Completed: Sep 5, 2019
Etowah Water Improvements Project
Milestone timeline:
Etowah Water System Contract Awarded
Fall 2019
Construction Begins
Completed: Nov 1, 2019
Winter 2019
Certification of New Waterlines
Completed: Aug 27, 2021
Fall 2020
New Water Tank Filled and Tested
Completed: Sep 15, 2021
Dec 2020
New Pump Station Testing
Completed: Oct 21, 2021
Nov 2020
Transfer Connections of Existing Lines to New Lines
Completed: Jan 12, 2022
Oct 2020
Repair Other Impaired Lines in the Etowah Area
Completed: Nov 18, 2022
Late Fall 2022
North Greenwood Forest Project Completed
Completed: Mar 31, 2023
Spring 2023
Transition to New Water Tank / Pressure Increase Begins
Completed: Jun 30, 2023
June 2023
The Etowah Area Water System Improvement Project includes the installation of approximately 14,800 linear feet of 12 and 8-inch water mains, a 500,000-gallon ground level water storage tank, construction of a booster pumping station, access road, and demolition of an existing elevated water storage tank and three existing booster pumping stations. The project will increase pressure and fire flow in the area through the use of pressure zone modifications. During the course of construction, waterlines in the area were identified to have issues that could be exasperated by the pressure zone modifications. Due to this, additional work on a North Greenwood Forest project and other areas were required in the Etowah area before the project could be fully completed.
Customers can expect the new and improved pressures to begin taking effect the week of June 5, 2023.
When making water pressure improvements to systems, line breaks caused by the new pressure levels are not uncommon. Hendersonville Water & Sewer has crews in the Etowah area responding and repairing issues as they occur.
Due to pressure changes, some area in the Etowah System have experienced line breaks. Visit the Boil Water Advisory page for ongoing updates.
What to expect:
- Existing water pressure within the Etowah area ranges from 20 to 85 pounds per square inch (psi). When the system is switched to the new tank, pressures may increase up to approximately 40 psi above the current water pressure.
- During the transition, customers may experience pressure and water flow fluctuations.
- Turbidity describes the level of clarity in water. During the transition to the new pressure levels, water may appear cloudy, murky, milky, or discolored. The discoloration consists of minerals, sediments, and fine air bubbles and can occur when water lines are flushed, or pressure changes occur. Although this water turbidity does not pose a health risk, we recommend customers wait until their water runs clear from the tap before drinking.
- When system pressure upgrades take place, utility system leaks are possible and not uncommon. Hendersonville Water & Sewer crews will be on standby to respond to any utility infrastructure issues and make repairs as quickly as possible.
- Customers will be notified using the City’s notification system using the contact information on their billing account if water line leaks prompt any boil water advisories.
What you can do:
- Ensure your contact information is up to date. Hendersonville water customers can update their account information at hvlnc.gov/contactinfo to ensure they receive important communications regarding their account, utility announcements, and water advisories.
- Sign up for AquaHawk Water Leak Alerts! AquaHawk Alerting is a free service for City water customers that offers information about your water usage and allows you more control over water expenses. By registering for an account, you will be able to receive alerts when your usage indicates a leak, set alert levels and notifications, and monitor your usage. Sign up at: https://hendernc.aquahawk.us/login
- The previous recommendations provided to customers to verify the installation and operation of pressure reducing valves (PRVs) at their property are still in effect.
- Even though water outages are not expected, we always encourage community members to be prepared for unplanned outages or emergency situations. FEMA recommends storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days as part of your household’s emergency plan.
- If you need to report issues or have questions about the project, contact Hendersonville Water and Sewer at (828) 697-3073.
Etowah Water System Improvement Map
What changes are happening?
The City of Hendersonville has been making improvements to its water system in the Etowah area to help maintain safe and reliable water service. This work began in Fall 2019. Unfortunately, due to newly identified issues with other lines in the area the completion of this project was delayed. After completing other infrastructure work, the City can move forward and switch to the newly installed water tank. The switch is planned for the week of June 5, 2023.
What changes are happening?
Existing water pressure within the Etowah area ranges from 20 to 85 pounds per square inch (psi). Once the project is completed, pressures may increase up to approximately 40 psi above the current water pressure.
