We test for bacteriological, inorganic and radioactive contaminants; Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Synthetic Organic Compounds (SOCs).  Analyses of the tests conducted in our laboratory and in commercial laboratories indicate that water treated by GUC meets all federal and state regulations.

Do I need to be concerned about lead in my water?
There are no detectable levels of lead in the water when it leaves our treatment plant and none of GUC’s water distribution lines contain lead. Typically, lead gets into your water through household plumbing. The most common cause is corrosion, a reaction between the water and lead pipes or solder. Testing water at your tap can determine if there are sources of lead in the household plumbing.  Click here for more information about lead.

Where does my drinking water come from?
Water from the Tar River is pumped into GUC’s Water Treatment Plant. Click here to learn more about the water treatment process.

Is fluoride added to my drinking water?
Fluoride is commonly used in water systems today.  It was discovered by a dentist in 1902 as a way of preventing cavities, and was first introduced in water supplies in the 1950s.

GUC’s water contains fluoride in two ways.  First, our deep wells (that provide 11% of our water) contain fluoride naturally through groundwater deposits.  Second, we add a liquid fluoride compound to the water that is treated at our Water Treatment Plant.

Along with other water systems that add fluoride, GUC must submit weekly reports and a monthly summary of our levels of fluoride to state and federal regulators.  We’re pleased to report that GUC’s water is consistently superior to standards set by state and federal regulations.  In the event that water supplied by GUC failed to meet these regulations, we would be required to notify the public.

We continuously monitor our water to make sure that it is safe for our customers.

Is GUC’s water hard or soft?
The terms hardness comes from the fact that creating a soap lather for washing is hard (or difficult) with certain water.  Hard water is caused by the presence of two harmless minerals – calcium and magnesium.

Soft water is just the opposite.  It’s easy to create lather from soap with soft water that contains either no or very low levels of calcium and magnesium.

These minerals are often present in groundwater or in private wells.  The water provided by GUC is natural soft, with “hardness” levels ranging from 0-2 grains per gallon or 0-35 milligrams per litre.

Is it okay to use hot water from the tap for cooking?
No. Use cold water. Hot water is more likely to contain rust, copper, and lead from your household plumbing and water heater because these contaminants generally dissolve into hot water from the plumbing faster than into cold water.

What can I do to help protect our water supply?
Water is not only necessary to sustain life, but it adds to our quality of life as well. Remember, what goes in the trash, down the drain and on the ground can pollute our community’s drinking water sources. Greenville Utilities encourages you to take an active role in protecting our water supply by following these simple tips:

• Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn.
• Use phosphate-free detergents: phosphates increase algae growth and reduce oxygen in our lakes, marshes and streams.
• Take dead batteries and used motor oil to the Pitt County Landfill on Allen Road. Dried paint cans (with lids off) will be collected at curbside.
• For disposal of pesticides/herbicides, call the Pitt County Cooperative Extension Service, 252-757-2801.

Can I tour the Water Treatment Plant?
Yes!  The staff at the WTP will provide tours for individuals or groups.  Call
252-551-1562 for more information.