Economic Development
Utilities and Infrastructure
Water and Sewer
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: I want to start a business. Are there any Wastewater Treatment regulations my business will have to meet?
A: There may be regulations depending on the type of business. For industrial businesses, contact David Shellenbarger at (704) 842-5106 or Email Utilities. For car washes, automotive shops or establishments that will prepare and serve food, including restaurants, nursing homes, day cares, churches, and convenience stores, contact Stephanie Scheringer at (704) 854-6669 or Email Utilities.
Q: I would like to start a business that requires using a lot of water and wastewater. How much capacity do you have at each facility?
A: Each of our facilities currently has excess capacity. For specific capacity information please see the Utilities and Infrastructure\Water and Sewer section of this website or Email: Utilities.
Q: Whom do I contact if I have questions concerning my wastewater?
A: David Shellenbarger at (704) 842-5106 or Email: Utilities.
Q: I need a water and / or sewer connection, who do I contact?
A: Mike Bynum at 704-866-6043
Q: How hard is my water and do I need a water softener?
A: The hardness is usually about 14 mg/L (milligrams per liter) or 0.82 gpg (grains per gallon). Due to the lack of hardness, water-softening devices are not necessary. In fact, soft water may save you money by reducing the amount of detergent needed.
Q: What quality of water does Gastonia send to its customers?
A: Gastonia provides water of the highest quality with parameter levels such as Hardness of 0.8 grains/gallon, Sodium ranges from 9 to 13 mg/L, and the level of Fluoride distributed is 1 mg/L. Our standards for water treatment are significantly higher than the state requirements.
Q: Whom do I contact if I have questions or want information concerning my water?
A: If you are on the City of Gastonia's water system and you have any complaints or questions concerning your water or if you need system information you can contact Lisa Digh at (704) 854-6686 or Email: Utilities.
Q: Where does wastewater come from? Where does it go?
A: Water from your home's sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and washing machine flows through a collection system of pipes to one of the two wastewater treatment plants. Businesses and industries also discharge wastewater from restrooms, kitchens and manufacturing processes. At the treatment plants, the wastewater is treated and cleaned, utilizing various biological and chemical processes. The clean water is then discharged to area surface waters. The Crowders Creek Plant discharges to Crowders Creek and the Long Creek Plant discharges to the South Fork Catawba River. The residuals from the wastewater treatment process are land applied as a fertilizer on 2000 acres of private farmland throughout the area.
Q: Does water that enters the storm drains go to the Wastewater Treatment Plants?
A: No. Water that enters storm drains is routed directly into area creeks, without any treatment. For more information on Stormwater Services click here.
Questions or comments about this site? Email the webmaster.
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