FAQs • Pittsboro, NC • CivicEngage

Why are some hydrants left open?: This is a method used to clean water distribution lines. Hydrants are left open intentionally and the high-velocity flow helps to remove deposits from the distribution pipes. Do not call 911 when you see an open hydrant. If you are concerned about a hydrant please call the Town Hall at 542-4621.

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Water Plant

The Pittsboro Water Treatment Plant uses:

Ammonium Hydroxide is used in conjunction with chlorine gas to produce Chloramines for disinfection.
Caustic Soda is for PH and Alkalinity Control.
Chlorine Gas is a disinfectant as well as an oxidant.
Ferric Sulfate is also used to make the particles bind together.
Hydrofluorosilicic Acid is commonly called fluoride and is used to help prevent tooth decay in children.
Phosphoric Acid is a corrosion inhibitor that works by putting a protective film on the inside of the pipes in the distribution system.
Polyaluminum Chloride is used to make negatively charged particles bind with positively charged chemicals.
Sodium Permanganate is an oxidant used to lower Total Organic Carbon in the source water.

In our Water Treatment Plant lab we test water several times daily for:

We send out additional samples to the state-certified lab. These include:

3. What are Chloramines?: A compound formed from mixing chlorine with aqueous ammonia for disinfection. It is very helpful in reducing the formation of trihalomethanes (TTHM'S). It is also helpful in maintaining disinfection throughout the distribution system and in reducing taste and odor concerns.

4. Does the Town use Chloramines year round?: No, once a year the Town switches back to a free chlorine treatment system. This is called a "burnout" or "a reversion". This is to reduce the unstable water conditions in the water system and to ensure a higher quality of water.

5. Are Chloramines and Chlorine safe?: Yes, we carefully control chlorine and chloramines in our water to meet the standards of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

6. Are there any concerns for anyone using Chloramines or Chlorine water?: Both chlorine and chloramines must be removed from the water used in kidney dialysis machines. Medical clinics that perform dialysis are responsible for purifying the water that enters the dialysis machine. We have informed the overall community including clinics and medical facilities about the need to remove chloramines.

7. Do I need to treat my tap water for my aquarium?: Chlorine and chloramines are toxic to fish and amphibians. Our water must be treated with an additive before putting fish or frogs in it. Please check with your pet store or veterinarian.

8. Why are some hydrants left open?: This is a method used to clean water distribution lines. Hydrants are left open intentionally and the high-velocity flow helps to remove deposits from the distribution pipes. Do not call 911 when you see an open hydrant. If you are concerned about a hydrant please call the Town Hall at 542-4621.

9. What should I do if my water is discolored or has an odor?: Call 919-542-3530 and two Water Technicians will visit your home. They will collect a sample, listen to your concerns and assist you with a resolution. The sample will be tested for certain parameters and if a problem exists, one of the Water Technicians will provide a verbal report. This is no charge to town residents for this service.

10. What makes the water look cloudy or milky?: Tiny air bubbles, which may enter the water system during repairs or temperature changes.

11. What should I do to clear up cloudy or milky water?: Running cold water for 5 to 10 minutes should clear up the problem. If the problem continues, please call 542-4621 and discuss your concerns with one of our Water Technicians.

12. Is bottled water safer than tap water?: Not necessarily, some bottled water is treated more than tap water and some bottled water is treated less or not at all. If you have questions or concerns about your bottled water, please read the label and contact the manufacturer or distributor to learn more. Bottled water must meet the standards of the Food and Drug Administration, unlike municipal water which is strictly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Many bottled waters do not contain fluoride. Fluoride is important to aid in the prevention of tooth decay in developing children. Some bottled water originates from municipal utility water and is processed to remove chlorine. The quality and safety of bottled water can degrade over time. It is not advisable to store bottled water for lengthy periods or beyond its expiration date. In the Town of Pittsboro, water is delivered to your home approximately 3 to 5 days after it is disinfected. How old is your bottled water?