Columbus

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: Columbus   PWSID: 01-75-015
Mailing Address:95 Walker Street
Columbus, NC 28722		Ownership:Municipality
 
Contact Person:Jessica G. Trotman, MS, MPHTitle:Town Manager
Phone:828-894-8236Cell/Mobile:--
Distribution System
Line Type Size Range (Inches) Estimated % of lines
Polyvinyl Chloride 2-12 100.00 %
What are the estimated total miles of distribution system lines?   35 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?   20
How old are the oldest meters in this system?   32 Year(s)
How many meters for outdoor water use, such as irrigation, are not billed for sewer services?   12
What is this system's finished water storage capacity?   1.0000 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?   Yes, Semi-Annually
Does this system have a valve exercise program?   No
Does this system have a cross-connection program?   Yes
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?   Yes
Does this system have a leak detection program?   Yes
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?   Yes

2. Water Use Information

Service Area
Sub-Basin(s)% of Service Population
Broad River (01-1)100 %
County(s)% of Service Population
Polk100 %
What was the year-round population served in 2025?   2,490
Has this system acquired another system since last report?   No

Population from Water Watch

Water Use by Type
Type of Use Metered
Connections		 Metered
Average Use (MGD)		 Non-Metered
Connections		 Non-Metered
Estimated Use (MGD)
Residential 764 0.0910 0 0.0000
Commercial 162 0.1180 0 0.0000
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.)?   0.0050 MGD

We do not track industrial and institutional usage. They fall under the commercial use type.

Water Sales
Purchaser PWSID Average
Daily Sold
(MGD)		 Days
Used		 Contract Required to
comply with water
use restrictions?		 Pipe Size(s)
(Inches)		 Use
Type
MGD Expiration Recurring
Polk County Water Department 01-75-004 0.0000 0 Yes Yes 12 Emergency
Town of Tryon 01-75-010 0.0000 0 0.5000 2028 Yes Yes 12 Emergency

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 0.2100 May 0.2940 Sep 0.2690
Feb 0.2500 Jun 0.2710 Oct 0.2350
Mar 0.2510 Jul 0.2720 Nov 0.2110
Apr 0.2540 Aug 0.2110 Dec 0.2300

There were no readings for August and November; the average from the 10 available months was used for these 2 missing months.
Also to be noted: All 3 working wells had to have the meter registers replaced throughout the year, so the gallons pumped may be inaccurate.

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
1 0.0000 0 0.1580 Regular
2 0.0370 365 0.2520 Regular
3 0.1510 365 0.1730 Regular
4 0.0410 365 0.2790 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
1 350 50 0 0 8 0 Yes
2 405 50 0 0 8 0 Yes
3 405 50 0 0 8 0 Yes
4 260 50 0 0 8 0 Yes
Are ground water levels monitored?   No,
Does this system have a wellhead protection program?   No
Water Purchases From Other Systems
Seller PWSID Average
Daily Purchased
(MGD)		 Days
Used		 Contract Required to
comply with water
use restrictions?		 Pipe Size(s)
(Inches)		 Use
Type
MGD Expiration Recurring
Polk County Water Department 01-75-004 0.0000 0 Yes Yes 12 Emergency
Tryon 01-75-010 0.0000 0 0.5000 2028 Yes Yes 12 Emergency

4. Wastewater Information

Monthly Discharges
Average Daily
Discharge (MGD)		 Average Daily
Discharge (MGD)		 Average Daily
Discharge (MGD)
Jan 0.1210 May 0.1480 Sep 0.1560
Feb 0.1550 Jun 0.1510 Oct 0.1550
Mar 0.1250 Jul 0.1510 Nov 0.1290
Apr 0.1490 Aug 0.1960 Dec 0.1290

How many sewer connections does this system have?   584
How many water service connections with septic systems does this system have?   455
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
NC0021369 WWTP 0.8000 0.8000 0.1470 0.5000 Branch of White Oake Creek Broad River (01-1)

5. Planning

Projections
  2025 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070
Year-Round Population 2,490 2,659 2,966 3,273 3,612 3,986
Seasonal Population 0 0 0 0 0 0
 
Residential 0.0910 0.0970 0.1080 0.1190 0.1310 0.1450
Commercial 0.1180 0.1230 0.1370 0.1510 0.1670 0.1840
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 0.0050 0.0050 0.0050 0.0050 0.0050 0.0050
Unaccounted-for 0.0150 0.0158 0.0175 0.0193 0.0212 0.0234
Demand v/s Percent of Supply
  2025 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070
Surface Water Supply 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
Ground Water Supply 0.8620 0.8620 0.8620 0.8620 0.8620 0.8620
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) 0.8620 0.8620 0.8620 0.8620 0.8620 0.8620
Service Area Demand 0.2290 0.2408 0.2675 0.2943 0.3242 0.3574
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) 0.2290 0.2408 0.2675 0.2943 0.3242 0.3574
Demand as Percent of Supply 27% 28% 31% 34% 38% 41%

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 37 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?   n/a

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

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

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.