City of New Bern

The City of New Bern delivers municipal water to over 35,000 residents across New Bern and neighboring communities including Carolina Colors, Clarks, Cove Town, Craven Region Industrial Park, Bodega, and Trent Forest. In 2017, total water usage reached 1.26 billion gallons, averaging 3.44 million gallons daily.

The City's Water Treatment Department maintains a comprehensive infrastructure consisting of 20 wells, a filter/softener treatment facility, 3 ground storage tanks, 5 booster pump stations and 6 elevated storage tanks. This system can produce up to 8.65 million gallons daily with total storage capacity of 9.7 million gallons.

WATER TREATMENT PROCESS

• Aeration/Oxidation/Filtration: Treatment begins with aeration to naturally oxidize iron and manganese contaminants and remove hydrogen sulfide. After a detention period, potassium permanganate ensures complete oxidation before water enters the greensand filters.
• Softening: Filtered water passes through ion-exchange softeners to remove calcium and magnesium. Some water bypasses this process to maintain optimal hardness levels. Softening represents the most expensive part of treatment, with sodium for regeneration accounting for one-third of operational costs.
• Chemical Addition: Chlorine and ammonia are added for disinfection and to prevent microbial growth. Ortho-phosphate is included as a corrosion inhibitor to protect distribution systems and home plumbing from metal leaching.

The City of New Bern routinely monitors for over 150 contaminants according to Federal and State regulations. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate health risks. Unless noted otherwise, the data presented covers testing from January through December 2017. Some data may be older than one year as EPA and State regulations allow monitoring for certain contaminants less frequently when concentrations are not expected to vary significantly year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I pay my water bill? The city provides multiple payment options: mail a check with your billing stub to City Hall, pay online through the official portal, visit City Hall during business hours (8am-4:30pm), or use the after-hours drop box located at the rear driveway (W Broadway side) of City Hall.
2. Can I select my monthly due date? No. There are two established billing cycles based on your address location. Cycle 1 bills around the first of each month, while Cycle 2 bills around the fifteenth. Non-payment may result in disconnection and associated fees.
3. Who should I contact about water emergencies like leaks? During normal business hours (M-F, 8am-4:30pm), call City Hall at (502) 348-5947. After hours, call the same number and you'll be directed to the emergency call center.
4. How do I apply for a new water connection? Complete a Water Connection form and submit it to City Hall during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm. Forms are available on the city website.
5. How can I verify my meter is being read correctly? Check your bill to see your typical meter reading date (around the 15th for Cycle 1 customers, around the 1st for Cycle 2). You can compare your own meter reading with what appears on your bill. The readings should be similar, accounting for timing differences. Contact City Hall at (502) 348-5947 if you notice significant discrepancies.
6. What if I can't pay my bill on time? Payment extensions may be available in certain circumstances. Contact customer service at City Hall (502) 348-5947 for assistance.
7. How can I check for water leaks myself? Ensure all water is turned off, including faucets, appliances and ice makers. Record your meter reading, wait 30-60 minutes without using any water, then check again. If the reading changes, you likely have a leak.
8. Am I responsible for paying for water lost through leaks? The city allows one bill adjustment for a leak per customer. Complete the water leak adjustment form and submit it to City Hall for consideration.