City of Shelby
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Water Resources FAQs
Backflow/Cross Connection
- To disconnect an irrigation system, contact the Customer Service Department at (704) 484-6866 to have the meter removed.
Back flow prevention assemblies ensure that water flows only in one direction - from the main line in the street, through the individual service line, and into the home or business. Without these assemblies, loss of pressure in the main line could allow water in the property owner's lines to drain back into the system.
- Typically, backflow assemblies are installed just after the water meter box.
- The customer is responsible for the installation and maintenance of backflow assemblies.
- State Public Water Supply regulations require back flow prevention assemblies to safeguard water systems.
Fats, Oils, and Grease
- When faced with a slow or blocked sink, don't run hot water, detergents or degreasers down the drain. This only moves FOG clog further downstream, affecting more of your neighbors. It also keeps your grease trap or interceptor from operating effectively. Regular maintenance or mechanical cleaning are the required Best Management Practices.
- Fats, oils and grease in a warm liquid form may appear to be harmless since they flow easily down the drain. However, as the liquid cools, the FOG solidifies and separates from other liquids in the sewer pipes. The layer of FOG sticks to the sewer pipes and, over time, the flow of wastewater becomes restricted which can cause a backup or overflow
- Home garbage disposals do not keep grease out of our sewer system. In fact, garbage disposals help contribute to the problem of blocked sanitary sewer pipes. Food particles stick to the grease that clings to pipe walls and speeds up the blockage of pipes.
- Grease makes its way into city sanitary sewer pipes when oil, butter, shortening, food scraps, and sauces are washed down the kitchen. FOG can result in blockages in city sanitary sewer lines and homeowner pipes. This may lead to property damage, foul odors, and road closures due to backed up pipes.
- Put used oil and grease in a collection container and dispose of in trash.
- Use a paper towel to remove oil and grease from kitchen pan and utensils before washing Use drain strainers to prevent food scraps from going down the drain.
- Do not use hot water to rinse grease off surfaces.
Used cooking grease should be disposed of in the trash with the rest of your household trash items.
Another option would be to recycle the used cooking oil. Contact the Cleveland County/City of Shelby Recycling Center at 704-480-5516 to see if they will accept your quantity.
- A grease trap/interceptor is a plumbing device that collects and prevents oils and grease from entering the sanitary sewer system. When commercial kitchen wastewater flows through a grease interceptor, the grease and oils rise to the surface inside and are trapped using a system of baffles while allowing wastewater to flow out of the trap.
FOG stands for Fats, Oils and Grease and is generated as a byproduct of cooking. FOG includes (but is not limited to):
- Meat
- Fats
- Lard/Shortening
- Butter/Margarine
- Food Scraps
- Dairy Products
- Batters
- Dressings
- Icing
- Sauces
- Soups
- Oil
Wastewater Treatment
Nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and other chemical nutrients found in wastewater can damage lakes and rivers. These nutrients need to be changed into less harmful substances or removed before being released into the environment.
Sometimes wastewater contains hazardous chemicals from industry, pesticides, etc. Controlling these chemicals may require pretreatment of wastewater by industries and the use of advanced (tertiary) treatment methods at the wastewater treatment plant.
Water entering the treatment system through cracks or joints in sewer lines or storm drains places an extra burden on a facility.
The amount and kind of wastewater entering a treatment plant can change quickly. Plant operators must be ready to respond to these changing conditions.
- Your grandparents also had to worry a lot more about typhoid, cholera, and other infectious diseases that are transmitted by unsanitary water. Wastewater treatment systems serve primarily to protect the health of the general population by insuring that water supplies remain clean. In today's world, people live a lot longer than they used to and higher population concentrations result in increased organic loading to the waterways from a variety of sources. Modern wastewater treatment systems contribute to a safer, cleaner environment by reducing this organic load and controlling the presence of bacteria and waterborne diseases.
Treatment plants remove impurities contained in wastewater so that the treated wastewater can be safely returned to the environment. This same stabilization process occurs in nature to break down wastewater into its most basic components of carbon dioxide and water. Common methods of treatment include physical, biological and chemical treatment steps to stabilize the wastewater. Wastewater treatment plants are designed to accelerate and control nature's process to insure proper treatment is provided.
A wastewater treatment plant:
- Removes Solids - This includes everything from rags and sticks to sand and smaller particles found in wastewater.