How do I know if my property is within the area of the pressure zone modification?
Properties within the upcoming pressure modification in the Etowah area have received
- Initial pressure zone modification letter (2020)
- Secondary notice letter (2021)
- Timeline update letter (2022)
- Pressure change notification (2023)
What should I do if my property is within the area of modification?
Consider doing the following before implementation:
Check that your plumbing system has a pressure reducing valve (PRV) installed
A PRV is a device that reduces and stabilizes the water pressure entering a property typically to between 50 and 80 psi, helping to protect plumbing when the pressure in the Town's water lines are higher. The NC Plumbing Code requires a PRV to be installed on private plumbing systems where the pressure in the municipal water lines serving that property exceeds 80 psi.
While interior home plumbing pipes and fittings are typically rated for pressures higher than 80 psi, home plumbing materials tend to last longer and have fewer leaks if used at lower pressures. PRVs are typically located inside the building and before any other connections on the incoming water supply line. If you have a crawlspace, the PRV may be installed just inside the foundation wall. If there is no crawlspace, the PRV may be in a closet at the front side of a residence. In a business, it is typically in an equipment room. It should be noted however that installation of a PRV inside the building does not protect privately-owned service piping outside of the structure from increased water pressure.
The City of Hendersonville will not be responsible for damage to your property as a result of the pressure zone modifications described above. Therefore, before the estimated project completion date (Spring 2021), we highly recommend you verify the existence, location, and proper operation of a PRV on your water service piping. If you require assistance, please consult a licensed plumber to provide you with this service.
Assess your automatic irrigation system
Automatic irrigation systems can be equipped with a PRV and, just like your property's PRV, check if it's installed, is working or is needed. Having backflow prevention does not mean your irrigation system is protected against high pressure. Consult with your irrigation contractor as needed.
Documents
Project Updates:
Etowah Tank Filling and New Pressures
Monday, June 12, 2023
The new 500,000-gallon Etowah water tank went online at 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The project has increased pressure and fire flow in the area through the use of pressure zone modifications. This milestone marks a significant advancement in our ongoing efforts to improve the water supply infrastructure in the Etowah area.
Crews in the Etowah area have been working on repairing line breaks and testing water samples to ensure water is safe to drink. Boil water advisories were rescinded from Sunset Hill Drive, Masters View Drive, Sunset Ridge Drive, and Oakland Hill Drive on 6/10 and 6/12.
A new boil water advisory has been issued for South Greenwood Forest Drive on 6/10.
Holy Springs is still under a boiled water advisory, but we anticipate the boiled water advisory will be lifted this afternoon, pending water test results.
For a map showing all boiled water advisories since the water pressure increased on June 7th, please click the link below.
For active boil water advisories, please visit www.hvlnc.gov/bwa
Etowah Tank Filling and New Pressures
Friday, June 9, 2023
Crews in the Etowah area have repaired the initial line breaks and the three boil water advisories issued on 6/7 and 6/8 have been rescinded after lab tests confirmed the water safe to drink. Two areas around Sunset Ridge Drive were placed under a boil water advisory late on 6/8 and will be rescinded once the water samples have been received back from the lab.
Etowah Tank Filling and New Pressures
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Starting on June 5, Hendersonville Water & Sewer staff have begun the transition to the new Etowah water tank. Staff is currently filling the tank. As of June 7 at 3:30 PM, three leaks/water line breaks have occurred due to the increase in water pressure.
When making water pressure improvements to systems, line breaks caused by the new pressure levels are not uncommon. Hendersonville Water & Sewer has crews in the Etowah area responding and repairing issues as they occur.
Staff will continue to fill the tank and respond to leaks and repairs as they occur. Customers under Boil Water Advisories will be contacted using the information on their billing account as updates are available.
Transition to New Etowah Water Tank Scheduled for Week of June 5, 2023
Friday, May 26, 2023
Hendersonville Water & Sewer has scheduled the transition from the old water tank to the new 500,000-gallon Etowah water tank.
Customers can expect the new and improved pressures to begin taking effect the week of June 5, 2023.
What to expect:
- Existing water pressure within the Etowah area ranges from 20 to 85 pounds per square inch (psi). When the system is switched to the new tank, pressures may increase up to approximately 40 psi above the current water pressure.
