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Monday, February 8, 2010
Storm Causes Sewage Challenges in Mecklenburg
Heavy rains on Friday, February 5, presented some challenges for the wastewater collection system and additional flow at the five Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities wastewater treatment plants.
The underground sanitary sewer pipe network is not designed to handle storm water, yet the runoff and flooding from torrential rains inevitably infiltrated the wastewater pipe network here and around the region. No fish kills or other environmental impacts were reported.
"Our crews were working and responding around the clock," said Utilities spokesman Cam Coley. "Our plants handled tens of millions more gallons of extra flow but performed well. The plants didn't flood and they didn't spill. They treated the extra heavy flow without compromising water quality standards. We had some overflows of rainwater and wastewater in the pipe system, but most were minor compared to flooding events we have seen in the past."
All five wastewater treatment plants have back-up basins that are able to capture and later treat several million gallons of rainwater infiltration.
The rain / wastewater spills on February 5 with 1,000 or more gallons reaching surface waters are as follows:
* 2121 Margaret Wallace Road- estimated 22,500 gallons reached McAlpine Creek
* 8711 Monroe Road - estimated 24,000 gallons reached McAlpine Creek
* 516 Museum Drive - estimated 12,350 gallons reached Briar Creek
* 1663 Scotland Avenue - estimated 18,525 gallons reached Briar Creek
* 9010 Monroe Road - estimated 1,200 gallons reached McAlpine Creek
* 1430 Alleghany Street - estimated 23,200 gallons reached Taggart Creek
* 325 Meadowbrook Road - estimated 2,080 gallons reached Briar Creek
The below spill was primarily caused by a tree root blockage:
* 700 Farmhurst Drive - estimated 1,550 gallons reached Kings Branch
If you see or suspect any type of spill from the sewer collection system, please dial 311 (or 704-336-7600). The phone line is answered 24 hours per day.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Key Business Executive Doug Bean To Retire
Charlotte, NC & Charlotte City Manager Curt Walton announced today that Doug Bean, Key Business Executive of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities, has decided to retire on March 1, 2010.
Bean, 59, has served as Utilities director since April 1994. His distinguished 36-year career in public service includes serving as the City Manager for both the cities of Morganton and Asheville. Bean said he has contemplated retirement for more than a year. "This schedule makes sense, both for me and for the organization," he said. "The budget process will begin in March, and it seems sensible to make room for others to review past budget approaches and decide how to provide resources for the future." Bean also said the transition affords him a concentrated amount of time to focus on recent customer concerns over high bills, and to evaluate results from recent actions undertaken to improve the utility's response to customers. Bean will deliver additional findings and recommendations to the City Manager prior to his departure.
During his 16 years at Utilities, Bean has led 800 employees in the operation of a community-owned water and wastewater utility that currently serves roughly 775,000 countywide citizens. An annual budget of more than $250 million funds both annual operating costs and the long-term financing of water and wastewater improvement projects that have included a new water treatment plant, multiple plant upgrades and several large water and sewer pipe projects.
Charlotte's plants are consistently recognized for outstanding performance at the state and national level, and its professionals hold more certifications and leadership positions in the industry than ever before. The utility earned a national industry management award in 2003, due to its managed competition practices that enhance operating efficiency, competitive water/sewer rates and multiple AAA utility bond ratings - a feat that few other public water systems have achieved.
"I am proud of what Doug has accomplished with the City. There has been tremendous community and system expansion during his leadership," Walton said. "He will be remembered for the relationships he built with employees, and his ability to distinguish Charlotte-Mecklenburg as one of the first public municipal water/sewer providers in the U.S. to compete successfully against national and international private sector companies for contracts."
Bean participated in regional environmental protection initiatives, including a phosphorus reduction project to enhance the Catawba River's water quality. Last year, Utilities and City leaders cut the ribbon on a new 'green' laboratory building that earned the City's first LEED gold-level certification. Additionally, Bean is a guest lecturer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government, where he teaches managed competition and capital improvement budget strategies to other municipal leaders. He is a past president of the N.C. City and County Management Association, and is a board member on the Research Foundation of the American Water Works Association. In 2004, Bean was the inaugural recipient of the Distinguished Public Service Practitioner Award from the Southeastern Conference of Public Administration. He also was the May 2006 commencement speaker at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government Master's in Public Administration graduation ceremony.