- Reduces Organic Matter and Pollutants - Helpful bacteria and other microorganisms are used to consume organic matter in wastewater. The bacteria and microorganisms are then separated from the water.
- Restores oxygen - Treatment facilities help ensure the water put back into our lakes or rivers has enough oxygen to support life.
Wastewater treatment usually takes place in two steps:
- Primary treatment removes 40-50% of the solids. Sanitary sewers carry wastewater from homes and businesses to the treatment plant. Bar screens let water pass, but not trash. The trash is collected and properly disposed. A grit chamber is a large tank that slows down the flow of water. This allows sand, grit, and other heavy solids to settle at the bottom for removal later.
- Secondary treatment completes the process, so that 85-90% of the pollutants are removed. A secondary sedimentation tank allows the microorganisms and solid wastes to form clumps and settle. Some of this mixture, called "activated sludge," can be mixed with air again and reused in the aeration tank. A disinfectant, such as chlorine, is usually added to the wastewater before it leaves the treatment plant. The disinfectant kills disease-causing organisms in the water. After treatment, the water can be returned to nearby waterways. It can also be used on land for agriculture and other purposes.
- Your local health department should have information regarding the location of your septic tank. Also, a local septic tank pumping service can verify the tank location.
I recently moved from the city to the country. What are the considerations to having a septic tank or onsite treatment system?
A good rule of thumb is don't put anything into your wastewater treatment system that is not biodegradable. Your local health department can provide you with guidance on the operation and care of your onsite treatment system. Just as a municipal treatment plant requires a staff to provide operation and maintenance, your onsite system will require periodic inspection, service and maintenance. Remember, your onsite treatment system is an asset that you own. Like any other asset (such as a car, furnace, etc.) the better you take care of it, the better it will serve you.My local regulatory agency wants me to pay them to inspect my onsite system, or buy a service contract from a local company. Why should I do this?
All wastewater treatment systems require periodic service and maintenance. A service contract from a local company or regulatory agency is an economical insurance policy against premature system failure and forced replacement. This type of service contract is usually much cheaper than paying municipal sewer bills.Dispose of household products safely. Don't pour solvents, pesticides, paint thinners, engine oil, or household cleaning products with hazardous chemicals down the drain or into a storm sewer. Take them to a recycling center or hazardous waste collection site. Cooking oils and grease should be collected in a container, covered, and disposed of as solid waste. Fats, oils, and grease collect in the sewer system and are a major cause of blockages and sewage back-ups.
Use fertilizers and pesticides carefully—and only as directed.
Try to find safe alternatives to products that can harm water supplies. If you wish to dispose of old mercury thermometers, please call the Wastewater Treatment Plant at 704-484-6850 and we will make arrangements to collect your old thermometers and will then dispose of them properly.
Be informed. Learn about your local water supplies and any possible threats the water supply faces. Know what your community is doing to protect your water supply. Help other citizens be aware of the importance of clean water in your community.
Support your local treatment plant. Be aware of your treatment plant's effort to provide clean water. Help make sure the plant has the money, equipment, and personnel to ensure the water's safety. Visit your local treatment plant. Learn what special problems it must solve and what you can do to help. Use water wisely.
Practice water conservation at home and at work. Fix leaks and install water-saving devices and appliances. Be aware of how much water you use in your household. Don't take this valuable resource for granted.
Sludge can be a useful byproduct of treated wastewater. Sludge may be treated (thickened) to remove some of its water, then further processed by stabilization. Raw sludge is allowed to decompose in digester tanks. In some cases, special chemicals are used for stabilization. Stabilized sludge has no odor and is free of disease-causing organisms.
Some nontoxic sludge can be safely used as:
- Soil conditioner to improve the soil for crops in some areas of the nation. Sludge can also improve the soil for lawns, fields, and parks.
- Fuel. Using certain processes, sludge can also be used to produce methane gas. The methane can then be burned to supply energy for a small power plant or for other purposes.
If it can't be safely used, sludge must be buried in approved landfills or burned using special technology to prevent air pollution.
- A sewer system is a series of pipes that collect wastewater and transport it to a remote location where the wastewater is processed by a municipal treatment system. An onsite treatment system collects, treats and disposes of wastewater from a single source in the same location that it is generated. Municipal and onsite treatment systems utilize many of the same treatment processes, but a municipal sewer system collects and treats wastewater from many different locations.
