FAQs • Fuquay-Varina, NC • CivicEngage

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs or sewage?: Sometimes customers report that their tap water smells like rotten eggs or sewage. These odors are often caused by gases forming in the household drain. These gases are formed by bacteria which live on food, soap, hair and other organic matter in the drain. These gases are heavier than air and remain in the drain until the water is turned on. As the water runs down the drain, the gases are expelled into the air around the sink. Find more information.

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Public Utilities

1. What should I do in a case of a water or sewer emergency or line break?: Report the incident immediately at 919-552-1404. If it is after hours or on a weekend or holiday, call 919-552-1400 to report the incident and they will contact the proper personnel.

2. Why does my water look cloudy or milky?: Cloudy or milky water is caused by very small air bubbles suspended in the water. To confirm this take a glass of the cloudy/milky water and set it on the counter for a few minutes and you should see the fine bubbles rise to the surface and the water clear up. Please call 919-753-1028 for more information.

3. Why does my water have a reddish-brown color?: Water with a reddish-brown color can be attributed to more than one thing. The most common contributing factor is sediment which consists of iron and/or manganese and is naturally present in the water. A sudden change in water velocity within the water distribution line can “stir-up” or suspend sediment.

This sudden velocity increase can be caused when a fire hydrant is opened all the way or if a water line is damaged by a contractor while excavating. Both instances create a large demand for water on the water line which causes a sudden surge of water to flow through the water line in order to compensate for the demand.

While this reddish-brown color is not aesthetically pleasing and it is recommended you not wash laundry until it clears up it is not unsafe for human consumption. Should you happen to have discolored laundry the Town of Fuquay-Varina offers free a product which can be picked up from the water billing office at Town Hall, 401 Old Honeycutt Road. This product has been successful in removing stains on clothing caused by iron/manganese. Please call 919-753-1028 for more information.

4. Why does my water smell like rotten eggs or sewage?: Sometimes customers report that their tap water smells like rotten eggs or sewage. These odors are often caused by gases forming in the household drain. These gases are formed by bacteria which live on food, soap, hair and other organic matter in the drain. These gases are heavier than air and remain in the drain until the water is turned on. As the water runs down the drain, the gases are expelled into the air around the sink. Find more information.

5. How do you get rid of the black film around the sink, shower, or toilet?: Rings on baths and showers can be scum left behind as the water evaporates or from soap or shampoos. Black slime is usually mold/mildew that thrives in moist areas like bathroom toilets and tiles where it is wet and warm. The film that develops on sink stoppers is again non-harmful bacteria and residue build up. Usually, the customer will need to clean the area with a commercial cleaner that contains a disinfecting agent, such as chlorine bleach. Please call 919-753-1028 for more information.

6. What is the “pink" stain?: People sometimes see a pink ring develop on the flat surfaces of their shower, in their pet's water bowls, or toilets that are not used frequently. This is a colored organism that is present in the air that does grow in these areas. It is a harmless bacterium and exists in moist/humid conditions. The customer can remove the pink ring by cleaning the area periodically with a commercial cleaning product that contains bleach. Please call 919-753-1028 for more information.

7. What is the difference between "hard" and "soft" water?: Hardness is a term used to describe the high level of calcium and magnesium in the water. Excessive hardness can cause scale (white spots) to be deposited in boilers, pipelines, faucet aerators and shower heads. Hard water also requires the use of large amounts of laundry soap to achieve the desired results.

Range
-<17.1: Soft
-17.1 - 60: Slightly Hard*
-60 - 120: Moderately Hard
-120 - 180: Hard
->180: Very Hard

*Town of Fuquay-Varina drinking water hardness - 40 ppm. Please call 919-753-1028 for more information.

8. Does my backflow preventer need to be tested annually?: Yes, you must test your back flow preventer annually. Download the Backflow Prevention Device Form and fax the completed form to 919-552-7481. Download the form (PDF).