Bean will assist City officials with the leadership transition at the utility. A process for recruitment of the next Key Business Executive of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities will be developed in the coming weeks.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Utilities Retains Superior Bond Ratings
Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds will be sold Dec. 9, 2009, for $367 million at an interest rate of 4.36 percent. The bonds were priced on Nov. 18. Once again our high credit rating enabled us to take advantage of favorable market conditions. Our ratings were reaffirmed recently by the rating agencies. Fitch and Standard & Poors rated Utilities AAA and Moody's Aa1. The sale will provide us with $267 million of new money for spending on capital projects for the next 21 months. The remaining amount of the proceeds will be used primarily to convert our current commercial paper debt balance to long-term financing.
Friday, December 11, 2009
BBRRRR! Bundle up - and protect your water pipes from extreme cold (Updated Jan 4)
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities (Utilities) crews are repairing at least four leaks and others are under investigation. If you see water leaking onto a street or sidewalk, please call 311 or 704-336-7600.
Utilities encourages customers to protect their plumbing in a home or business. Taking steps now can prevent burst water pipes and costly repairs later.
Try these tips:
* Insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas. Pipe wrapping material is available at your local hardware.
* Sealing any openings and air leaks in your crawl space or basement. Use cardboard, plastic or newspaper to seal air vents if necessary.
* Open doors on cabinets below sinks to allow warmer room air to circulate around plumbing at night.
* Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
* Unplug automatic lawn sprinkler systems if you have one. Irrigation line breaks and sprinklers spraying onto sidewalks and roadways will quickly lead to serious public safety hazards.
* If you own a backflow prevention assembly, contact Utilities backflow staff at 704.399.2426 for tips on properly winterizing your system.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
South Boulevard Repair Update (Tuesday, December 22, 3:30 p.m.)
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities repaired the damaged water pipe under South Boulevard near Lexington Avenue (1100 block of South, near the John Belk Freeway) last week. A contractor was boring under South Boulevard on Wednesday, December 9 when they struck a water main.
The 54-inch water pipe is a major water distribution line that serves southern Mecklenburg County. A segment of the 54-inch water main was taken off-line to make the necessary repair.
Thanks to infrastructure improvements elsewhere in the water system, we were able to continue providing adequate water pressure for citizens in the area.
The repaired pipe passed water quality tests and is now in service.
Some customers in the southern part of our service area may temporarily experience discolored water. We are flushing fire hydrants in the vicinity to lessen the likelihood of water quality issues. Drinking water is safe. Customers experiencing discolored water should:
Traffic Update
* Two southbound / outbound lanes open.
* One northbound / inbound lane open. Crews will repave the closed lane in 1100 block on Tuesday and Wednesday.
* Lexington Avenue at South Boulevard is open. This area will be repaved when weather permits (likely in January).
Updates will be periodically posted at www.cmutilities.com.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Large Water Pipe to Start Service Soon
Crews will connect a 64-inch water pipe to our existing network during the week of December 7. This is a significant step in activating the entire Southwest Water Main Project. When complete in February, more than 18 miles of large diameter pipe will serve the southern and western parts of Mecklenburg County.
No customers will experience a water interruption. There is a chance that some customers may see temporarily discolored water. Customers may notice hydrants running as part of this connection.
Updates will be posted here. Customers with questions or issues are also encouraged to call 311 (or 704-336-7600).
Friday, November 6, 2009
Expansions, Upgrades and Improvements Flowing At Water Plants
Drive past the fall colors along Brookshire Boulevard these days and you may also catch a glimpse of workers suspended from high atop one of several water storage tanks along the freeway. Over the next couple of months they'll be cleaning and repainting several of the tanks, which are critical parts of the safe drinking water system Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents rely upon every day.
Each year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities rate-payers invest tens of millions of dollars to upgrade drinking water and wastewater plants.
