DEFINITIONS
Potable Water: water that is suitable for direct human contact and uses such as drinking, cooking and bathing. Treated water from the Cary-Apex Water Treatment Plant and bottled water are examples of potable water.
Non-potable Water: water that is unsuitable for direct human contact but is appropriate for other uses such as irrigation, industrial cooling, street washing and construction site dust control. Raw untreated water from Jordan Lake and treated wastewater are examples of non-potable water.
Water Reclamation Facility: new name for wastewater treatment plant or sewage treatment plant. Cary has two such facilities: the North Cary Water Reclamation Facility & the South Cary Water Reclamation Facility.
Gray Water: untreated wastewater; the "used" water that comes from sinks, showers, and toilets before it is cleaned and treated by the Town at one of two water reclamation facilities.
Reclaimed Water: cleaned and treated gray water.
Did You Know?
§ During summer up to
half of the water flowing through Cary water
meters is for irrigation.
§ The bulk reclaimed water program provides up to 200,000 gallons
of
reclaimed water per day at no charge to trained and permitted haulers.
§ Replacement hose bibs and valve box keys are available on request
by
calling Public Works & Utilities at (919) 469-4090.
§ Cary’s reclaimed water system went into service in June
2001.
§ Florida, California, Arizona, Texas and Washington state also
allow
reclaimed water for irrigation.
§ The East Bay Municipal Utility District in California saves about
5.5
billion gallons per year. Eventually, the project will save enough to
provide drinking water to 83,000 homes.