City of Winston-Salem

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utility Commission operates three water treatment facilities drawing from both the Yadkin River and Salem Lake. These facilities collectively produce up to 91 million gallons of water daily. The Neilson facility processes 48 million gallons daily while the Swann facility handles 25 million gallons, both sourcing from the Yadkin River. The Thomas Water Plant treats 18 million gallons daily from both Salem Lake and the Yadkin River.

For 2017, as in previous years, these facilities have consistently met or exceeded all state and federal water quality requirements. This achievement reflects the dedication of staff who work year-round to provide safe, reliable water. This report includes essential information about your water source, treatment processes, content analysis, and how it compares to regulatory standards.

Protecting Our Water Resources
Municipal water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and may pick up substances from animal or human activities. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals that occur naturally or result from urban runoff, industrial discharges, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from various sources including agriculture and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes and petroleum production
• Radioactive contaminants that can be naturally occurring or result from resource extraction activities

To ensure tap water safety, the EPA establishes limits on contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar standards for bottled water. All water sources may contain trace amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Lead Exposure Information
Elevated lead levels in water can cause serious health concerns, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead in municipal water primarily comes from materials in service lines and household plumbing. While the City/County Utility Commission provides high-quality water, they cannot control the components used in residential plumbing. When water sits in pipes for several hours, you can reduce potential lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption or cooking.

HOW DOES WATER GET TO MY HOUSE?

The City of Plymouth Water Department maintains deep wells and over eighty miles of water mains to deliver high-quality water to your home continuously. The distribution system includes main lines along streets that feed smaller service lines connecting to individual homes.

WHAT DO I NEED TO START SERVICE?

New customers must visit the Office of the Clerk-Treasurer at 124 North Michigan Street to initiate water, sewer, and trash service. You'll need:

1. Renters: A copy of your signed lease or landlord statement permitting utility service
2. Homebuyers: A copy of your closing documents
3. State or federal photo identification
4. $120.00 application deposit (rental or land contract customers only)

HOW CAN I PAY MY UTILITY ACCOUNT?

Payment options include:

• Mail your payment
• Use the drop box at the Clerk-Treasurer's office (124 North Michigan Street)
• Pay in person with cash, check, or money order
• Set up automatic withdrawal from your bank account
• Pay online or by phone at (574) 936-2124

HOW DO I TERMINATE SERVICE?

Customers should sign a termination request at the Clerk-Treasurer's office. We recommend providing at least three days' notice. You'll need to provide a forwarding address for your final bill or deposit refund.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY WATER IS SHUT OFF?

Pay your bill at the Clerk-Treasurer's office (124 North Michigan Street) using cash, check, or money order for the shut-off amount plus the $30.00 administrative fee. Schedule a reconnection appointment - someone must be present at the residence for service restoration.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY WATER IS DISCOLORED?

Rusty, yellow, or orange water is typically caused by iron and manganese sediment in water mains that gets disturbed during flushing, hydrant use, or leaks. While safe to drink, it may be unappealing and could stain laundry. Flush your household plumbing by opening three cold-water taps simultaneously for seven minutes (called a 3 × 7 system flush). Avoid using hot water taps until the cold water clears. Don't do laundry with discolored water. Free stain remover is available from the Water Department at 936-2543.

WHY DOES MY WATER SMELL/TASTE STRANGE?

Water may develop unpleasant tastes or odors if it sits too long in your household plumbing. Flushing should resolve these issues. If problems persist, check if only specific taps are affected, and inspect your water system components like softeners, heaters, or filters. For concerns about water quality, schedule a household test by contacting the Clerk-Treasurer's office at (574) 936-2124 or the Water Department at (574) 936-2543.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE SAND IN MY WATER?

Sand-like particles could be calcium deposits, water softener resin, or actual sand. Test by placing particles in vinegar - calcium deposits will dissolve while sand or resin won't react. Water softener resin appears as uniform, shiny particles with a greasy feel.