The Franklin Water Treatment Plant, the largest drinking water plant in the Carolinas, is combining two older reservoirs into a new single reservoir at the corner of Brookshire and Oakdale Road, which will give Mecklenburg County an additional 145 million gallons of water storage. Less than a mile away, along Beatties Ford Road near the Brookshire intersection, the 85-year-old Vest Water Treatment Plant is also undergoing significant upgrades. Crews are replacing pipes near the plant to improve water service and fire protection, and cleaning and painting three plant water storage tanks. The workers are also replacing the roof at this historic landmark, and installing energy-efficient windows while preserving the building's historical features and classic charm.
Both plant projects should last about a year. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities is a community-owned water utility delivering safe drinking water and wastewater services to 774,000 customers. Improvement projects like these provide for continuous water and sewer services, which are entirely funded by customers.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Water main break leaves Runnymede closed between
Selwyn Drive and Barclay Downs Drive UPDATED 7 am
Thursday
7 am UPDATE, 10/29/09 -- Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Utilities crews are repairing a
section of broken 24-inch water main that occurred
last night. At this time Runnymede has one lane
open in each direction as crews work in the
outbound lanes.
Keep checking the H20 News link at
www.cmutilities.com for any updates.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Water Main Repair along South Blvd, between Seneca and Tyvola
The right outbound lane of South Blvd will be closed until as late as midnight between Seneca Place and Tyvola Road (roughly a 150 ft section) while a small water service pipe is under repair.
Outbound traffic is shifted into the left and center lanes. Crews have all signs in place and will assist with traffic flow as needed. Repairs will require an estimated 6-8 hrs.
Afternoon rush hour motorists can some expect delays and may wish to consider an alternate route.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Nov. 10 Open House: Protect Your Pipes, Your Family, Your Money
Take a few easy steps to prevent costly plumbing repairs, property damage and unsafe conditions for your family and our drinking water. Attend this open house to see how to properly dispose of cooking grease and oils. You'll learn how your actions at the kitchen sink affect Charlotte's water quality and how to protect your neighborhood, apartment or business.
Drop in for free prizes and a chance to win $25 grocery cards from Food Lion and Compare Foods. Program will be available in English and Spanish.
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009
Drop in between 6:30 and 8 p.m.
Hickory Grove Branch Library
7209 East W.T. Harris Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28227
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Industries Recognized For Environmental Stewardship
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities awarded 40 local industries this week for environmental excellence in protecting our community's water quality.
The award winners are among more than 75 permitted industries that discharge high-strength wastewater into the citys wastewater system. Their discharge permits and pretreatment processes are monitored by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities System Protection section, whose mission is to protect the flow of wastewater into local treatment plants. This ensures proper treatment so that water can be safely returned to the environment.
Environmental Excellence Award winners have complied with their pollution discharge requirements, have cooperated fully with Utilities, and have exhibited a proactive and innovative approach to protecting water quality. The honorees were recognized during a luncheon Wednesday at the Lee Dukes Water Treatment Plant in Huntersville.
Crown Awards
Herff Jones, Inc. (Photo Division) for significant water use reduction.
Carrier Corporation for implementing a new pretreatment system to avoid unpredictable discharges.
Gold Award
Carrier Corporation, Chematron Incorporated, Cintas Corporation, Environmental Pumping and Drain Line Solutions, Highland Mills, Inc., Herff Jones Inc. (Photo Division), Ingersoll Rand Customer Solutions Center, Mecklenburg County 521 Foxhole Landfill, Norfolk Southern Railway M.W. Roadway Shop, Optical Experts Manufacturing, Stork Prints America Incorporated, The Charlotte Observer, Trane, Water Systems
Silver Award
ALSCO Incorporated, American Circuits, Inc., Aplix, Inc., Arjobex America, Barnhardt Manufacturing Company, Cargill, Inc., Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Company, Cognis Corporation, Duff Norton Company, Dow Chemical Company, Emerald Carolina Chemical, Frito Lay, Incorporated, G&K Services, HazMat Transportation and Disposal, Inc., Huntsman International, Independent Beverage Corporation, Jacobsen, Keebler Company, Mallard Creek Polymers Incorporated, Masonry Reinforcing Corporation of America, Mast Brothers Express Container Services, Pelton & Crane, Pneumafil Corporation ,Siemens Energy, Inc., Unifirst Corporation
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Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Lanes closed along 500 Beatties Ford due to sewer line repair
4:05 p.m. UPDATE (9/8/09) -- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities still has the 2 inbound lanes closed along the 500 block of Beatties Ford Road (between French St and Cemetery Ave) while a sewer line repair continues.
