MenuReuse Water System
Reuse water, sometimes called reclaimed water or non-potable water, is wastewater treated to a high standard and re-used instead of discharged into a waterway. The City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department and the North Carolina Division of Water Quality closely monitor and regulate reuse water.
Although reuse water is not suitable for human, pet or livestock consumption, there are many reasons to use reuse water in our area.
- Seasonal droughts limit potable water resources and using reuse water reduces the amount of water needed from these supplies.
- Using reuse water reduces the nitrogen discharge in streams and rivers from wastewater treatment plants.
- A reduction in peak consumption associated with irrigation. The use of reuse water for irrigation is not subject to water restrictions at this time.
Benefits
Although reuse water is not suitable for human, pet or livestock consumption, there are many reasons to use reuse water in our area.
- Seasonal droughts limit potable water resources and using reuse water reduces the amount of water needed from these supplies.
- Using reuse water reduces the nitrogen discharge in streams and rivers from wastewater treatment plants.
- A reduction in peak consumption associated with irrigation. The use of reuse water for irrigation is not subject to water restrictions at this time.
Commercial Use
Additionally, the City has four bulk reuse water stations where citizens and customers can pick up reuse water for personal or commercial use. They are located throughout the entire service area: Neuse River WWTP (southeast Raleigh), E. M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant (North Raleigh), Little Creek WWTP (Zebulon), and Smith Creek WWTP (Wake Forest). Some of the uses for bulk reuse water include irrigation, hydro-seeding, pesticide and herbicide application, concrete production, power/pressure washing, and dust control.
Bulk reuse water from the City is free of charge. However, each customer must complete certification training by the Public Utilities Department prior to picking up the reuse water or using it.
To schedule a certification training class or for questions about the City of Raleigh's reuse water program please contact Marla Dalton at 919-996-3672 or marla.dalton@raleighnc.gov
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Master Plan
The City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department has completed the Reuse Water System Master Plan
for all service areas. The City currently produces reuse water for irrigation and process control at the Neuse River Wastewater Treatment Plant and for bulk distribution from the E. M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant. Similar applications for non-potable water uses exist throughout the Public Utilities service area. Utilization of this resource can help reduce potable water demand during peak periods.
The Reuse Water System Master Plan includes a summary of existing facilities, potential demands, engineering analysis, cost analysis, rate analysis, legal statements, design standards and recommendations.
City Facilities
The City of Raleigh Public Utilities Department currently manages two reuse water distribution systems. One is located in the Zebulon service area and currently serves eight customers totaling approximately 39 million gallons annually. This distribution system begins at the Little Creek WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plant) and terminates at GlaxoSmithKline in Zebulon. The Southeast Raleigh reuse water distribution system is still under construction. It is currently operational from the Neuse River WWTP to the Walnut Creek Environmental Education Center located on State Street. Upon completion, this phase of the Raleigh reuse water distribution system will terminate at NCSU Centennial Campus. Currently, both service areas use reuse water for irrigation, cooling towers, industrial process, concrete production, and toilet flushing.
Status of Bulk Reuse Facilities
- E.M. Johnson WTP - Open
- Smith Creek WWTP - Open
- Little Creek WWTP - Open
- Neuse River WWTP - Open
