Johnston County Water Supply Planning

According to the North Carolina State Division of Water Resources, "good water supply planning includes a water conservation plan emphasizing the efficient use of water at all times, along with special plans for reducing water demand during a water shortage (such as drought) or simply peak demand times." 

Measures included in a complete water supply plan are a:

• Water Shortage Response Program,
• Water Loss Reduction Program,
• Water Use Efficiency Program, and
• Public Education Program.

Johnston County's efforts in each conservation area are outlined below.

Water Shortage Response Program

Johnston County has adopted a water conservation ordinance that specifies water restriction for each level of water shortage severity and classifies essential and non-essential water uses.

Water Loss Reduction Program

Johnston County conducts regular water audits and makes every effort to find and repair leaks. In addition, the County tracks consumer water use and contract customers when their water meter reading is significantly above normal and suggests that the customer inspect for leaks and running plumbing fixtures.

Water Use Efficiency Program

Johnston County installs meters for all water users. In addition, the County requires low flow plumbing fixtures in all new systems and promotes the retrofitting of old plumbing systems with new low flow systems. The County also encourages industrial customers to reuse process water wherever possible.

Johnston County's Wastewater Treatment Plant treats wastewater to reuse quality standards and uses both spray irrigation and surface water discharge to remove effluent. The County's water reuse system will expand in phases over the next 10 years to include not only the golf course irrigation and landfill application that it now employs, but also agricultural and research uses.

Public Education

Johnston County currently provides information on water conservation and links to useful websites on every water bill, in new customer information packets, and on the Johnston County website under the Utility Department's section. Water Conservation Awareness Water conservation preserves and protects our natural resources, insures the reliability of your water supply, and saves money for you and your community.  For more information on water conservation and how you can help, visit Conserving Water:  How To and Why.