- Treated wastewater is returned to the environment by a number of different methods. Depending on the degree of treatment and local regulations, it may be absorbed into the soil, discharged directly into a surface waterway or reused by a method like spray irrigation.
On average, each person in the U.S. contributes 50-100 gallons of wastewater daily. It comes from:
- Homes - human and household wastes from toilets, sinks, baths, and drains.
- Industry, Schools, and Businesses - chemicals and other wastes from factories, food-service operations, airports, shopping centers, etc.
The daily treatment plant operation is conducted by highly trained and certified operators. It requires:
- A plant manager/superintendent to ensure the plant has enough money, trained personnel, and equipment to conduct business.
- Maintenance personnel to prevent mechanical failures and solve equipment problems.
- Plant operators who know how to treat wastewater properly before discharging it into the environment. After a thorough training and exam process, operators are licensed through State standards.
- Population density, the topography of the area, soil conditions and numerous other factors are involved in the construction and operation of a sewage collection system. Increasing migration to suburban and rural areas make municipal sewers more difficult and costly to build and maintain. Onsite treatment systems are often the most practical and cost-effective solution for wastewater treatment and disposal.
Water Distribution
- Yes. Call Customer Services at 704-484-6866 to schedule a test.
- Call Customer Services at 704-484-6866 or visit the Customer Service website for more information.
- Call Customer Services at 704-484-6866.
- Call Customer Services at 704-484-6866.
- Customers are eligible for a leak adjustment once every three years. You must call Customer Service at 704-484-6866, when the repair is complete, to request an adjustment.
- Customers are responsible for repairs to the line on their side of the meter box and into their homes. If you have a leak and need your water cut off for repairs, call Customer Services at 704-484-6866.
Water that customers usually refer to as 'muddy' water may look like mud but is actually rust or iron oxides. Most of the City of Shelby's distribution system is comprised of ductile iron pipes. When water stand in public water main or in a customer's galvanized service line or internal plumbing, it may naturally dissolve the iron. If your water suddenly becomes rusty, it may be caused by fire hydrant flushing or construction in the area.
If at any time the water is deemed unsafe to drink, you will be notified immediately by the City of Shelby for guidance. Although harmless, discolored water may leave stains when washing clothes. If you are experiencing discolored water, you may want to postpone doing laundry for a short time until the water becomes clear. Even though discolored water is harmless, if you don't feel comfortable using it during short periods of discoloration, we certainly understand.
If discolored water is noticed at your tap, turn your cold water on and run it for a few minutes to see if it clears up. If allowing the tap to run doesn't correct the problem within five to ten minutes, call Customer Services at 704-484-6866.
- Call Customer Services at 704-484-6866 or visit the Customer Service website for current fees.
- The State requires a minimum of 20 psi (pounds per square inch) at the meter under fire flow conditions and 30 psi under normal conditions; any pressure greater than 80 psi requires protection in the form of a pressure reducing valve (PRV), on the customer's side of the meter, to be owned and maintained by the customer.
- Call Customer Services at 704-484-6866.
- The City of Shelby maintains the lines from the water main to the meter box, and the water meter. The homeowner is responsible for the lines from the meter to the house.
Several private companies hang surveys and small sample bottles on residential doors with the offer to conduct water quality tests. These tests are not associated with the City of Shelby. If you have any questions about or issues with your water quality, call Customer Services at 704-484-6866.
You may also look at the Water Quality Report for more information.
- Sometimes crews flush water to maintain water quality or test the hydrants. While the hydrants are flushing you may see lower than usual water pressure, but it will be restored when flushing ends.
No, but you can have a separate irrigation meter installed which has no charge for sewer. Call Customer Services at 704-484-6866 or visit the Customer Service website.
You may also purchase bulk water at the City's Operations Center. Call the Operations Center at 704-484-6840 for more information.
Water Resources
We are required by law to mark city owned utility lines any time a contractor will be excavating near them. Flags or paint marks show the location of utility lines in the area.
Water Treatment
- The City of Shelby treats water with chlorine to kill any harmful bacteria.
Shelby has one water treatment plant located at 801 West Grover Street. Water is transferred from the river into a series of three on-site reservoirs at the water treatment plant. These reservoirs hold a three-day supply of raw water. The water treatment plant, built in 1953 and upgraded in 1994, has a production capacity of 12 MGD.
