Banner Elk

The Division of Water Resources (DWR) provides the data contained within this Local Water Supply Plan (LWSP) as a courtesy and service to our customers. DWR staff does not field verify data. Neither DWR, nor any other party involved in the preparation of this LWSP attests that the data is completely free of errors and omissions. Furthermore, data users are cautioned that LWSPs labeled PROVISIONAL have yet to be reviewed by DWR staff. Subsequent review may result in significant revision. Questions regarding the accuracy or limitations of usage of this data should be directed to the water system and/or DWR.

1. System Information

Contact Information

Provisional

Water System Name: Banner Elk   PWSID: 01-06-015
Mailing Address:P.O. 2049
Banner Elk, NC 28604		Ownership:Municipality
 
Contact Person:Justin HodgesTitle:Public Service Director
Phone:828-898-5398Cell/Mobile:--
Distribution System
Line Type Size Range (Inches) Estimated % of lines
Asbestos Cement 6-8 50.00 %
Ductile Iron 6-8 5.00 %
Galvanized Iron 3/4-2 5.00 %
Polyvinyl Chloride 2-8 40.00 %
What are the estimated total miles of distribution system lines?   20 Miles
How many feet of distribution lines were replaced during 2024?   100 Feet
How many feet of new water mains were added during 2024?   580 Feet
How many meters were replaced in 2024?   11
How old are the oldest meters in this system?   19 Year(s)
How many meters for outdoor water use, such as irrigation, are not billed for sewer services?   16
What is this system's finished water storage capacity?   0.7170 Million Gallons
Has water pressure been inadequate in any part of the system since last update? Line breaks that were repaired quickly should not be included.   Yes

During Hurricane Helene several water mains located near creeks were washed out. The necessary repairs were made and proper procedures performed to get the lines back into service and drinking water restored to the Town. Some valves are still closed, and water is being rerouted in certain areas, there is plans to install lines back where the existing lines were pre-helene. The entire system lost pressure for several days.

Programs
Does this system have a program to work or flush hydrants?   Yes, As Needed
Does this system have a valve exercise program?   Yes, As Needed
Does this system have a cross-connection program?   No
Does this system have a program to replace meters?   Yes
Does this system have a plumbing retrofit program?   No
Does this system have an active water conservation public education program?   No
Does this system have a leak detection program?   No
Water Conservation
What type of rate structure is used?   Increasing Block
How much reclaimed water does this system use?   0.0000 MGD   For how many connections?   0
Does this system have an interconnection with another system capable of providing water in an emergency?   No

2. Water Use Information

Service Area
Sub-Basin(s)% of Service Population
Watauga River (16-1)100 %
County(s)% of Service Population
Avery100 %
What was the year-round population served in 2024?   1,164
What was the seasonal population and months served in 2024? (if applicable)   1,964 ( Jun Jul Aug Sep )
Has this system acquired another system since last report?   No

Population is based upon the most recent US census population estimate of 1134 plus outside water Accounts (6 accounts @ 2.5 persons per account =15) 1149+15=1164. Seasonal population based on 50% of accounts being seasonal 320 @ 2.5 persons per account = 800 additional, 1164=800=1964.

Water Use by Type
Type of Use Metered
Connections		 Metered
Average Use (MGD)		 Non-Metered
Connections		 Non-Metered
Estimated Use (MGD)
Residential 642 0.0475 0 0.0000
Commercial 88 0.0240 0 0.0000
Industrial 0 0.0000 0 0.0000
Institutional 17 0.0423 0 0.0000

How much water was used for system processes (backwash, line cleaning, flushing, etc.)?   0.0010 MGD

3. Water Supply Sources

Monthly Withdrawals & Purchases
Average Daily
Use (MGD)		 Max Day
Use (MGD)		 Average Daily
Use (MGD)		 Max Day
Use (MGD)		 Average Daily
Use (MGD)		 Max Day
Use (MGD)
Jan 0.2656 May 0.1697 Sep 0.1708
Feb 0.2112 Jun 0.1652 Oct 0.0829
Mar 0.1669 Jul 0.1948 Nov 0.1183
Apr 0.1685 Aug 0.2656 Dec 0.1187

From Sept.-Dec our Well Pump data was skewed by Hurricane Helene.

