4 Items to Know About the Water at Your Home

1. Where is the main water shutoff valve in a home typically located?
For newer homes, the shutoff valve is typically in the garage next to the water heater. In older homes, the shutoff valve is found on the meter yolk, which is at the edge of the foundation. It’s important to locate the shutoff valve and make it accessible in case of an emergency.

2. Where is CUD’s responsibility, and where is the customer’s responsibility in their home?
CUD’s responsibility stops at the water meter. After the meter, the responsibility of water goes to the customer. It is required for customers to have a backflow preventer system to protect their water and to stop dirty water from getting back into our systems. It is required by the state to have regulator testing done to these systems, which is done by third parties, with customers paying for the test.

3. How many times does CUD test the water in Rutherford County?
Based on the county’s population and our customer base, a minimum of 150 distribution tests are required every month – which amounts to roughly 31 every half day. There are 150 sample stations throughout our network. However, CUD tests its water on a continual basis and much more than the 150 times required.

4. What are common mistakes often made regarding customers’ water systems?
A few come to mind …

• Water softeners should only be used on the hot water side of the heater, NOT on the entire system. In addition, the temperature of the water heater should only be kept at 125 degrees – and certainly no higher than 132 degrees. This is because softeners contain salt and can eliminate chlorine, essentially resulting in dead water or hard water. In the case of instant hot water heaters, water softeners are needed – or the water will harden and clog the pipes.
• Any additional system installed by customers after the meter means CUD is no longer responsible for the water used. It is important to note that for all systems installed, the customer must maintain those systems. An example: When a customer does not check their system’s regulators, this can cause the pressure to drip and leak out from the pipes. That can lead to a high water bill and/or substantial water loss.
• Irrigation systems are often overused. Homeowners should only give an inch of water per week to their yard. This equates to watering your yard for roughly one hour per week, which means running the system for roughly 20 minutes for 3 days.