Utilities Educational Outreach
The Utilities Department maintains several educational outreach programs. More information, downloadable documents and videos are available below. See the Stormwater and Environmental Education page for additional ways to care for our water source.
A properly operating backflow valve for plumbing allows flow in one direction, preventing contaminated water from entering potable water in a building during sewer system maintenance or backups. Consult a builder or plumber to find out if a particular building is required to have a backflow prevention device. For more information, see the FAQ: Backflow Prevention page on this website, or contact Utilities Infrastructure Protection Supervisor Troy Miller by email or at 919-296-9653.
Testing
The town contracts with Backflow Solutions Inc. to manage its backflow test data. If you are notified by the town that a test is due on a backflow assembly on your property, it is your responsibility to contact a licensed backflow tester and to have the results submitted to Backflow Solutions. For a list of licensed, registered testing agencies, visit BSI Online with the customer confirmation number you have been assigned.
- New installations — The test form must be printed and signed by a licensed tester who performed the work, and a copy must be provided to Backflow Solutions by email at bsionline@backflow.com.
- Existing assemblies — Licensed testers must submit test results to Backflow Solutions through BSI Online.
For more information, contact Backflow Solutions at 800-414-4990 or bsionline@backflow.com.
Fats, oil and grease poured down the drain will collect and stick to plumbing and sewer lines. Over time, lines can become blocked, causing sewer backups or overflows. The following practices can help prevent this:
- Discarding used fats, oil and grease with other garbage.
- Minimizing use of garbage disposals.
- Scraping plates into trash cans.
- Using paper towels to wipe leftover oils and fats from pots and pans.
The town provides fat trappers to water and sewer customers to help keep grease and oils out of the sewer system. To receive one or to receive additional bags for the trapper, contact Utilities Infrastructure Protection Supervisor Troy Miller by email or at 919-296-9653. Or pick one up at the Town Hall Annex, 105 E. Corbin St., where water bills are paid. For questions or additional information, contact Miller.
Proper Disposal of Fats, Oil and Grease (English and Spanish)
Only waste and toilet paper should be flushed. Household cleaning and personal hygiene products labeled as flushable or safe for sewer or septic systems do not dissolve. They clog sewer lines and can damage sewer pumps and other equipment. For questions or additional information, contact Utilities Infrastructure Protection Supervisor Troy Miller by email or at 919-296-9653.
Flush Only the 3 P's (English and Spanish)
What You Can and Can't Flush (English and Spanish)
Your Toilet Is Not a Trash Can (English and Spanish)
The town has a drought policy that outlines water use restrictions during the various stages of a drought. Use of lawn irrigation systems is limited even during normal conditions. See the documents below for information on irrigation systems and water conservation.
Check for Leaks (English and Spanish)
