Tuscaloosa Water & Sewer

OUR WATER SOURCES

Lake Tuscaloosa serves as our primary municipal water source. This impressive 5,885-acre reservoir captures water from North River and several tributary creeks, storing over 40 billion gallons of high-quality water. Lake Nicol and Harris Lake function as our secondary water sources, with Harris Lake currently designated for industrial water needs. Water assessment information is available for public viewing at our Business Office on 6th Street.

OUR TREATMENT FACILITIES

Two state-of-the-art filtration plants serve approximately 200,000 customers throughout the Tuscaloosa metropolitan area:

• The Ed Love Water Filtration Plant employs conventional treatment technology beginning with chlorine dioxide application to raw water. Aluminum sulfate and lime are added in a flash mixer to initiate coagulation. When needed, sodium permanganate helps manage iron, manganese, and taste/odor issues. Water flows through flocculation chambers and settling basins before passing through specialized filters containing coal and "torpedo" sand. Lime adjusts pH for corrosion control, while sodium hypochlorite provides disinfection. Zinc polyphosphate prevents corrosion, and fluoride promotes dental health.
• The Jerry Plott Water Filtration Plant follows similar treatment principles with variations in chemicals and methodology. Poly aluminum chloride initiates coagulation before water moves through flocculation and accelerated settling processes. The facility utilizes membrane filtration technology, pushing water through microscopic membrane pores to remove contaminants. Final treatment includes pH adjustment with sodium hydroxide, disinfection with sodium hypochlorite, and addition of fluoride and zinc phosphate.

Our facilities are operated by 34 full-time professionals dedicated to producing water that meets or exceeds all federal and state quality standards. The Ed Love Plant has served West Alabama since 1976, while the Jerry Plott Plant began operations in 2008.

1. My water pressure seems low. What should I do?

   First, determine if the issue affects one faucet or the entire house. If only certain faucets have low pressure, it's likely an internal issue. Try cleaning the aerator or checking under-sink valves for debris. If all faucets are affected, verify your main shut-off valve is fully open. If problems persist, contact us to inspect our service and meter.

2. Are adjustments made for water leaks from faucets or toilets?

   No, unfortunately, the water was still processed, delivered, and treated through our system. However, for outdoor leaks where water didn't enter the sewer system, sewage adjustments may be possible in specific cases.

3. Can I get bill adjustments for outdoor water use like lawn irrigation or pool filling?

   Yes, automatic sewage adjustments for residential customers occur during summer months. We recommend contacting the Utility Office in advance to ensure these adjustments are properly applied.

4. Who should I call for emergency water leaks after hours?

   For immediate assistance outside normal business hours, call our Control Center at 765-648-6444, which is staffed 24 hours daily.

5. Where is my main shut-off valve located?

   Your stop and waste valve should be located where water service enters your building, typically in a utility room, crawlspace or basement. We recommend locating this valve and verifying it functions properly before emergencies occur.

6. Does my water contain fluoride?

   Yes, we add fluoride to reach the optimal level of one part per million recommended by the State Board of Health. Research shows fluoridated water significantly protects teeth, especially in children, by strengthening enamel and repairing microscopic decay.

7. When is the best time to water my lawn?

   Near sunset and shortly after is ideal to minimize water loss through evaporation.

8. Who's responsible for repairing leaks?

   Any issue beyond the customer service connection (typically at the city's shut-off valve, curb stop, or meter pit near the property line) is the customer's responsibility. Call us at 765-648-6436 during business hours (7am-3pm) or 765-648-6444 after hours if you need assistance determining responsibility.

9. How do I set up new water service?

   Contact the Utility Office at 765-648-6187 during regular business hours (8am-5pm).

10. Who do I contact for maintenance or to shut off water at my property?

    Call the water department at 765-648-6436 during business hours (7am-3pm) or 765-648-6444 after hours.

11. What is a stop and waste valve?

    This specialized valve not only stops water flow but includes a side port that allows water to drain back when unscrewed. The term is sometimes incorrectly applied to standard shut-off valves.