Tag Archives: Conservation

Behind the Scenes

The Latest Buzz on Charlotte Water’s Beekeeping Program 


Charlotte Water is always looking for innovative ways to be better environmental stewards, meet our sustainability goals and get creative with our work. It’s no secret that employees at Charlotte Water are passionate about what they do and one such program that has risen from that passion is the Wastewater Beekeeping Program led by Will Rice.  

Award Winning Honey 

The program started small and simple, housing one hive at the McAlpine Creek Wastewater Management Facility in 2018. Later, this program would become a part of Charlotte Water’s 2020 Strategic Plan. Since its inception, the program has grown to over 20 hives across five wastewater facilities in the Mecklenburg County area and the honey produced by these bees is not just tasty – it’s award winning. 

Charlotte Water’s McAlpine Honey placed third out of 34 entries in the Mecklenburg Beekeepers Association honey-tasting competition in 2025 after winning first place in the 2024 contest. 

“Wastewater bees make the best honey,” says Will Rice, project manager at Charlotte Water. “And bees are an astute indicator of environmental health. The air, water, and soil at wastewater facilities make a great home for biodiversity.”  

A man in a bee keeping bonnet, khaki pants, a neon yellow shirt and blue gloves is standing in a field next to several wooden bee boxes and holding a wooden frame that contains honey, honeycomb and bees.
Will Rice, project manager at Charlotte Water and the brains behind the wastewater bees project, carefully removes bees to check on the health of the hive.

The Birds and the Bees 

The bees certainly thrive at Charlotte Wastewater facilities. They seem to appreciate all the wide-open spaces, clean water, various insects and animals, and the lush collection of flowers and plants that grow natively or are seeded by Charlotte Water staff.   

The bees are managed and carefully maintained by four dedicated beekeepers, one Charlotte Water employee and three external community beekeepers. The program showcases Charlotte Water’s holistic integration of sustainability projects with the important work we do every day, providing clean and safe water that not only serves our customers but also impacts our local watershed and ecosystems.  
 
“Wastewater treatment is a largely biological process at Charlotte Water,” said Rice. “Especially in comparison to where bees would make habitats in other places around the city, our wastewater facilities use very few chemical pollutants. By comparison, lots of households use fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides that we do not.”  

Partners in Productivity 

Charlotte Water treats, distributes, and collects millions of gallons of water every week, whether that is fresh drinking water or treated wastewater that goes back into our creek systems. It is important to the health of the public and our environment that the process is safe and effective. Depending on the season and conditions, the wastewater bees can produce anywhere from 1 to 6 gallons of honey per hive per year, all while pollinating local vegetation and fostering biodiversity. 

The benefits shared between these bees and Charlotte Water are undeniable. The bees continue to prove that integrating environmentally thoughtful practices in our everyday operations is key to protecting, treating and distributing our most precious resource, water. 

Events, What's Going On?

2024 Environmental Excellence Awards

What happens when industry and environmental protection join forces? For 28 years, Charlotte’s Environmental Excellence Awards have been answering that question with remarkable results.

This year’s ceremony celebrates nearly three decades of partnership between Charlotte Water and industrial customers who’ve chosen to go beyond compliance. We’re recognizing over 800 awards that represent real environmental stewardship, facilities that don’t just meet permit requirements but actively champion environmental protection.

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

The Impact Speaks Volumes: These collective efforts contribute to award-winning wastewater treatment facilities and the beneficial reuse of over 200,000 tons of biosolids since 1997. Each recognition represents a facility that has embraced environmental leadership as a core value, creating ripple effects throughout our community’s water systems.

Award Criteria:
Platinum – 5+ consecutive years of 100% compliance (reporting, monitoring, permit limits). No slug loading or SNC. Must discharge during year.

Gold – 100% compliance for 1 year. No slug loading in 2024. No SNC for 2 years. Must be permitted all of 2024 and discharge during year.

Silver – 100% compliance for reporting/monitoring; 90%+ compliance for permit limits for 1 year. No slug loading in 2024. No SNC for 2 years. Must be permitted all of 2024 and discharge during year.