One lane of traffic is flowing in both directions using the two remaining outbound lanes. These traffic lane adjustments will remain in place until 10 PM today.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wastewater Treatment Awards Recognize Outstanding Performance
All five Utilities wastewater treatment plants received the 2008 National Association of Clean Water
Agencies (NACWA) Peak Performance Awards. This recognition is awarded annually to wastewater
treatment plants nationwide that have met their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit compliance. This means the treated water they release back to streams complies with all regulatory requirements designed to protect health and the environment.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities facilities have some of the most stringent permit requirements in the
state and the country. For calendar year 2008, treatment plant compliance was evaluated in more than 7,300 instances with only two violations.
There are three categories of awards. Platinum is awarded to wastewater treatment plants that have 100 percent compliance for five consecutive years. Gold is awarded to plants that have achieved 100 percent compliance for one year. Silver is awarded to plants that have experienced only one to five
violations in one calendar year. The 2008 NACWA awards received are as follows:
* McDowell Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant - 12 MGD - Platinum
* Mallard Creek Wastewater Reclamation Facility - 12 MGD - Gold (fourth year)
* McAlpine Creek Wastewater Management Facility - 64 MGD - Gold
* Sugar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant - 20 MGD - Gold
* Irwin Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant - 15 MGD - Silver
Monday, August 31, 2009
Grants Advance Regional Biodiesel Fuel Efforts
Two grant awards will make possible the first master plan and economic study for developing a unique biofuel processing facility for the Greater Charlotte region. These activities are the result of collaborative efforts from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities, UNC Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College and Centralina COG with leadership provided through its Clean Cities program.
This is an important first step in learning how and to what extent Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities and its partners can transform brown grease, currently a waste product, into biodiesel fuel. The project also tests crop production for seed oils and provides research and green workforce development opportunities with Central Piedmont Community College and University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
While technology for converting virgin seed oils and yellow grease into biodiesel is well proven, much less is known about brown grease processing. Brown grease currently removed from restaurant grease traps, for example, often is taken to landfills because it is mixed with wastewater. Grease poured down drains is the leading cause of sanitary sewer overflows in the Utilities 4,000-mile wastewater collection system.
"Determining whether a feasible technology exists to convert Charlottes brown grease to biodiesel is incredibly useful no matter what the outcome," said Jackie Jarrell, Superintendent of the Utilities Environmental Management Division. "So many utilities are struggling with the same challenge of grease-related overflows that these findings will benefit communities nationally as well."
The group has received support from two agencies to date. First is a $99,850 grant from the Biofuels Center of North Carolina that will create a master plan for the processing facility. It funds UNC Charlottes research of brown grease to determine how much is generated and its chemical makeup. The funding also will support a vetting process to identify qualified vendors with brown grease-to-biodiesel technology. The work will be conducted through UNC Charlottes new IDEAS (Infrastructure, Design, Environment and Sustainability) Center.
Second, the North Carolina Green Business Fund awarded $85,000 for other complementary pieces of the project. Central Piedmont Community College will perform a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to assess the economic and environmental impacts of a biofuel processing facility. It funds one, five-acre oil seed demonstration crop grown at a Utilities property and irrigated with reclaimed water to produce biodiesel. CPCC and UNC Charlotte students will gain real-world experience as they assist with various aspects of these projects. CPCCs Center for Sustainability, Engineering Technology will produce learning modules from the agricultural and biodiesel production activities to strengthen the Charlotte regions green workforce.
"To push the green envelope in the region, local governments need to work with and support our academic institutions. We hope this is just the first step," said Bob Misenheimer, Chair of the Centralina Council of Governments, who is administering the grants through its Clean Fuels Coalition.
