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1. What is reclaimed water?

Reclaimed water produced at the Town’s Utley Creek Water Reclamation Facility is wastewater that has been processed through advanced treatment systems to meet stringent standards mandated by the State of North Carolina. Reclaimed water can be used for irrigation and is a “green” product because it minimizes the amount of potable water that must be produced to meet the Town’s water demands.

Reclaimed water is safe, and contact with it will not harm people, pets or property; however, use is regulated by the State of North Carolina to minimize direct human contact. Reclaimed water systems are proven technologies that have operated for years in other towns and states.

2. How can we use reclaimed water?

Residential and business customers may use reclaimed water for landscape irrigation, especially in irrigation systems designed or converted to comply with the Town’s reclaimed water irrigation requirements. Reclaimed water also can be used for other purposes, but most customers use it only for irrigation.

Bulk reclaimed water also is available. An account, permit and special bulk water training are required to use bulk amounts of reclaimed water. Contact the Water Quality Department at (919) 552-5920 to determine if your business can benefit from reclaimed water.

3. Can I water my vegetable or herb garden with reclaimed water?

No. The reclaimed water may not be used to water any edible crops. This includes vegetables, fruits and herbs.

4. Can I use my reclaimed water to wash my car, power wash my house, etc.?

No. The only access to reclaimed water in residential areas is through the irrigation system. Our state permit does not allow any hose connections (above-ground or below-ground) in the distribution system.

5. Are there any restrictions on irrigating with reclaimed water?

There are no day or time restrictions, but irrigation must be done in a way that prevents runoff into storm sewers, streams and ponds. We suggest watering two or three times a week no more than 20 minutes per area to reduce runoff into creeks and storm drains, which flow directly into nearby waterways.

6. How can I get reclaimed water?

The Town's reclaimed water system delivers to customers connected to the system in the service area west of N.C. 55. Click here for a map of the service area, which shows where connections to the reclaimed water system could be built.

For residents: Properties that have reclaimed water available have two water meter boxes at the street. The potable water service has a standard gray metal-colored lid. The other meter box with a purple lid is for reclaimed water service.

• If you have a reclaimed meter box and already have an irrigation system, it is connected to the reclaimed water system.


• If you have a reclaimed meter box and want to install an irrigation system, contact the Town Code Enforcement Department at (919) 557-3915. You will need to apply for a permit to connect to the reclaimed water system.

For businesses and property owners along reclaimed water lines: To connect to the reclaimed water system, contact the Department of Public Works at (919) 552-5920 to arrange for an irrigation tap.

For developers building in the service area: For information about extending reclaimed water to your property, contact the Engineering Department at (919) 557-3938.

7. What are the reclaimed irrigation system requirements?

•Must be permitted by the Town of Holly Springs.
•Reclaimed irrigation systems have been specially designed for distributing reclaimed water. Changing the programming or heads in your system should be performed only by a licensed irrigation contractor in order to ensure that Town and State requirements are met.
•The rainfall sensor also must be connected and functional at all times.

8. Why do I need a permit?

North Carolina requires the Town to review and approve all use of reclaimed water. After customers and homeowners read and sign an informational packet about how to use reclaimed water, they may be permitted to use it.