Charlotte Water (CLTWater) employees dedicate their efforts to delivering safe, reliable water from the river to the tap. CLTWater has 11 elevated storage tanks. Our water treatment operators fill the tanks each night to prepare for morning use. Each day they refill as needed.
CLTWater sees a more than 50% increase in water use during the summertime for lawn irrigation.
Fast Facts:
Water pressure is mostly due to the elevation of storage tanks relative to the elevation of your home or business.
Elevated storage tanks help CLTWater provide consistent, stabilized pressure in the distribution system and ensure optimal fire protection for the public.
CLTWater storage tanks are storing up-to-20 million gallons.
Each tank is inspected and cleaned every 2-3 years.
Water within our storage tanks is turned over on a daily basis in order to ensure lower residence time within the distribution and aid in the conveyance of the highest water quality to customers.
Water Pressure in Charlotte
Water pressure may vary a little every day. A home or business doesn’t experience a significant change in pressure unless moved to another pressure zone, a temporary surge in water usage or directional flow shift, an emergency water main break, or if CLTWater physically increases or decreases the height of storage tanks. These cases are extremely rare.
Higher water pressures are in geographically low points (near a creek) in a water pressure zone. Property owners may need to install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) to protect their plumbing if the psi is over 80 psi. You can buy a gauge at a home improvement store to check your pressure.
Charlotte Water clears mineral deposits (sediment) from water pipes by flushing water through fire hydrants. The mineral deposits in the pipes are only dislodged when the water is flowing at very high speeds. It has not affected water quality but may have reduced water pressures and pipe capacity.
Water quality sampling stations (green boxes) are installed in the neighborhood so staff can test the water before and after flushing hydrants.
Customers receive a postcard and a notice on their door before this type of hydrant use. Updates will be posted on NextDoor.
Discolored Water is Possible
Customers near flushing may notice temporarily discolored water and lower than normal water pressure. The discoloration does not pose a health risk. However, avoid using tap water or running the washing machine or dishwasher until flushing is complete.
If you experience some discoloration in your water from nearby flushing, run the cold water at one tap for 5 minutes to see if it clears. If it does not clear wait an hour and try again. When the water runs clear, flush any taps where discolored water was present. If not clear after one hour, call 311 to report issues
If you have a question about this project, please contact us at 311 or 704-336-7600.
Fire Hydrant Unidirectional Flushing Frequently Asked Questions
What is unidirectional flushing?
Unidirectional flushing is used to improve and maintain our high-quality drinking water. Sediments and mineral deposits in the pipes can discolor drinking water. The high-speed water flows used in unidirectional flushing is an efficient and cost-effective way to remove sediments and deposits from the pipes and prevent potential water quality issues. Why does Charlotte Water flush drinking water pipes?
Drinking water pipes need to be flushed out to improve water quality. Over time, very fine sediment from mineral deposits and organic matter settle out of the water and accumulate in the bottom of the pipes. While the sediments are generally harmless, they can make the disinfectant in the water less effective. Additionally, sudden changes in the flow of water can disturb these sediments resulting in cloudy, discolored water.
What should customers expect to see?
While crews have the hydrants open, passersby may notice a lot of water running down the road to a nearby storm drain. At times, the water may be very cloudy or brownish.
Is it common to flush the pipes?
Charlotte Water uses three techniques to clean and maintain the drinking water system: spot flushing, auto flushing, and unidirectional flushing.
Spot flushing is used to address discolored water issues. This includes when drinking water is discolored due to a disturbance in the system such as construction or other hydrant activity. Crews open fire hydrants to flush this water out of the system and bring fresh water into the pipes. Auto-flushing is similar to spot flushing and is used to maintain water quality by reducing the water age in the distribution system. This type of flushing uses an automatic flushing device, called an auto-flusher, which is connected to hydrants and programmed to flush water at certain time intervals and flow rates. Using an auto-flusher reduces the amount of staff time needed to maintain consistently better water quality at a certain location in the distribution system while using water in a more efficient manner.