- During the transition, customers may experience pressure and water flow fluctuations.
- Turbidity describes the level of clarity in water. During the transition to the new pressure levels, water may appear cloudy, murky, milky, or discolored. The discoloration consists of minerals, sediments, and fine air bubbles and can occur when water lines are flushed, or pressure changes occur. Although this water turbidity does not pose a health risk, we recommend customers wait until their water runs clear from the tap before drinking.
- When system pressure upgrades take place, utility system leaks are possible and not uncommon. Hendersonville Water & Sewer crews will be on standby to respond to any utility infrastructure issues and make repairs as quickly as possible.
- Customers will be notified using the City’s notification system using the contact information on their billing account if water line leaks prompt any boil water advisories.
What you can do:
- Ensure your contact information is up to date. Hendersonville water customers can update their account information at hvlnc.gov/contactinfo to ensure they receive important communications regarding their account, utility announcements, and water advisories.
- Sign up for AquaHawk Water Leak Alerts! AquaHawk Alerting is a free service for City water customers that offers information about your water usage and allows you more control over water expenses. By registering for an account, you will be able to receive alerts when your usage indicates a leak, set alert levels and notifications, and monitor your usage. Sign up at: https://hendernc.aquahawk.us/login
- The previous recommendations provided to customers to verify the installation and operation of pressure reducing valves (PRVs) at their property are still in effect.
- Even though water outages are not expected, we always encourage community members to be prepared for unplanned outages or emergency situations. FEMA recommends storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days as part of your household’s emergency plan.
- If you need to report issues or have questions about the project, contact Hendersonville Water and Sewer at (828) 697-3073.
Map of Area
North Greenwood Forest Neighborhood Water Replacement
Thursday, September 1, 2022
The City of Hendersonville launched a water line replacement project along North Greenwood Forest Drive, West Laurel Lane, and portions of East Laurel Lane in Etowah. The existing water pipes in this area are aging, which has caused excessive pipe breaks, increased maintenance burdens for utility personnel, and unscheduled water outages. Additional project information and a project map can be found at https://www.hendersonvillenc.gov/northgreenwoodforest.
Main Water Supply Lines Installation Completed
Thursday, February 24, 2022
Implementation of the improved pressure zones has been delayed.
City personnel have identified other areas in the Etowah vicinity that pose a high risk of failure under the influence of the higher pressures. Until such time that these areas can be repaired the pressures in the Etowah area will remain the same as they have been in the past.
Most planned connections of existing lines to the new system have been completed. At this time the new system is operating at the same pressure that the old system was. Customers should not experience any significant changes in pressure until other work in the Etowah area has been completed.
The contractor has completed the construction of the pump station. The stations will be certified soon by North Carolina Public Water Supply. The pump station will cycle regularly at an operating pressure equivalent to previous pressures. Once engineers have determined that the pumps can be put into full operation with the new tank affected residents will be notified prior to the pressure increase. Prior to this date all customers are encouraged to verify the existence of a pressure reducing valve on their private systems.
Due to the age of the existing service lines in this area, City personnel are anticipating that there may be leaks developing in lines that are not included in the immediate vicinity of the project. In these cases, there may be interruptions to service as repairs are made.
After the full functionality of the new system has been verified and put into service, the contractor will begin to remove the old Etowah aerial tower and other pump stations that will no longer be necessary to service the area.
There are some services that are being connected directly to the new lines that have been installed. If your property is one of these connections, then you have likely seen the new service line (blue plastic line) protruding from the ground on your lot. As these services are changed over to the new line the contractor will be coordinating with the City and the homeowner to switch the service to the home to the new meter box. After this work has been completed the contractor will restore your yard to pre work condition. Before the contractor is complete with the project all disturbed areas will be repaired by the contractor to pre work conditions and all driveways will be repaired. Other areas that were disturbed will also be repaired, seeded, paved, or graveled to pre work conditions. Due to supply issues the City has decided to close the contract with the current contractor on this work. The work will be completed in the near future by contractors that are hired to complete work on other lines in the Etowah area or City Water and Sewer crews. Until that time the current contractor will restore your property to pre work conditions.