Ground Water Sources
Name or Number Average Daily Withdrawal (MGD) Max Day Withdrawal (MGD) 12-Hour Supply
(MGD)		 CUA Reduction Year Offline Use Type
MGD Days Used
Well 1 0.0327 269 0.0720 Regular
Well 2 0.0394 343 0.0600 Regular
Well 3 0.0471 351 0.1440 Regular
Well 5 0.0501 347 0.0900 Regular
Ground Water Sources (continued)
Name or Number Well Depth (Feet) Casing Depth
(Feet)		 Screen Depth (Feet) Well Diameter (Inches) Pump Intake Depth (Feet) Metered?
Top Bottom
Well 1 175 0 0 0 6 150 Yes
Well 2 170 0 0 0 6 147 Yes
Well 3 175 0 0 0 6 147 Yes
Well 5 650 210 0 0 6 630 Yes
Are ground water levels monitored?   No,
Does this system have a wellhead protection program?   Yes

4. Wastewater Information

Monthly Discharges
Average Daily
Discharge (MGD)		 Average Daily
Discharge (MGD)		 Average Daily
Discharge (MGD)
Jan 0.4168 May 0.2887 Sep 0.2288
Feb 0.3431 Jun 0.1877 Oct 0.0810
Mar 0.3297 Jul 0.1903 Nov 0.2103
Apr 0.3307 Aug 0.1934 Dec 0.3223

How many sewer connections does this system have?   835
How many water service connections with septic systems does this system have?   32
Are there plans to build or expand wastewater treatment facilities in the next 10 years?   Yes

We are currently working with Mcgill Engineering to have an additional clarifier added to the plant, we also are looking at upgrades to UV system and barscreen.

Wastewater Permits
Permit Number Type Permitted Capacity
(MGD)		 Design Capacity
(MGD)		 Average Annual
Daily Discharge
(MGD)		 Maximum Day Discharge
(MGD)		 Receiving Stream Receiving Basin
NC0032115 WWTP 0.6000 0.6000 0.2602 0.9000 Elk River Watauga River (16-1)

5. Planning

Projections
  2024 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070
Year-Round Population 1,164 1,174 1,184 1,194 1,204 1,214
Seasonal Population 1,964 1,974 1,984 1,994 2,004 2,014
 
Residential 0.0475 0.0512 0.0522 0.0532 0.0542 0.0552
Commercial 0.0240 0.0349 0.0359 0.0369 0.0379 0.0389
Industrial 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
Institutional 0.0423 0.0426 0.0429 0.0432 0.0435 0.0438
System Process 0.0010 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001
Unaccounted-for 0.0388 0.0435 0.0443 0.0451 0.0459 0.0466
Demand v/s Percent of Supply
  2024 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070
Surface Water Supply 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
Ground Water Supply 0.3660 0.3660 0.3660 0.3660 0.3660 0.3660
Purchases 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
Future Supplies 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
Total Available Supply (MGD) 0.3660 0.3660 0.3660 0.3660 0.3660 0.3660
Service Area Demand 0.1536 0.1723 0.1754 0.1785 0.1816 0.1846
Sales 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
Future Sales 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
Total Demand (MGD) 0.1536 0.1723 0.1754 0.1785 0.1816 0.1846
Demand as Percent of Supply 42% 47% 48% 49% 50% 50%

The purpose of the above chart is to show a general indication of how the long-term per capita water demand changes over time. The per capita water demand may actually be different than indicated due to seasonal populations and the accuracy of data submitted. Water systems that have calculated long-term per capita water demand based on a methodology that produces different results may submit their information in the notes field.

Your long-term water demand is 41 gallons per capita per day. What demand management practices do you plan to implement to reduce the per capita water demand (i.e. conduct regular water audits, implement a plumbing retrofit program, employ practices such as rainwater harvesting or reclaimed water)? If these practices are covered elsewhere in your plan, indicate where the practices are discussed here.    No Changes

Are there other demand management practices you will implement to reduce your future supply needs?   The Twon continues to work with its engineers to prioritize areas in the water system that need attention. Also, the Town public service staff have been trained with new leak detection equipment and have already utilized this equipment to reduce water loss in the system.

What supplies other than the ones listed in future supplies are being considered to meet your future supply needs?   A new well is still in discussion and has been listed in the CIP and is being discussed internally and with the Town's engineers.

How does the water system intend to implement the demand management and supply planning components above?   The Town has worked with McGill and Associates on the system development fee, rate structure, and CIP.

Additional Information

Has this system participated in regional water supply or water use planning?  No

What major water supply reports or studies were used for planning?  

Please describe any other needs or issues regarding your water supply sources, any water system deficiencies or needed improvements (storage, treatment, etc.) or your ability to meet present and future water needs. Include both quantity and quality considerations, as well as financial, technical, managerial, permitting, and compliance issues:   The Town has historically had high water loss and Town staff have worked to locate leaks and problem areas to make the necessary repairs in the water system and will continue to do so to reduce water loss. A new well is being strongly considered to give the Town confidence in its supply/demand ratio for future development. Also, another storage tank has been mentioned to give added protection and redundancy to the water system.

The Division of Water Resources (DWR) provides the data contained within this Local Water Supply Plan (LWSP) as a courtesy and service to our customers. DWR staff does not field verify data. Neither DWR, nor any other party involved in the preparation of this LWSP attests that the data is completely free of errors and omissions. Furthermore, data users are cautioned that LWSPs labeled PROVISIONAL have yet to be reviewed by DWR staff. Subsequent review may result in significant revision. Questions regarding the accuracy or limitations of usage of this data should be directed to the water system and/or DWR.