Unidirectional flushing is not used in response to a specific water quality issue but instead is used as routine maintenance to prevent problems from arising. The goal of unidirectional flushing is to clean the insides of the water delivery pipes. Cleaning the pipes removes sediment that builds up in the pipes. This reduces the potential for water quality problems. Unidirectional flushing works by forcing water in the pipes to flow at much higher speeds than normal. Flushing crews first open and close valves to isolate sections of pipe, and then the water and any mineral sediments in the pipes are flushed out through an open fire hydrant.
Has the sediment built up in the pipes harmed me?
The sediment from mineral deposits in the pipes is only dislodged when the water is flowing at very high speeds. It has not impacted water quality but may have impacted water pressures and pipe capacity. Unidirectional flushing will have minimal impacts to customers. If you see hydrant flushing crews working in the area, please drive carefully and treat them like any other road construction crew. Customers in the immediate vicinity of flushing may notice temporarily discolored water and lower than normal water pressure. The discoloration does not pose a health risk. However, avoid using tap water or running the washing machine or dishwasher until flushing is complete. If you experience some discoloration in your water from nearby flushing, run the cold water at one tap for 5 minutes to see if it clears. If it does not clear wait an hour and try again. When the water runs clear, flush any taps where discolored water was present. If not clear after one hour, call 311 to report issues.
There is a manhole in my backyard. What does Charlotte Water (CLTWater) do to maintain pipes in my yard?
CLTWater maintains a large network of sanitary sewer or wastewater pipes. These are different from the storm drains along gutters. The wastewater pipes flow our communities’ wastewater from your homes and businesses to a wastewater treatment plant.
An easement agreement is a legal document that gives CLTWater the right to access, maintain, clear, repair, inspect, improve, renovate, and replace facilities (including pipes and manholes) on private property.
Permanent Easements and Your Property
Below is an illustration of wastewater pipes under the streets and then through woods to collect wastewater and flow downstream to a wastewater treatment plant.
What is an Easement?
Permanent and temporary construction easements are needed to build and maintain water and sewer pipes. An easement agreement is a legal document that gives CLTWater the right to access, maintain, clear, repair, inspect, improve, renovate and replace facilities on a property. City representatives work with property owners to finalize the terms of the agreement, and compensation is determined through an appraisal.
The easement agreement is signed by both the City and the property owner and is recorded at the Mecklenburg Register of Deeds office. The agreement is accessible online on the Register of Deeds website.
NOTE: When purchasing a property, easements are not typically reported as part of a title search for the purchase of title insurance. The best way to determine if there are any easements is to survey the property.
What can a property owner do with their land within an easement?
Though the property owner still has ownership of the land, there are restrictions to what they can do within an easement. Any restricted items that are found within an easement during clearing activities will not be replaced at Charlotte Water’s expense.
1. Nothing permanent may be stored or built on top of the easement. This includes but is not limited to slabs, walls, fill, permanent sheds, pools, gazebos and medium-large size trees.
2. Fences are allowed across an easement if a 12-foot access gate is provided. Gates shall be dual-locked to allow access by the property owner and the City.
3. Charlotte Water has a ‘Landscaping/Planting Guidelines’ document that can help a property owner decide what to plant within an easement. Certain plants and trees are restricted, as follows: + No trees are allowed within a permanent easement. + Plants with an invasive root system are not allowed. + Gardens, crops, shrubbery and ornamental trees with shallow roots are acceptable within an easement but not directly over the pipe.
4. Installing a concrete/asphalt driveway partially over the easement is possible but with the following restrictions: + The property owner will be responsible for any damage caused to the pipe. Care should be taken in compacting the excavated area to avoid damage to the pipe. + The property owner will call 811 have utilities located before digging inside easement. + A driveway must be shallow (not to exceed 1 foot and shouldn’t cover any existing access points or manholes).
