FAQs • City of Sanford, NC • CivicEngage

Does my drinking water contain lead and what can I do about it?: Lead is a naturally occurring element in our environment. Consequently, our water supply is expected to contain small, undetectable amounts of lead. However, most of the lead in household water usually comes from the plumbing in your own home, not from the local water supply.

For tips on how to reduce your lead exposure, visit the Lead in Drinking Water page.

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Water Filtration Facility

1. Will I know if there is a problem with my water?: If the amount of a contaminant exceeds a predetermined safe level in your drinking water (MCL, Action Level, etc.), We will notify you via newspapers, radio, TV and other means within 24 hours. With the notification, you will be instructed on what appropriate actions you can take to protect your family’s health.

For more information, visit the Vulnerable Populations & Water Contaminants page.

2. How is my water treated and purified?: The treatment process consists of a series of steps with water first being drawn from the Cape Fear River and then going through the filtration process including the settling of sediments and addition of purifying substances.

Review the detailed Water Purification Process.

3. Should I be concerned about drinking water if I have a weakened immune system?: Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. However, some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.

Learn more by visiting the Vulnerable Populations & Water Contaminants page.

4. Does my drinking water contain lead and what can I do about it?: Lead is a naturally occurring element in our environment. Consequently, our water supply is expected to contain small, undetectable amounts of lead. However, most of the lead in household water usually comes from the plumbing in your own home, not from the local water supply.

For tips on how to reduce your lead exposure, visit the Lead in Drinking Water page.

5. How do cross-connections affect drinking water?: Cross-connections that could contaminate drinking water distribution lines are a major concern. A cross-connection is formed at any point where a drinking water line connects to equipment (boilers), systems containing chemicals (air conditioning systems, fire sprinkler systems, irrigation systems) or water sources of questionable quality.

Cross-connection contamination can occur when the pressure in the equipment or system is greater than the pressure inside the drinking water line (backpressure).

Learn more about Contamination from Cross-Connections.

6. Who do I call if I have a question about my water or sewer bill?: Please call Billing & Collections Department at 919-775-8215 or email waterdept@sanfordnc.net

7. Who do I call if I have a loss of pressure, taste and or odor problems?: Please call the City of Sanford Public Works Service Center at (919)777-1200.

8. I’m concerned about my water quality. Who do I call to have my water tested?: Please call the City of Sanford Water Plant Laboratory Supervisor Clarence Thompson at (919)777-1804 or email at Clarence.Thompson@sanfordnc.net.

9. Who do I call for a tour of the Water Filtration Facility?: Please call (919)777-1803.

10. Will I know if there is a problem with my water?: If the amount of a contaminant exceeds a predetermined safe level in your drinking water (MCL, Action Level, etc.), We will notify you via newspapers, radio, TV and other means within 24 hours. With the notification, you will be instructed on what appropriate actions you can take to protect your family’s health.