Friday, August 28, 2009
30 Billion Gallons Recycled Last Year
Utilities Protects Environment through Safe, Effective Wastewater Treatment
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities successfully collected and treated more than 30 billion gallons of the community's wastewater during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2009. Plants earned performance awards while pipe crews maintained and improved the infrastructure and responded to four fewer wastewater overflows.
Wastewater overflows are still a community challenge. "Grease poured down kitchen drains caused more than half of the overflows," said Utilities spokesman Cam Coley. "Customers can help protect the environment- and their plumbing - by pouring fats, oils, and grease in a disposable jar and pitching it into the trash, instead of down the drain."
In the September water bill, customers will receive a summary of the annual wastewater report. The reports will also be posted on www.cmutilities.com under 'Publications.'
Friday, July 17, 2009
7:30 PM UPDATE - Water main repaired, lanes remain closed along Providence Road
One inbound and one outbound lane along the 300 block of Providence Road remains closed Friday evening as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities finishes patching the street following today's repair of a broken section of water main.
Water service was restored earlier this afternoon and the pipe was fixed. The cause of the broken line is unknown. The repair of Providence Road is taking longer than expected but crews expect to reopen all lanes before 11 pm today.
Friday, July 17, 2009
3500 Block of Marvin Road Closed for Water-Sewer Repairs Saturday, July 18
Beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 18, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities will close the 3500 block of Marvin Road (between Jonquil St. and Billingsley Road). The closure should last 5 to 6 hours as we perform water and sewer repairs. A detour will be in place.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Unveiling of Grease Free Cleaning Trucks
To promote proper disposal of cooking grease and oils, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities recently applied decals to nine of its wastewater cleaning trucks. Vibrant, bilingual messages will be rolling through Mecklenburg County neighborhoods reminding customers that grease should be absorbed, contained and thrown in the trash.
Customers pouring grease down drains is the leading cause of sanitary sewer overflows in our community. Properly recycling or disposing of grease is simple, inexpensive and can prevent costly plumbing problems.
Customers are encouraged to call 311 if you see or suspect a wastewater overflow so Rapid Response Teams can investigate.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Independence Blvd - Updated Tuesday afternoon
A contractor for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities will have the right-hand, outbound lane of 6400 East Independence Boulevard closed Wednesday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The closures are necessary to repair a sewer line.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
MONDAY 6/8/09 2:45 pm UPDATE: All lanes of Church Street expected to re-open by Monday afternoon rush hour
A private contractor says he expects to complete street repairs and reopen the center and left hand lanes of Church Street between 1st Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard BY RUSH HOUR TODAY (Monday 6.8.09).
The contractor, Rogers Builders, has been working on the street repair since yesterday, when a street sinkhole was discovered that appears to have been caused by nearby construction work.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
3 PM UPDATE: Outbound lane closure along 5030 Independence Blvd will continue thru PM rush hour.
The outbound/outside lane along 5030 Independence Boulevard, between Glenmore Drive and Ashmore Drive, will remain shut down until 10 PM today so that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities can finish repairs to a broken water service line.
One customer's water service was affected by the repair, which has been under way nonstop since 9 a.m. The pipe repair itself is nearly complete and that one water service should be restored at any time now. Crews expect the repair site excavation will be filled, pavement fixed and the road lane reopened by 10 p.m. today.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Traffic delay along 2732 Shamrock Drive due to repair
The inbound lane at 2732 Shamrock Drive is currently closed so Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities can repair a water service line.
inbound traffic is being flagged/rerouted to the center lane. Outbound traffic continues as normal. One lane of traffice continues flowing in each direction.
The repair is expected to be complete and lanes reopened by no later than 8 p.m.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
All lanes open at 1900 block of Randolph
The overnight sewer manhole repair is complete and all lanes of Randolph Road were reopened as of 8 AM today.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Water Restrictions End in Mecklenburg
Today's regional review of water and weather conditions along the
Catawba River Basin confirms that water levels have sufficiently recovered from the drought. Effective immediately, mandatory water use restrictions are lifted for customers of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities.
The formal action was authorized by Charlotte City Manager Curt Walton today following a recommendation from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Director Doug Bean and a review of water conditions earlier in the day by the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group.