5. Irrigation systems are not permitted within water and sewer easements. Charlotte Water is not responsible for the repair of any irrigation systems installed within a permanent easement.
What happens to an easement during construction?
Easements are cleared of trees, shrubs, structures, and debris in preparation for construction activities. Existing fences located in the easements are removed and temporary fences are installed during construction.
What happens in an easement after a construction project?
Typically, crews will re-grade, fertilize and seed easements after construction. Once restored, property owners can make plans to replace landscaping. Charlotte Water is not responsible for replacing custom landscaping within an easement. Charlotte Water will also repair and replace pavement that was damaged during construction.
Who can I contact if I have an easement question?
Prior to any digging or construction, Call 811 to locate any underground utilities (NC 811, Call Before You Dig) or 800.632.4949. For water and sewer questions within Mecklenburg County, please call the Charlotte Water Assets Hotline at 704.336.1265 or email cltwassets@charlottenc.gov. Please include the address or parcel ID of the property. For storm water or drainage easements, please call 311 for assistance. To identify water or sewer easements on your property, email cltwasbuilts@charlottenc.gov with a location (address/parcel ID), details of the request and your contact information. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Easement information is available on the Storm Water Easement webpage.
How does CLTWater clear the easement?
Tree roots can penetrate wastewater pipes, blocking the flow of wastewater, and eventually causing an overflow. CLTWater periodically clears permanent easements of trees and debris to prevent overflows. Debris will be turned into mulch or transported off-site. When possible, trees on the edge of permanent easements are preserved. Property owners may see activity for several days until crews are able to access easements from another location.
What is a Road right-of-way?
A Road right-of-way is a portion of property near the road that is owned by the property owner and available for the city to use for street maintenance or utilities work.
How can I find out what is under my property?
Before you start digging along your property borders — or ANYWHERE NEAR public utilities located on or around your property — pick up the phone and dial N.C. One Callnumber at 1-800-632-4949.
Who do I contact if I have an easement question?
You can contact a Charlotte Water representative at cltwassets@charlottenc.gov.
Transcript for Permanent Easements and Your Property Video
There may be more under your property than you know.
If you own a property or are considering buying, the best way to find utility easements is to have the property surveyed. You can also call 311 or 704 336 7600 and ask to speak to Charlotte Water staff about your property. You may be required to sign a confidentiality agreement to receive information. If your property has an easement, then there are restrictions you need to follow. Permanent structures, irrigation systems, trees and other things that may damage or restrict access to the pipe are not permitted within easements, any restricted items found in the easement will not be replaced or repaired by Charlotte Water. If you have a question about an existing easement, please call or email Charlotte Water first. You can expect to see Charlotte Water crews clearing the easement occasionally. Crews may access your property to repair the pipe and eventually replace the pipe. When possible, Charlotte Water will provide advance notice of activities on your property. Charlotte Water staff is dedicated to providing safe drinking water and wastewater services to our community. To learn more please visit CharlotteWater.org.
For years, as a Charlotte Water employee, I have encouraged customers to plan ahead for the replacement of their private plumbing, especially if their pipes are nearing 50 years. I thought about replacing my plumbing, but I waited too long. Below is my warning to customers in old houses.
I started hearing a dripping sound that I hadn’t heard before. I followed the sound into the basement and traced it back to our private plumbing line coming into the house. It soon went from a dripping noise to several dripping noises.
I quickly called CharMeck 311 (704-336-7600) to request an emergency water turn-off by Charlotte Water Customer Service. The call took just a few minutes, and a field technician was there to turn off our water at the meter in less than an hour.
A Temporary Solution
We used coolers to capture and store the water leaking out of our walls and then used the water to flush toilets later.
I bought a few gallons of distilled water for coffee and a few gallons of purified water for drinking.
