Questions/Answers

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  • Where does Blowing Rock's water originate?

    The Town leases land from the National Park Service. The lake is behind the Blowing Rock Waste Water Treatment Plant. The lake holds approximately 45 million gallons of water. The lake is bordered by property owned by the US Park Service and Chetola Resort.

    Water Plant 828 295-5225

  • How much water can be treated daily?

    The Water Treatment Plant can treat 2 million gallons of water per day. There is a storage tank located at the Plant that holds .5 million gallons. The Green Hill storage tank capacity is 3 million gallons of water.

    Water Treatment Plant 828 295-5325

  • What chemicals are added to the water?

    Chlorine (disinfection), Aluminum Sulfate (coagulation), Caustic Soda (coagulation and pH adjustment), Polymer (coagulation), Ortho Phosphate (corrosion control), Fluoride (tooth decay), and Potassium Permanganate (taste and ordor problems).

    Water/Wastewater Treatment 828 295-5225

  • Is the water safe to drink?

    The Blowing Rock Water Treatment Plant consistently meets or exceeds all EPA and State requirements for drinking water. The water is constantly monitored for turbidity, pH and chlorine. The water is very safe to drink.

    Water Plant 828 295-5225
  • Why is my water sometimes yellow or cloudy?

    This is a result of a break in the water line. Dirt and air may enter the water line when repairs are performed. The problem is corrected by flushing the lines.

    Town Hall 828 295-5200
  • Do I need a permit to use bulk water?

    Bulk water use is closely monitored through a permit system. Contact Town Hall for a permit and hydrant meter for street cleaning or tank filling bulk uses. Also a permit is needed to "blow off" water mains or for flow testing. Unauthorized or non-permitted connection to the Town's water system for use of bulk water is subject to a fine.

    Town Hall 828 295-5200

  • Which department should I contact if I need emergency service (water and sewer)?

    For emergency service relating to the Town's water and/or sewer systems between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. contact Monday through Friday, please contact Town Hall 828 295-5200

    At all other times and on holidays, please contact the Police 828 295-5210

  • Is there any thing that I need to know about Irrigation/Sprinkler Systems?

    Town policy requires all irrigation systems be equipped with a backflow prevention device and a separate irrigation/sprinkler meter. For more information, contact Town Hall.

    Town Hall 828 295-5200
  • What constitutes a water shortage?

    A water shortage shall be deemed to exist when water consumption by customers connected to the municipal water system of the Town of Blowing Rock shall have reached the point where continued or increased consumption will equal or exceed the system supply capacity such that citizens cannot be supplied with water to protect their health and safety without substantially curtailing the water demand.

    There are four stages which the city identifies in order to identify the severity of the water shortage. A Stage I Shortage occurs when the water level in Blowing Rock reservoir falls 5 feet below full pond and if the National Weather Service predicts less than 50% chance of precipitation within the next two days. During this stage citizens are encouraged to conserve water. A Stage II Shortage occurs when the Blowing Rock reservoir falls 10 feet below full pond. A Stage III Shortage occurs when the Blowing Rock reservoir falls 15 feet below full pond. A Stage IV Shortage occurs when the Blowing Rock reservoir falls 20 feet below full pond. During Stages II - IV it shall become unlawful to use water for specific purposes.

    For more information pertaining to water shortages or water conservation please contact Town Hall.

    Town Hall 828 295-5200

  • Who do I need to contact if I need a service located that is either water or sewer?

    The Town of Blowing Rock is responsible for locating and marking Town-owned utilities for both water and sewer. To make a request or for further information, please contact Town Hall 828 295-5200

    If you need a service located that is neither water or sewer, please contact North Carolina One Call 1-800-632-4949

  • What service does the Town of Blowing Rock wastewater plant offer?

    The Town of Blowing Rock Wastewater Plant performs analysis for compliance with all state and federal regulations including BOD, TSS, and fecal coliform. The plant treats an average of 250,000 gallons per day and is located on the Middle Fork of the South Fork of the New River. For information about water or wastewater analysis, water quality, or the wastewater treatment process contact the Water/Waste Treatment Plant.

    Wastewater Treatment Plant 828 295-5226

  • When will I receive my water bill?

    The Town of Blowing Rock sends out invoices for water, sewer and garbage bills (utility bills) bi-monthly. These are mailed during the first week of the month for the previous two month's service based on usage. The full amount is due 30 days from the date of the bill.

    Town Hall 828 295-5200

  • What do I need to know about water conservation?