The Charlotte area had previously been under some form of mandatory water use
restrictions since August 28, 2007, when the combination of drought, soaring temperatures and record water consumption began draining regional water supplies at an alarming rate. The drought plagued the entire state and southeast, and at its most critical point outdoor water use was prohibited here and in many communities up and down the river basin. Charlotte area customers played a key role by lowering their water use by as much as 37 percent. Following that blazing summer and bone-dry fall of 2007, weather conditions improved, restrictions were eased, and over time the rains gradually refilled reservoirs, replenished groundwater levels and restored stream flows to near normal levels.
City officials credit citizens for their unified response to the drought and urged customers to keep being WaterSmart all year long, regardless of weather.
"The drought and restrictions leave us quietly, but this was really a huge response to a tough situation and everyone did their part," said Maeneen Klein, Water Conservation Manager for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities. "The regional drought plan worked. Nearly two dozen Catawba water partners and civic leaders in two states issued a unified call for conservation. The media amplified that call, and citizens and businesses responded to protect our shared water supply. Because of that teamwork, no community faced additional emergency restrictions, and none of us ran out of water."
Klein said perhaps the lingering lesson of the drought is that more folks learned how to be
water-efficient while maintaining households and running businesses. "We will continue that year-round WaterSmart conservation message and outreach," she said. "Every drop counts."
Want to learn more ways to conserve? Visit www.cmutilities.com or saveyourwater.org and we'll show you how!
Friday, April 3, 2009
CFD responds to MINOR chlorine leak at Franklin Water Treatment Plant
As a precaution emergency officials responded to a report of a contained chlorine leak this morning at the Franklin Water Treatment Plant (5100 Brookshire Boulevard).
At no point did the leak pose a threat to employees or the general public. As the leak was detected around 10:15 AM today, the chlorine building was sealed and air quality/safety equipment worked perfectly. The emergency response from Charlotte Fire Department, CMPD and others was part of an established protocol to be followed anytime a chemical problem occurs at a water facility, regardless of magnitude. Emergency officials will vacate the plant as soon as the repair and follow up monitoring and reports are complete.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Water Pipe Repair at 6th Street - updated Tuesday
6th Street between Graham Street and 5th Street will be open 4:30 pm Tuesday for evening rush hour.
All lanes of 6th Street in this area will be closed Wednesday between 9:00 am 3:00 pm to complete sidewalk repair.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
New 'Green' Building Earns Certification
After a lengthy review process, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities was notified March 14 that its Environmental Services Facility has achieved the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Gold level. This is the first LEED-certified building in Charlotte City government and the only gold-certified public facility in Mecklenburg County.
LEED is a third-party certification program for the design, construction and operation of high performance, sustainable buildings.
The Environmental Services Facility houses 80 employees in the Environmental Management and Laboratory Services divisions of Utilities. The building features significant daylighting; water and energy efficiencies that reduce operational costs; sustainable site design with storm water controls; and a variety of sustainable and local products and materials. LEED certification at a lab facility is particularly challenging, and this is one of very few lab buildings nationwide achieving certification. The building also received The Charlotte Business Journal's "Green Commercial New Construction Project" Award in 2008.
Utilities staff looks forward to planning an event to formally announce the certification and dedicate the building.
Friday, March 6, 2009
WORKSHOP -- Healthier Lawns with Less Water
Register today for this workshop
discussing sustainable plant selection,
turf management and responsible irrigation practices.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
9 a.m. to noon
Mountain Island Branch Library
4420 Hoyt Galvin Way, Charlotte, NC 28214
Reserve your spot by calling 704.391.5144 before March 23. Seats are limited. Hosted by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities and the N.C. Green Industry Council.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Morehead Street -Updated March 23
Crews successfully connected a new 36-inch water pipe to the existing 54-inch water main under Morehead Street (near Dowd YMCA). This important connection will enhance water service in the center city.
This morning crews will reopen the valves near South Boulevard, South Tryon, Caldwell Street, and Clarkson Street. Some customers may briefly experience slightly discolored water. This is temporary the water will clear up shortly. Crews will be flushing hydrants. To help with this process, customers may want to run their cold water tap for a few minutes, until the water clears up.
