Water Quality Q&A: Facts, Context, and Resources
- sgwasa
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
South Granville Water & Sewer Authority customers may have questions about water quality following a recent news story aired by WRAL. The team at SGWASA takes these concerns seriously and wants to provide clear, factual information about your drinking water.
Community Questions & Answers
Is my water safe to drink?
Yes. The water provided by SGWASA has long met and continues to meet or exceed all state and federal drinking water standards related to health.
There are no violations related to public health, and the water is safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
Why may water sometimes look discolored?
Discolored water may be caused when iron or manganese particles become stirred up in water pipes. This can happen when:
· Older pipes release built-up mineral sediment
· Fire hydrants are used or flushed
· Water demand changes suddenly
Discoloration is a visual and aesthetic issue, not a sign of unsafe water.
What are iron and manganese, and are they harmful?
Iron and manganese are naturally occurring minerals commonly found in groundwater across North Carolina.
· They do not pose a health risk.
· They may affect how water looks or tastes, but not whether it is safe.
Why did some tests show elevated iron and manganese levels?
Testing conducted by the City of Creedmoor in 2025 showed elevated levels of iron and manganese. Testing results can vary depending on factors such as:
· Whether water lines were flushed beforehand
· Where samples were collected
· Recent system activity
SGWASA conducted follow-up testing after flushing the system and found significantly lower levels of iron and manganese.
Is discoloration related to old pipes?
In many cases, yes. This may be related to pipes inside individual homes, privately owned pipes connecting the home to SGWASA’s water system, the age of the SGWASA’s water pipes, or both.
Parts of the water infrastructure acquired by SGWASA date back to the 1930s, and older pipes are more likely to accumulate mineral buildup that can be disturbed by routine system activity.
SGWASA continues working to manage these challenges and reduce impacts to customers.
What is SGWASA doing to address discoloration issues?
SGWASA is actively working on multiple fronts, including:
· Developing a formal, routine flushing program
· Expanding hydrant maintenance and flushing capacity
· Hiring additional utility technicians
· Working with a professional engineering firm to evaluate system-wide iron and manganese management strategies
These efforts are focused on further improving water clarity and consistency over time.
What is SGWASA doing to address PFAS concerns?
SGWASA is taking proactive steps related to PFAS, even before new federal rules take effect in 2029.
· SGWASA launched a PFAS pilot testing program to evaluate treatment options.
· The goal is to protect public health and prepare for future regulatory requirements.
· Pilot testing allows SGWASA to better understand PFAS levels in the system, test treatment technologies before full-scale installation, and plan responsibly for long-term compliance
This work puts SGWASA ahead of the curve, rather than reacting later under regulatory deadlines.
What other steps has SGWASA taken to address water quality?
SGWASA has invested in multiple upgrades to improve water quality, including a $15.8M investment to upgrade the Water Treatment Plant to increase water quality through improved water treatment processes. In addition, SGWASA implemented a significant chemical process change in 2017 to reduce disinfection byproducts.
Do I need a water filter?
A filter is not required for safe drinking water. Some residents may choose to use a filter. If you wish to use a filter:
· Understand that filters are a personal choice, not a necessity
· Follow manufacturer maintenance and replacement guidelines closely
What should I do if I experience water quality issues?
Report water quality concerns using SGWASA’s Water Quality Questionnaire on its website. Customer reports help SGWASA identify whether an issue is:
· System-related
· Plumbing-related
· Temporary activity-related (such as hydrant use)
How often is the water tested?
SGWASA conducts routine water quality testing throughout the system using state-certified laboratories, with results reported to regulators as required.
What is the bottom line?
The water is safe to drink
SGWASA is taking active steps to further enhance water quality
Discoloration is an aesthetic issue, not a health concern
Customer feedback plays an important role in identifying and resolving issues
If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact SGWASA directly. Transparency and public confidence matter to us, and we remain committed to providing safe, reliable water service to the community.
1/6/26 by the South Granville Water and Sewer Authority
Posted by: Krystle Lee, Public Information Officer, Board Secretary, Webmaster
(919) 575-3367
