Salisbury-Rowan

Salisbury-Rowan Utilities (SRU) proudly presents this Annual Municipal Water Quality Report. This assessment provides a snapshot of last year's water quality analysis, including details about source water, contents, and regulatory compliance.

Our mission is to deliver safe, reliable water to our community. We continually enhance our treatment processes and protect our water resources through rigorous monitoring and testing. For questions about this report or your water service, please contact Alan Fowler, Chemist at Salisbury-Rowan Utilities: (704) 638-5372.

Our water intake facilities are strategically located at the confluence of the South Yadkin and Yadkin Rivers on the Rowan-Davie-Davidson County borders. The Yadkin-Pee Dee watershed (classified as WS-IV) is North Carolina's second-largest river basin, covering 7,213 square miles with approximately 50% forested land. Precipitation from the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains in Caldwell, Wilkes, and Surry Counties feeds our water supply.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality conducted Source Water Assessment Program evaluations to determine each water source's vulnerability to Potential Contaminant Sources. These reports include detailed maps and susceptibility ratings (High, Moderate, or Low).

Our treatment facility employs Actiflo, an advanced high-rate clarification system, processing an average of 9.7 million gallons daily. We maintain a 28-million-gallon reserve storage for emergency situations. Our treatment process includes adding Micro-Sand, Polymer, and Poly-Aluminum Chloride to initiate coagulation, followed by settlement, filtration, and the addition of Sodium Hypochlorite, Fluoride and Phosphate. Fluoride promotes dental health, while Phosphate minimizes pipe corrosion. Removed solids undergo dewatering before being applied to agricultural land throughout Rowan County.

My water heater is 15 years old but still works properly. Should I replace it?

Water heaters consume approximately 17% of energy in typical Canadian homes. However, newer conventional models have only improved efficiency by about 5%. The energy savings from upgrading are minimal, but there are many effective free or low-cost ways to reduce water heating energy consumption.

How can I save on water heating energy consumption?

• Insulate water pipes (professional installation required for gas heater pipes; never insulate plastic pipes)
• Maintain moderate tank temperature
• Insulate electric water heater tanks
• Use off-peak energy for water heating
• Turn off water heaters during extended absences
• Reduce hot water usage through conservation practices:
  • Take shorter showers instead of baths
  • Reduce water flow when soaping or shampooing
  • Minimize hot water use when shaving or washing dishes
  • Use cold water for laundry
  • Fix hot water leaks promptly
  • Install water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators

For more water and energy conservation tips, contact a Utilities Kingston conservation expert at 613-546-0000 and say "Conservation".

Will a tankless water heater save energy?

Tankless heaters use electric elements or gas burners to heat flowing water without storage. While they eliminate standby heat loss from storage tanks, remember that in Canada, 6-8 months of the year, that "lost" heat actually contributes to home heating. Additionally, tankless units use more BTUs and can be less efficient with frequent on/off cycling throughout the day.

Is my water heater venting up to code?

Gas and oil water heaters require proper venting for combustion gas safety. When installed by certified professionals, venting systems meet current building codes. During replacements, venting may need upgrading to System 636 PVC flue gas venting per provincial natural gas regulations.

What's the purpose of a mixing valve?

Ontario building code requires mixing valves when water heaters are replaced. These devices cool water leaving the system to prevent scalding. This mandatory plumbing fixture is included in installation costs but maintenance isn't covered under rental agreements.