    A water shortage shall be deemed to exist when water consumption by customers connected to the municipal water system of the Town of Blowing Rock shall have reached the point where continued or increased consumption will equal or exceed the system supply capacity such that citizens cannot be supplied with water to protect their health and safety without substantially curtailing the water demand.

    There are four stages which the city identifies in order to identify the severity of the water shortage. A Stage I Shortage occurs when the water level in Blowing Rock reservoir falls 5 feet below full pond and if the National Weather Service predicts less than 50% chance of precipitation within the next two days. During this stage citizens are encouraged to conserve water. A Stage II Shortage occurs when the Blowing Rock reservoir falls 10 feet below full pond. A Stage III Shortage occurs when the Blowing Rock reservoir falls 15 feet below full pond. A Stage IV Shortage occurs when the Blowing Rock reservoir falls 20 feet below full pond. During Stages II - IV it shall become unlawful to use water for specific purposes.

    For more information pertaining to water shortages or water conservation please contact Town Hall.

    Town Hall 828 295-5200

  • Where do I report a water leak?

    During the office hours of Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., obvious or suspected water leaks should be reported to Town Hall 828 295-5200

    If after hours, report water leaks to the Police 828 295-5210

  • How can I report a broken water meter box?

    To report a broken water meter box or a missing lid, please contact Town Hall.

    Town Hall 828 295-5200

  • What is a water meter for?

    Primary water meters are supplied by the Town for residential (and other 3/4" meters) for the cost of the meter deposit. For other larger meters, the Department of Public Works shall make a determination on the type of meter required and the cost is incurred separately by the customer.

    Irrigation meters are required for automatic systems used for lawn and landscaping irrigation. This meter measures only the water flowing through the mechanism and does not carry the wastewater charge. Installation of an irrigation meter requires a tap into the Town's water main. Contact Town Hall for questions pertaining to costs and further information.

    Town Hall 828 295-5200

  • If there is any problem with drinking water, which department should I need to report to?

    Any changes or problems with drinking water (discoloration, taste or odor) should be reported to the Department of Water/Waste Treatment.

    The Town’s Water Quality Report is available online or may be picked up at the Town Hall.

    Water Treatment Plant 828 295-5225 or Wastewater Treatment Plant 828 295-5226

  • How can I activate my water/sewer service?

    An existing service for a residence or business may be activated by contacting Town Hall. Utility service includes water, sewer, and garbage. A refundable deposit is required to begin service. The amount of the deposit ranges from $100 to $700 and depends upon the size of the meter.

    Service connections are made as soon as possible. If you establish an account after 3:00 p.m., the connection will be made the next business day.

    For new utility services to a residence or property, contact the Town Hall.

    Town Hall 828 295-5200

  • Which lake provides water source of Blowing Rock?

    The Town secures its potable drinking water from Town Lake. Brickhouse Creek flows into Town Lake and provides the water source which the Town of Blowing Rock treats. For more information or questions pertaining to the town’s water source, please contact Water/Waste Treatment.

    Water Treatment Plant 828 295-5225

  • How many water storage tanks does the Town maintain?

    The Town of Blowing Rock maintains two water storage tanks, the largest of which is Green Hill and holds 3 million gallons. The other water storage facility is the clearwell which holds a half a million gallons. The clearwell facility is located at the Water Treatment Plant. For any questions regarding the water storage facilities, please contact the Water/Waste Treatment Plant.

    Water Treatment Plant 828 295-5225

  • What does the Town of Blowing Rock water treatment plant do?

    The Town of Blowing Rock Water Treatment Plant performs water tests and analysis for compliance with all state and federal regulations. This includes maintaining a .3 or lower turbidity level. The Water Treatment plant also adds orthophosphates and fluoride to improve the quality of water. Further information can be obtained at

    Water Treatment Plant 828 295-5225

  • Which department is respondsible for the maintenance of all water and wastewater facilities?

    The Department of Water/Waste Water Treatment is responsible for the maintenance of all water and wastewater (sewer) facilities. The Department of Public Works is responsible for the maintenance of all water and sewer distribution and collection lines. The Utility Billing Supervisor is in charge of water/sewer (utility) accounts, including billing, water connections and water disconnections.

    For questions or complaints concerning the quality of water, contact Water Treatment Plant 828 295-5225 or Wastewater Treatment Plant 828 295-5225

    For questions or complaints concerning water and sewer distribution and collection lines, contact Town Hall 828 295-5200

    For emergency water and sewer issues which do not occur from Mon. - Fri. (8 a.m - 5 p.m.), contact the Police 828 295-5210