Frequently Asked Questions

Q  Why is my water bill running more than last year at this time? 

A  Water and wastewater costs are determined by the prevailing rate per 1,000 cubic feet of water used during each billing period.  Rates for Forsyth County increased 9 percent on Oct. 1, 2004, 12 percent in 2003 and 9 percent in 2002.  Even with three consecutive annual increases, the water and wastewater rates in Forsyth County are lower than those in Raleigh, Charlotte and other major cities in North Carolina.  The City-County Utility Commission approves rate increases.  These increases are part of the Department's budget, which is submitted to the Winston-Salem City Council as part of the City's budget.  The Council votes on the City's annual budget. 

Q  Where is my water meter located?

A  Water meters are generally located in the front yard of the residence and placed to be accessible, when necessary, by Utilities Division employees.

Q    I have a question about underground utilities. How would a person request it?

A    Please contact our Construction and Maintenance Division at (336)650-7650.

Q  What is in our tap water that causes a pink film? 

A  An airborne fungus, called aspergillus, can sometimes cause a "blush" on your kitchen and bathroom fixtures.  The fungus is commonly found in household environments.  Aspergillus thrives in moist areas such as bathrooms.  Chlorine bleach, or cleaning products that contain bleach, are effective at getting rid of the fungus.

Q  What causes the "earthy taste" that sometimes affects our water?

A  This occasionally occurs in the winter when tap water tastes "not so fresh."  Organic materials from lakes and rivers are making the water smell and taste musty.  The compounds, geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), aren't easily removed during the purification process. The water is safe to drink even if the water doesn't taste the way it usually does. The unappealing taste is more common in the summer, when heat increases algal bloom in Salem Lake, which along with the Yadkin River, supply our raw water. When the compounds from the algae affect the taste, engineers reduce the amount of water coming from Salem Lake into the treatment plants, and increase the amount of river water. Powdered activated carbon (similar to what is in home water filtration devices) is also being used as needed and in addition to chlorine to treat the water.

Q  How do I request my water to be tested? 

A  Please call 945-1179.
 

Q  How do I report what appears to be a sewage related odor?

Occasionally, you may become aware of what appears to be sewage-related odor in your neighborhood.  While most often these odors are the result of shifts in weather patterns, an odor can also signal a ruptured or clogged line. To report an odor, please call 765-0134 or complete our online complaint form: Odor Report Form.