Page 37 - 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report - City of Winston-Salem

INFRASTRUCTURE

Winston-Salem provides professional and nancially sound The Commission oversees the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County
municipal services. City residents have consistently shown their water treatment plants and distribution system, its wastewater
support of improvements that continue to enhance Winston- treatment plants and sewage collection system, the land lls for
Salem’s quality of life. The past year saw several major projects solid waste, construction and demolition debris, and yard waste. It
approved in a 2014 bond referendum come to fruition. The $139.2 maintains a sta of 377 employees who operate and maintain
million referendum included $30.85 million for parks and recreation; three water treatment plants, two wastewater treatment plants,
$10 million for housing programs; $25 million for economic three land lls, and a collection and distribution system that
development; $31 million for new public safety facilities; and includes 14 water tanks, seven pumping stations for fresh water, 52
$42.35 million for new streets and sidewalks. pumping stations for wastewater, and 4,094 miles of water and
For the last several years, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County sewer lines.
Utility Commission has been rebuilding aging water and sewer The City’s three water treatment plants process a combined
infrastructure, some that is 80 or more years old, in older City capacity of 13 billion gallons per year, allowing plenty of capacity
neighborhoods. The Commission nances its own capital for future growth. Average demand is 35.7 million gallons per day,
improvements from water and sewer fees and revenue bonds that although it can double during hot, dry weather. The water system
are paid o with income from the water and sewer system. It does draws 70 percent of its raw water from the Yadkin River and 30
not have authority to issue bonds or debt without the approval of percent from Salem Lake. The system serves a population of
the City Council. approximately 344,000, with a water distribution system that
includes 2,324 miles of water distribution mains, 14 water tanks
In spring 2018, the Commission approved a 3.5 percent increase in
the water rate and a 5 percent increase in the sewer rate. The and seven pumping stations.
bimonthly service charge for residential water and sewer service The City’s waste-disposal needs have been provided for with the
would increase by $1.41 per month. Even with the increase, expansion of the Hanes Mill Road Landfill, which will extend the
Winston-Salem’s rate remains one of the lowest among North life of the land ll through approximately 2035. The commission also
Carolina’s large cities. operates a separate land ll for construction and demolition debris.

A 50-foot tall American river otter graces the SIDES
ROAD WATER TANK. The City-commissioned
public art mural encompasses a 15,000-square foot
space and is visible to about 25,000 drivers a day.

W I N S T O N S AL E M , N O R T H C AR O L I N A 31