Most Improved – 100% compliance for reporting/monitoring and 90%+ compliance for permit limits in 2024. No SNC or slug loading in 2024.

Crown Award – Must qualify for Platinum, Gold, or Silver and apply for one category:

  • Industrial Pretreatment – 100% compliance for 2+ years plus innovative technology, environmental excellence, and cooperation with Charlotte Water.
  • Water Conservation – Significant water use reduction or unique conservation/reuse approach.
  • Pollution Prevention – Source reduction program while maintaining high environmental standards.
Taken by Cam Coley, employee City of Charlotte, Charlotte Water

Crown Award Recipients:

At the summit of environmental achievement, two organizations demonstrate what’s possible when industry embraces transformative change.

  • Bakkavor Foods USA earned the Crown Award for Most Improved; a recognition that tells a powerful story of environmental transformation. In food processing, where water usage presents complex challenges, their journey represents a fundamental shift in operational thinking.
  • Mecklenburg County 521 Foxhole Landfill claimed the Crown Award for Pollution Prevention, showcasing how waste management facilities can become environmental showcases rather than necessary burdens.

Platinum Award Recipients:

The Platinum tier reveals something fascinating: environmental excellence isn’t a destination, but a sustained journey.

  • Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company – 5th year
  • Chematron Incorporated – 1st year
  • Mecklenburg County 521 Foxhole Landfill – 14th year
  • Norfolk Southern Railway – Charlotte Roadway Shop – 9th year

Gold and Silver Awards Recipients:

The remaining 22 award recipients create a comprehensive network of environmental leadership spanning diverse sectors:

Gold Award: AO Smith Corporation, Arjobex America, Carrier Corporation, Charleston Spar, Chesapeake Treatment Company, Cintas Corporation 99k, Du­-Norton, Frito-Lay, Hardcoatings, Safe Fleet, Snyder’s-Lance, Trane U.S., Union County Water, Vest Water Treatment Plant, Wallace Farm

Silver Award: Allied Plating Finishing, Bakkavor Foods USA, Barnhardt Manufacturing Company, Broadcom, Inolex Incorporated, Liquid Environmental Solutions, Pan-Glo Charlotte

These awards aren’t just certificates, they represent a fundamental shift in how industry views environmental responsibility. Each recipient demonstrates that environmental excellence and operational success aren’t competing priorities but complementary strategies, strengthening business performance and community health.

Billing, General

How Condo and Townhome Communities Can Reduce Water Bills

Cutting water bills in condo communities is not just a way to save money; it’s a chance to build a more sustainable future for everyone. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures: In older condos and townhomes, reduce water usage by installing low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets. These eco-friendly fixtures can slash water consumption significantly without sacrificing performance, making a strong impact on monthly bills.

2. Educate Residents: Promote easy-to-follow water-saving habits, such as taking shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and running full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.

3. Monitor Water Use: Dive into past water bills to uncover trends and identify peak consumption times. Consider sub-metering units or other technology to find potential leaks.

4. Conduct Regular Plumbing Checks: Schedule routine inspections to catch leaks in pipes, faucets, and toilets. Even minor leaks can waste water and dollars, so addressing them promptly can lead to significant savings.

5. Revamp Landscaping: If your community features shared outdoor spaces, consider transitioning to drought-resistant plants and employing xeriscaping techniques that require minimal irrigation. Pair this with an efficient drip irrigation system to maximize water efficiency.

6. Offer Conservation Incentives: Introduce rewards for residents who actively reduce their water usage or report leaks. Incentives can motivate everyone to conserve this precious resource.

7. Consider Rainwater Harvesting: If applicable, investing in rainwater collection systems can provide a sustainable source of water for irrigation or other non-potable uses.

Charlotte Water calculates your bill based on a tiered system, meaning the more you use, the more you pay.

An average customer uses around 7 Ccf per month, which is 5,236 gallons!

What is a Ccf? Ccf is an abbreviation that represents 100 cubic feet, which equals 748 gallons.

Understanding Rates and Fees
The drinking water and sewer/wastewater systems are both managed by Charlotte Water and are paid for by water bill fees, not property tax dollars. The public storm drainage system is managed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services and paid for by storm water fees, not property tax dollars.

