Fontana Dam

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

Complete

Water System Name: Fontana Dam   PWSID: 01-38-101
Mailing Address:PO Box 128
Fontana Dam, NC 28733		Ownership:Municipality
 
Contact Person:Carrie StewartTitle:WTP ORC
Phone:828-498-2271Cell/Mobile:828-735-3574
Distribution System
Line Type Size Range (Inches) Estimated % of lines
Ductile Iron 4-6 60.00 %
Galvanized Iron .5-2 25.00 %
Polyvinyl Chloride .5-1 15.00 %
What are the estimated total miles of distribution system lines?   25 Miles
How many feet of distribution lines were replaced during 2025?   0 Feet
How many feet of new water mains were added during 2025?   0 Feet
How many meters were replaced in 2025?   0
How old are the oldest meters in this system?   0 Year(s)
How many meters for outdoor water use, such as irrigation, are not billed for sewer services?   0
What is this system's finished water storage capacity?   0.2800 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.   No
Programs
Does this system have a program to work or flush hydrants?   No
Does this system have a valve exercise program?   No
Does this system have a cross-connection program?   No
Does this system have a program to replace meters?   No
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?   Flat/Fixed
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
Little Tennessee River (07-1)100 %
County(s)% of Service Population
Graham100 %
What was the year-round population served in 2025?   25
What was the seasonal population and months served in 2025? (if applicable)   700 ( Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct )
Has this system acquired another system since last report?   No
Water Use by Type
Type of Use Metered
Connections		 Metered
Average Use (MGD)		 Non-Metered
Connections		 Non-Metered
Estimated Use (MGD)
Residential 0 0.0000 25 0.0025
Commercial 0 0.0000 252 0.0378
Industrial 0 0.0000 0 0.0000
Institutional 0 0.0000 0 0.0000

How much water was used for system processes (backwash, line cleaning, flushing, etc.)?   0.0150 MGD

We are unmetered so we estimate the use based on 100 gpd residential connection and 150 gpd commercial connection. (commercial connection is seasonal).

While our 2025 LWSP shows us at 76% water loss, we have been able to locate and repair some significant leaks. From January 2025 through May 2025 our average daily use was 0.306 MGD. From June 2025 through December 2025 our average daily use was 0.181 MGD. So far in 2026 our average is 0.167 MGD. We have utilized NCRWA in locating leaks but we are still an aging system with limited resources. Last year the mayor resigned along with the administrator and most of the council that left us without a quorum. That put us having to start the process over with the grant we previously were awarded. Our current mayor is working on applying for more grants that will help us replace our existing distribution system along with metering for our system. Our system basically has one customer, Fontana Village Resort and Marina. The year-round residents live in employee housing (cabins on resort property) so there are no private connections. We are hopeful we will receive some monies that can resolve the high unaccounted-for water and no meters in the system.

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 0.3050 0.4390 May 0.3010 0.3630 Sep 0.1780 0.2570
Feb 0.3180 0.4180 Jun 0.1970 0.2360 Oct 0.1760 0.1970
Mar 0.3000 0.3990 Jul 0.1950 0.2280 Nov 0.1640 0.2330
Apr 0.3070 0.3910 Aug 0.1900 0.2180 Dec 0.1720 0.3060

Surface Water Sources
Stream Reservoir Average Daily Withdrawal Maximum Day
Withdrawal (MGD)		 Available Raw
Water Supply		 Usable On-Stream
Raw Water Supply
Storage (MG)
MGD Days Used MGD * Qualifier
Fontana Lake Fontana Lake 0.2340 365 0.4390 0.5000 SY50 183.0000

* Qualifier: C=Contract Amount, SY20=20-year Safe Yield, SY50=50-year Safe Yield, F=20% of 7Q10 or other instream flow requirement, CUA=Capacity Use Area Permit

Surface Water Sources (continued)
Stream Reservoir Drainage Area
(sq mi)		 Metered? Sub-Basin County Year
Offline		 Use
Type
Fontana Lake Fontana Lake 960 No Little Tennessee River (07-1) Graham Regular
What is this system's off-stream raw water supply storage capacity?   183 Million gallons
Are surface water sources monitored?   Yes, Daily
Are you required to maintain minimum flows downstream of its intake or dam?   No
Does this system anticipate transferring surface water between river basins?   No
Water Treatment Plants
Plant Name Permitted Capacity
(MGD)		 Is Raw Water Metered? Is Finished Water Ouput Metered? Source
Fontana Dam WTP 0.5000 Yes Yes Fontana Lake
Did average daily water production exceed 80% of approved plant capacity for five consecutive days during 2025?  No
     If yes, was any water conservation implemented?  
Did average daily water production exceed 90% of approved plant capacity for five consecutive days during 2025?  No
     If yes, was any water conservation implemented?  
Are peak day demands expected to exceed the water treatment plant capacity in the next 10 years?  No

4. Wastewater Information

Monthly Discharges
Average Daily
Discharge (MGD)		 Average Daily
Discharge (MGD)		 Average Daily
Discharge (MGD)
Jan 0.1200 May 0.1660 Sep 0.0840
Feb 0.1840 Jun 0.1340 Oct 0.0910
Mar 0.1270 Jul 0.1330 Nov 0.0900
Apr 0.1600 Aug 0.1160 Dec 0.0900

How many sewer connections does this system have?   271
How many water service connections with septic systems does this system have?   1
Are there plans to build or expand wastewater treatment facilities in the next 10 years?   No
Wastewater Permits
Permit Number Type Permitted Capacity
(MGD)		 Design Capacity
(MGD)		 Average Annual
Daily Discharge
(MGD)		 Maximum Day Discharge
(MGD)		 Receiving Stream Receiving Basin
NC0023086 WWTP 0.3000 0.3000 0.1250 0.2950 Little Tennessee River Little Tennessee River (07-1)

5. Planning

Projections
  2025 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070
Year-Round Population 25 25 25 25 25 25
Seasonal Population 700 700 700 700 700 700
 
Residential 0.0025 0.0025 0.0025 0.0025 0.0025 0.0025
Commercial 0.0378 0.0378 0.0378 0.0378 0.0378 0.0378
Industrial 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
Institutional 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
System Process 0.0150 0.0125 0.0125 0.0125 0.0125 0.0125
Unaccounted-for 0.1787 0.1706 0.1706 0.1706 0.1706 0.1706
Demand v/s Percent of Supply
  2025 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070
Surface Water Supply 0.5000 0.5000 0.5000 0.5000 0.5000 0.5000
Ground Water Supply 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
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) 0.5000 0.5000 0.5000 0.5000 0.5000 0.5000
Service Area Demand 0.2340 0.2234 0.2234 0.2234 0.2234 0.2234
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) 0.2340 0.2234 0.2234 0.2234 0.2234 0.2234
Demand as Percent of Supply 47% 45% 45% 45% 45% 45%

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 100 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.    

Are there other demand management practices you will implement to reduce your future supply needs?   

What supplies other than the ones listed in future supplies are being considered to meet your future supply needs?   

How does the water system intend to implement the demand management and supply planning components above?   

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 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.