Learn About the Reclaimed Water System

Information About Reclaimed Water and How it is Used


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Benefits Bulk Reclaimed Water Stations Commercial Uses On-site Uses

Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater which is reused instead of discharged into a waterway. Raleigh Water and the North Carolina Division of Water Resources closely monitor and regulate how reclaimed water is treated and distributed. 

Benefits

Although reclaimed water is not suitable for human, pet or livestock consumption, there are many reasons to use reclaimed water in our service area.

  • Severe droughts can limit potable water resources and using reclaimed water reduces the amount of water needed from these supplies.
  • Using reclaimed water reduces the nitrogen discharge in streams and rivers from wastewater treatment plants.
  • The use of reclaimed water for irrigation provides a nutrient benefit to lawns and crops.
  • Using reclaimed water for irrigation can reduce seasonal peak demands on our Drinking Water System. The use of reclaimed water for irrigation is not subject to water restrictions.

Bulk Reclaimed Water Stations

Raleigh Water has two bulk reclaimed water stations where citizens and customers can pick up reuse water for personal or commercial use. The bulk stations are located at Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility (southeast Raleigh) and Little Creek WWTP (Zebulon). Some of the uses for bulk reclaimed water include irrigation, hydro-seeding, pesticide and herbicide application, concrete production, power/pressure washing, and dust control.

Bulk reclaimed water from Raleigh Water is free of charge. However, each customer must complete certification training by Raleigh Water prior to picking up the reclaimed water or using it.

To schedule a certification training class or for questions about Raleigh Water's reclaimed water program, please email Nathan Howell or call 919-996-3673

Status of Bulk Reclaimed Facilities

  • Little Creek Resource Recovery Facility - Open
  • Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility - Open

Commercial Uses

Raleigh Water currently manages two reclaimed water distribution systems. One is located in the Zebulon service area and begins at the Little Creek Resource Recovery Facility and terminates at GlaxoSmithKline in Zebulon. The other reuse water distribution system begins at our Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility and goes to the NCSU campus. 

Both reclaimed water distribution systems combine for a total of around 40 miles of pipes, which is less than 2% of our water distribution pipelines. So, availability for residential customers is very limited. However, if you aren't located near one of our reclaimed water mains, you’re still welcome to access our reclaimed water by applying for a permit to pick it up yourself at one of our designated reclaimed water bulk filling stations.

On-site Uses

Reclaimed water is also used at our Resource Recovery Facilities to aid in our wastewater treatment process. Our facilities utilize around 1 MGD of our reclaimed water for this reason. Additionally, we utilize our reclaimed water to assist with our farm operation.

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Water

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