All lanes were opened Sunday evening.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Water issues highlighted on tonight's public TV programs
Tonight, UNC-TV will broadcast two insightful and educational segments from a national and state perspective about the challenges and rising costs of providing drinking water and sewer service to citizens, and maintaining public infrastructure so necessary to the continued health of communities and the environment. This public TV programming is located on Time Warner Cable Channel 13, which is Channel 58 for non-cable and non-satellite (i.e. traditional network TV) viewers.
" At 9 PM, UNC-TV will air LIQUID ASSETS, a 90-minute national documentary created by Penn State University. The show effectively illustrates from a broad perspective how water and sewer systems work and the general funding and other challenges associated with keeping pipes and plants in good working order and compliant with regulatory requirements as our communities grow and systems age.
" Afterward at 10:30 PM, UNC-TV will premiere LIQUID ASSETS IN NORTH CAROLINA, a 30-minute roundtable follow-up discussion among statewide experts including the perspectives of utility directors, building contractors, and public policy experts. This show also will include a 6-minute filmed segment featuring the large city and small town NC perspective. Footage of water and sewer projects under way in the City of Charlotte and interviews with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities staff will be included within this piece.
More details are available at http://www.unctv.org/liquidassets/index.html. All citizens are encouraged to tune in tonight!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
BBRRRR! Bundle up - and protect your water pipes from extreme cold
With plummeting temperatures predicted late this week, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities encourages customers to protect their plumbing in a home or business. Taking steps now can prevent burst water pipes and costly repairs later.
A complete list of tips is available at www.cmutilities.com, but some simple ones include:
* Insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas. Pipe wrapping material is available at your local hardware.
* Sealing any openings and air leaks in your crawl space or basement. Use cardboard, plastic or newspaper to seal air vents if necessary.
* Open doors on cabinets below sinks to allow warmer room air to circulate around plumbing at night.
* Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
* Unplug automatic lawn sprinkler systems if you have one. Irrigation line breaks and sprinklers spraying onto sidewalks and roadways will quickly lead to serious public safety hazards.
* If you own a backflow prevention assembly, contact Utilities backflow staff at 704.399.2426 for tips on properly winterizing your system.
Frozen pipes in Charlotte-Mecklenburg are typically infrequent unless temperatures dip far below freezing for extended periods. But forecasters have said that scenario is likely starting Thursday and running into the weekend. So be prepared!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Water Levels Up Along Catawba River Basin
Stage 2 Water Restrictions Remain In Place For Now
The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (DMAG) issued a news release this afternoon confirming the river basin has drifted out of Stage 3
Drought Status for the first time in more than a year.
Its great news, but the downshift to Stage 2 still indicates some water conditions linger below normal and continued mandatory restrictions are warranted for participating cities along the basin in North Carolina and South Carolina.
"Water conditions are clearly improved and heading in the right direction," explained Maeneen Klein, Water Conservation Manager for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities. "It's the first time we've been out of Stage 3 since September 2007."
For now, lawn watering, residential car-washing and pool/fountain filling by customers of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities continues to be limited to no more than two days per week and according to the following schedule:
+ Customers with odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays & Saturdays.
+ Customers with even-numbered addresses may water on Thursdays & Sundays.
Improved rainfall during 2008 and thus far in January has made a big difference recently on the region's four drought indicators. The U.S. Geological Survey Drought Monitor map shows the majority of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin is in normal to 'moderate drought' conditions. Catawba lake levels are normal. Stream Flows have improved to Stage 1 drought level, and groundwater gauges show continued gradual improvement, even though readings remain at Stage 2 level and below normal for this time of year.
"We need citizens to keep following the two-day-per-week irrigation schedule, which should
be no problem during winter when irrigation and overall water usage is at its lowest," Klein said. "The drought has reminded us of the value of water, but continued conservation habits are the right thing to do whenever using water indoors or outside, and regardless of everchanging
weather patterns."
The DMAG meets again at the end of January and will continue regularly reviewing drought conditions and water levels. Additional details about restrictions and water conservation tips are available at www.cmutilities.com or www.saveyourwater.org. Customers may also dial 311 or 704-336-7600 for more information.