Water Usage Rates: Charges for drinking water vary based on the amount of water used and rates are broken into four rate tiers. Usage is measured in Ccf, or one hundred cubic feet, increments. 1Ccf = 748 gallons. Meter readings reflect cumulative totals from one billing cycle to the next and usage is only charged per whole Ccf (rounded down). A partial Ccf will roll over and be included in the next billing cycle.

Sewer Usage Rates: Charges for sewer use are based on the amount of water used for customers with water and sewer service. For customers with wastewater service only, the fee is calculated based on the typical household water consumption.

Fixed Fees: The fixed fees for both water and sewer services recover the cost of servicing accounts, such as the cost of meter reading and billing.

Availability Fees: Availability fees pay for water and sewer projects. The fees vary based on the size of a customer’s meter connection and the number of service days in each billing cycle.

Storm Water Services Fees: Fees are used to repair public storm drainage infrastructure, reduce flood risks, and improve surface waters. Detached single-family residential homes are grouped into one of four billing tiers based on the amount of impervious surface area on the parcel. All others (commercial and attached single-family homes such as duplexes and apartments) are billed for the actual amount of impervious surface area on the parcel. Impervious surfaces include rooftops, concrete driveways, and other areas that do not allow rainwater to absorb into the ground.

Learn more at https://www.charlottenc.gov/water/Pay-your-Bill/Rates-Fees

Here are a few other sources

CHARLOTTE WATER 2024 RATE ADJUSTMENT | Charlotte Water Blog

Why Does Wastewater Cost More On My Water Bill? | Charlotte Water Blog

Have A High Water Bill? Read This. | Charlotte Water Blog

Understanding Homeowners Responsibility | Charlotte Water Blog

New Bill Design – YouTube about water bill look

How To Read Your Charlotte Water Meter

Drought & Conservation, General

Save Money, Save Water

Fixing at home leaks can be quick, cheap, and easy.

Taking a few minutes to fix small leaks in your home can prevent costly water bills. Household leaks can waste almost one trillion gallons of water per year nationwide. Some common household leaks are dripping faucets, worn toilet flappers, leaking valves, and irrigation systems. You can fix many of these leaks without having to call a professional. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sponsors Fix a Leak Week annually to encourage leak detection and water conservation. Here are a few of the EPA’s leak repair tips:

Faucet Leaks

Your dripping faucet could be wasting more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. Check out this drip calculator from the AWWA to see how much water you could be wasting at home!

Once you know which part of your faucet is leaking (spout, base, etc.) you can purchase a single replacement piece or a faucet repair kit. Video tutorials like this one can take you from DIY to drip-stopping pro in under three minutes!

To ensure you purchase the right kit or replacement part, it’s best to research your current faucet or disassemble your faucet and take the pieces that need replacement with you. Once you have the necessary replacement parts, simply swap them out and test the faucet for leaks.

Toilet Leaks

A worn-out toilet flapper can silently waste thousands of gallons of water per year. Toilet leaks can be some of the sneakiest leaks in a home. Luckily, replacing a toilet flapper only takes a few minutes and the parts are inexpensive. The easiest way to figure out if your toilet is leaking is to perform a dye test.

Make sure to carefully examine your old flapper before tossing it to ensure you buy the correct replacement. This simple swap can prevent you from flushing hundreds of dollars down the drain.

Outdoor Leaks

In-ground irrigation systems, hose connections, and pools can also be sources of leaks that can skyrocket your water bill. It’s important to monitor your water bill when you water your lawn or during pool season to ensure you’re not missing a leak. Here are some outdoor leak detection tips:

  • Check your irrigation system for damage from freezing temps before you use it each spring.
  • Check your irrigation system for faulty sprinkler heads.
  • Check your hose connections regularly for pooling water or drips between uses.
  • Consult a professional if you suspect a pool leak.

If you need assistance fixing a leak, please contact a professional. If you receive a high bill and are unsure of what to do next, check out this video for next steps.

Charlotte Water can assist you with your outstanding balance from a high bill after your leak is repaired. To get help with your outstanding balance, please dial 311 or 704-336-7600.