Once at the plant, raw water is mixed with caustic soda to adjust the pH and aluminum sulfate (alum) to cause dirt particles to coagulate (clump) together. After mixing, the water flows into settling basins where heavy particles are removed through settling. The water then flows through filters, which traps and removes the remaining smaller particles. We add chlorine to prevent bacterial growth and fluoride is added to promote dental health.
We then distribute water to our customers through a distribution system which consists of 220 miles of lines and three (3) above ground storage tanks. The staff at the water treatment plant is continually conducting tests at the plant and throughout the City's distribution system to assure high water quality.
Taste and odor changes in your water can occur for many reasons. They do not always indicate a change in the safety of your water. Water taste is affected by mineral content as well as the presence of chlorine. Sometimes a metallic flavor can be caused by your plumbing, especially if the water tap has not been turned on for several hours. Newer homes with PVC (plastic) pipes may also experience temporarily altered taste or odor.
If you experience a problem with the taste or odor of your water, let the COLD water (through bathtub spout) run for a few minutes to clear the lines, or fill a pitcher and allow it to sit for several hours.
If you only notice an odor in hot water, your water heater may need to be checked by a plumber. Some water heaters have magnesium anodes to prevent corrosion that can cause an odor in tap water. Other odor sources may include food or a blockage in the garbage disposal or a drain.
If the problem persists, call Customer Services at 704-484-6866.
- Lead is not in the public water supply when it leaves our treatment plant. We do not have lead in our service lines in our system. However, if your plumbing lines have lead solder or fixtures containing lead, your water could contain lead if it sits in your lines over a long period of time. Allowing the faucet to run for a few minutes before using the water should reduce lead levels.
Water that customers usually refer to as 'muddy' water may look like mud but is actually rust or iron oxides. Most of the City of Shelby's distribution system is comprised of ductile iron pipes. When water stand in public water main or in a customer's galvanized service line or internal plumbing, it may naturally dissolve the iron. If your water suddenly becomes rusty, it may be caused by fire hydrant flushing or construction in the area.
If at any time the water is deemed unsafe to drink, you will be notified immediately by the City of Shelby for guidance. Although harmless, discolored water may leave stains when washing clothes. If you are experiencing discolored water, you may want to postpone doing laundry for a short time until the water becomes clear. Even though discolored water is harmless, if you don't feel comfortable using it during short periods of discoloration, we certainly understand.
If discolored water is noticed at your tap, turn your cold water on and run it for a few minutes to see if it clears up. If allowing the tap to run doesn't correct the problem within five to ten minutes, call Customer Services at 704-484-6866.
- Cryptosporidium and Giardia are microscopic parasites sometimes found in untreated surface waters. If ingested, either can cause gastrointestinal illness.
- This may be due to a faulty dip tube in your hot water heater. Sometimes the plastic in the tube breaks down and this can clog your faucets and showerheads.
- Shelby's water comes from the surface water source of the First Broad River that flows along the west side of town. The City is permitted to withdraw up to 18 million gallons per day (MGD) from the First Broad River. We also have the capability of utilizing the Broad River for up to 9 MGD as a secondary backup water supply.
- These pink stains are usually caused by airborne microorganisms which settle and grow where there is moisture. It is extremely important to regularly clean these areas which should temporarily remove the stains. If the water is still discolored, call Customer Services at 704-484-6866.
Several private companies hang surveys and small sample bottles on residential doors with the offer to conduct water quality tests. These tests are not associated with the City of Shelby. If you have any questions about or issues with your water quality, call Customer Services at 704-484-6866.
You may also look at the Water Quality Report for more information.
- Dissolved oxygen is important because fish need it to breathe. The water treatment plant monitors the dissolved oxygen level of incoming lake water.
If drinking water is too acidic, it will begin to dissolve the pipes that bring the water to your house. The pH scale goes from 0-14. If the pH of a solution is less than 7, the solution is an acid. If the pH is greater than 7, the solution is a base.
- Examples of acids: lemon juice and vinegar
- Examples of bases: baking soda and soapy water.
The pH of our water is maintained between 7.8 and 9.2. It is a base.
- Chlorine is added to kill bacteria and prevent waterborne illness, and fluoride provides a defense against tooth decay. Both of these substances are added to water during the water treatment process. Yes. Chlorine dissipates over time so fill a pitcher and place it in your refrigerator.
- Sometimes crews flush water to maintain water quality or test the hydrants. While the hydrants are flushing you may see lower than usual water pressure, but it will be restored when flushing ends.