Fayetteville Public Works Commission

All water treated by PWC comes from "surface water" sources. Our L. O. Hoffer Water Treatment Facility processes water from the Cape Fear River, while our Glenville Lake Facility draws from the Cape Fear River, Big Cross Creek, and the Little Cross Creek Watershed.

The watershed includes four water storage lakes: Bonnie Doone Lake, Kornbow Lake, Mintz Lake, and Glenville Lake. Both treatment facilities contribute to the general distribution system, so your tap water is a blend from all these sources.

PWC takes pride in being a charter member of the National Association for Safe Water. We were North Carolina's first utility to earn an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director's Award for our exceptional efforts in providing clean, safe water—a distinction we've maintained for 17 consecutive years.

In 2011, PWC became a Charter Member of the Alliance for Safe Water Distribution System Optimization Program, which focuses on maintaining water treatment facilities, water mains, and storage tanks. In 2014, we were among the nation's first utilities recognized for completing the program's 18-month self-assessment.

Our two Water Treatment Facilities processed 9.1 billion gallons of water in 2016! To ensure strict EPA compliance, we conduct over 150,000 tests annually, checking for 118 different contaminants and factors. PWC consistently meets or exceeds all standard requirements.

We understand concerns about 1,4-Dioxane in our water supply. While it has been detected in the Cape Fear River and surrounding areas, the EPA currently has no established standards or safety limits for this compound. If it posed an immediate threat, the EPA would have issued directives.

Since traditional water treatment cannot remove 1,4-Dioxane, we've partnered with other communities and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to address this issue. We've helped fund research identifying its sources to reduce or eliminate it, protecting our customers from long-term exposure.

Through this partnership, NCDEQ has required Greensboro, Reidsville, and Asheboro to begin monthly monitoring of 1,4-Dioxane in their wastewater treatment discharges. The data will help determine appropriate effluent limits for these upstream cities. For more information, visit: www.faypwc.com/thefactsabout-1-4-dioxane.

1. Why is my water usage unexpectedly high? You likely have a hidden leak in a toilet or faucet. Contact our office and we'll help troubleshoot the issue with you.
2. What should I do about low water pressure? First, inspect your meter and surrounding area for possible leaks. Then contact our office to report the pressure problem in your area.
3. Why does my water appear cloudy or discolored? Recent repairs may have allowed air to enter the line, causing a milky appearance. This typically resolves on its own.
4. What chemicals are added to our water? We only use chemicals approved by the National Safety Foundation specifically for municipal water treatment.
5. My water has an unusual taste or smell. Is it safe? State regulations require all public water systems to maintain a minimum chlorine level of 0.2 mg/L. We test our disinfectant levels daily to ensure safety.
6. Why does sediment come out when I run hot water? Your water heater likely needs flushing. CAUTION: Most manufacturers recommend hiring a professional. If you attempt this yourself, consult your owner's manual to prevent injury or damage.
7. Why do I have a balance due when I know I sent payment? We may have received it after the due date or it may not have arrived. Call our office for assistance resolving this issue.
8. Why does my hot water smell like rotten eggs? Water heaters can sometimes produce hydrogen sulfide gas. While the concentrations typically don't pose health risks, they create unpleasant odors. The magnesium rod used for corrosion control can reduce sulfates to hydrogen sulfide. Consider replacing it with an aluminum or alternative metal rod. Contact your water heater manufacturer for guidance.