Public Utilities

About the Department

The Public Utilities Department is divided into the Water/Wastewater Division and the Solid Waste Division. With the exception of administrative staff, each division has separate staff and budget and operates independently from the other.

Water/Wastewater Division

The Water/Wastewater Division is responsible for providing safe drinking water to approximately 17,000 rural county residents and the collection and disposal of wastewater from approximately 1,000 rural residents. Obviously, the water distribution system is much larger than the wastewater collection system. Water and wastewater rates are adjusted annually to ensure funds are available for repayment of debt and for daily operations and maintenance.

For Owners of Temporarily or Partially Shut Down Business, Churches or School Buildings 

Water held unused in building pipes while businesses or activities are shut down or have unused floors or sections becomes stagnant. Conditions may develop increasing the risk for the growth and spread of waterborne bacteria, such as Legionella or biofilm, in the building piping. Disinfectant in the water, such as chlorine, will likely dissipate or become undetectable. Actions are necessary to ensure the water in the building is safe as well as taste- and odor-free before the resumption of normal water use. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has very detailed information on reactivating plumbing systems after dormant conditions on its website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/building-water-system.html.

"Revised 2021 Consumer Confidence Report"

Solid Waste Division

The Solid Waste Division is responsible for collection and disposal of household garbage for approximately 14,500 county households and businesses. Weekly residential trash and recycling collection is being provided through a contract with Unity of the Carolinas. Seven county-owned convenience sites are available to county residents free of charge. One county-owned landfill is also available to residents free of charge with the exception of disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) material. C&D materials may be disposed of by residents and commercial clients for a tipping fee established in the county’s fee schedule. Additional operation and maintenance costs are paid via an annual collection and disposal fee charged to each rural household and tipping fees charged to commercial clients at the landfill and the county’s transfer station.

Convenience Center Location Map

Solid Waste Convenience Site Summer Schedule

Solid Waste Convenience Site Winter Schedule

Regular Trash Collection

Residential trash collection will run on regular schedule for all holidays except Christmas and New Year’s. Details on this collection schedule will be posted closer to those holidays. 

 Reminder:  Please place carts at the roadside by 6:00 am on your scheduled pick up day to prevent missed collection.

 For questions about residential trash collection, please contact Unity of the Carolinas at 252-536-2582.