How to flush a toilet without water service
Talk to your next-door neighbors to see if you can hook up a hose temporarily to fill containers.
Lift the toilet tank lid off (see picture)
Pour water to the water line mark inside the tank.
You will need to pour at least two gallons per flush.
I refilled containers using a hose connected to my neighbor’s house and refilled each night at a relative’s home.
We put the containers by the toilets to refill the tank and reused small water bottles to wash hands.
Pro tip– designate one or two toilets as the one(s) you plan on using during the outage. Make others off-limits to reduce the number of toilets you must refill.
Pour water to the ‘water line’ mark in the toilet tank.
After replacing our plumbing line, we ran cold water first for several minutes outside spigots/hose bibs and then indoor tubs and water faucets. The water heater took more than an hour to reheat. As a precaution, we tossed out the old ice and the next batch of ice from the automatic ice maker in the fridge.
Everything changes when you don’t have easy access to flowing water. Our children appreciated tap water more and conserved water because they knew it took extra steps. We are so thankful to have a new water line and I hope my experience helps you prevent a similar emergency and provides a few ideas on how to survive it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some signs I may have a plumbing leak between the water meter and the house?
If you hear a dripping noise or notice wet spots in your crawlspace or basement or even a greener-than-usual patch of grass on the area between your meter and your house you may have a leak.
How much water do I need each day?
At least a gallon for hand washing, brushing teeth and drinking, so at a bare minimum, you will need seven gallons per person per day to drink, brush, and flush. This doesn’t include showers, laundry, or dishwashing. Consider purchasing paper plates, plastic cups, and utensils.
Any purchased water containers (gallon jugs or small water bottles) can be refilled several times to reduce the cost of purchasing water at a store.
Use any large containers you have around to store and refill toilets.
Wet dry vacuum to suck up any water if you experience flooding
Coolers
Dehumidifier and humidifier tanks
If possible, store water in a bathtub and keep a large container to scoop the water out
How can I prevent a plumbing emergency?
If your plumbing is 50+ years old, you should plan in advance to prevent this from happening to you:
Talk to your home insurance provider to see if your policy covers water line replacement or if it should be added to your policy.
Some homeowners’ insurance only covers the damage (i.e., flooding) and not the plumbing repair.
Research alternative insurance options, including home warranty or service line protection plans to see if they would be a good fit for your situation
Find out what your plumbing materials are made of.
Lead – installed 1900-1986, dull gray and easily scratched surface, although banned in 1986, installation of lead pipes was very rare in Mecklenburg County.
Copper – installed 1930s – present, reddish (like a penny) to dark brown or green, in some cases may contain lead-based solder if home was built before 1986 and hasn’t had plumbing replaced after 1986.
Galvanized Steel – 1930-1980s, gray or metallic, may rust internally and externally, limited lifespan.
Polyethylene (PEX) – 1990s to present, many colors (typically red and blue for hot and cold supply lines), flexible to install.
Don’t wait…
Get three quotes/price estimates from licensed plumbers.
Each plumber may have a different strategy to replace your plumbing
Ask a lot of questions
Plumbers are very busy and a project like this will need time to schedule.
Know what is under your front yard. Do you have buried fiber optic, wastewater pipes, storm drain, etc? Trees can also affect where your service line is installed. Contact NC 811 to learn about what public utilities can be marked and how to find locators that find private lines (well, septic, gas, etc.)
Don’t do anything to your plumbing that could possibly cause a leak.
How long will it take for plumbers to install new plumbing?
It can vary. We were without water for seven days before our new plumbing line was installed and service was restored.
Our water pipe repair damaged a sidewalk. Will the City fix the sidewalk?
If your repair requires damaging or removing the sidewalk, you will need to replace the sidewalk. Make sure to get three quotes and ensure that they are trained and able to complete the work to the city / town sidewalk specifications.
Did you know that your plumbing actually starts at the building side of the meter box? Learn more on this blog.
