Agenda - 08-29-2002 - Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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,~ non-commode fixtures (graywater) for watering and irrigation purposes, but at this paint there are several reasons why this practice should not be encouraged or condoned. The first and maybe the mast salient reason is that it is illegal in North Carolina to dispose of wastewater in an unapproved manner. Dipping and dumping or otherwise discharging graywater from sinks and other fixtures is not an approved method as the water has not been effectively treated and as such, surface application is not an acceptable disposal method. Some states do allow far the use of graywater, but most have some level of treatment required before discharge or other conditions regarding its handling and placement. The NC Dzvision of Water Quality has confirmed that this is their position. The next reason is really more of an explanation of the first reason in that graywater does carry a significant pathogen load. For example, a recent article in the Journal of Enviranmen~at Heatth (June, 2D02} cited two studies, Erandes (19"78) and Gerba, et al. (1995), that documented graywater as containing considerable amounts of bath total colifarms and fecal coliforms. The pathogens can .also multiply greatly if the graywater is stared for even a short time. There are many other undesirable characteristics associated with graywater, but the pathogen load was the most notable. When you couple the amounts of fecal coliform available in graywafier with the fact that the infective dose of some e. roll strains may be as few as 10 organisms (Institute of Food Science and Technology (UK), (1996), it raises concern about the use of graywater in an unrestricted manner. Drought Planning and Education Efforts The Health Department posted an advisory for well users in late July intended as a public service announcement, after the declaration of Stage III restrictions by the county. (attached). This was an effort to provide information and services to Chase water users in the rural area of the county that would likely be affected by a drought situation later in the season if drought conditions persist. Instead of being picked up as a public service announcement, several print media developed the information into print articles. A number of county departments are beginning to meet together to develop a response plan for an extended drought period that will include both rural users of individual wells as well as those served by public water supplies. These departments include Emergency Management, Cooperative Extension, County Engineer, and the Health Department. This will also be a tapir at the water users meeting scheduled for next week. Issues such as potable water distribution; monitoring groundwater; public education on conservation methods; restaurant conservation methods education; and other topics are being discussed. Plans will be coordinated with public water suppliers as they move through the steps needed for additional restrictions and contingencies. We will keep you apprised of these efforts.