide decisions and continue serving our community well.

General, How Things Work, My Water, Wastewater, Water Quality

Plumbing Tips When Buying A House

Buying a house is exciting and a little scary. Before you pick the final one, check out below tips to reduce future costs and concerns…

Questions to ask the owner / realtor

  • Is the water service provided by Charlotte Water, a third party, or is the property on a private well?
    • Is wastewater service also provided by Charlotte Water?
  • If the house was built more than 50 years ago, has the plumbing been replaced? If it hasn’t, that could cost thousands of dollars to replace.
  • Are there any utility easements under the property?
  • Is there a pressure-reducing valve on the water service line?
  • Where is the water meter?
    • If the water meter is between the street and a sidewalk, and the private plumbing service line needs to be replaced, any damage to a sidewalk will be up to the property owner to pay.

Easements

CLTWater easements are not typically reported as part of a title search for title insurance when purchasing a property. Surveying the property is the best way to determine if there are any easements on it.​ Learn more at https://cltwaterblog.org/2023/03/easement-101/.

Low Water Pressure

If the property is at the top of a hill or on the highest part of the neighborhood, it is likely you will experience lower water pressure than others in the neighborhood. Learn more about other possible factors at charlottewater.org.

High Water Pressure

If the property is located beside a creek, at the bottom of a hill, or in the lowest part of the neighborhood, it may have higher water pressure than other properties in the neighborhood. Learn more about other possible factors at charlottewater.org.

Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)

If the house is located in a geographically low area (near a creek) or near a water pumping facility, the water pressure may exceed 80 psi. Learn more at charlottewater.org.

Irrigation and Backflow Prevention Device Testing

If the house has an irrigation system, it probably also has a backflow prevention device that requires testing. 

Wastewater Cleanout

Most homes also have a white plastic lid, commonly referred to as a cleanout. This provides access to the wastewater pipe between your house and the public wastewater system, allowing you to inspect and clear blockages. Many houses do not have a cleanout and may be worth considering, especially if you have trees in the front yard.

Backwater Valve

A plumbing fixture called a backwater valve can prevent sewage backups. The North Carolina State Plumbing Code has required backwater valves in some homes since the early 1930s. If your plumbing fixtures are located below the top of the first upstream manhole, state regulations require the installation of a backwater valve. To determine if your property has a backwater valve or needs one, please consult a professional plumber or contractor. Learn more about other possible wastewater issues at charlottewater.org.


Waterfront Properties and Homes Lower Than The Public Street

If your future home is on waterfront property or the public road is higher than your house, the house may have a low-pressure sanitary sewer system to pump your wastewater up to the gravity-fed sewer system. Make sure you understand how old the pump is and if there have been any issues with the system. If you choose to purchase the home, consider having a plumber inspect it occasionally.

Read Inspector Notes

Consider getting a home inspector to investigate the house. When reviewing the inspector’s notes, pay close attention to any remarks related to the plumbing system. The inspector may provide details about the pipe type and age, potential water or wastewater issues, and the presence of easements affecting the property. Do any of the noted issues need immediate repair?

When reading the home inspection report, you may see information about water flow in gallons per minute (gpm) or water pressure in pounds per square inch (psi). The minimum expected levels at the water meter are

  • Flow is equal to or greater than 8 gpm
  • Pressure is equal to or greater than 20 psi
  • If the house numbers are lower than these, please consult with the inspector on readings. Backflow prevention devices, pressure-reducing valves, whole-house filtration systems, and other attachments to the plumbing system may restrict flow or pressure inside a home.

Set Up Your Account Days Before Moving In

Don’t forget…before moving in, call us to set up your account several days in advance. Learn more at https://www.charlottenc.gov/water/Customer-Care/Start-Stop-Service

Other Resources

My Charlotte Lookup to learn about property, district, and trash/recycling details.

Photobook of Water and Wastewater Construction to learn more about what water and wastewater structures may be in a yard and how to determine the type of plumbing you have.

Cautionary Tale: Replace Old Water Service Line Before It Becomes an Emergency.