Public Meeting Video

On February 23, 2022, Cary staff hosted a public meeting to share information and answer questions about the upcoming pressure zone shift.

What changes are happening?

Select sections of neighborhoods along the Holly Springs Road corridor between Tryon Road (to the north) and Cary Parkway (to the south) (defined by orange boundaries in the map below) are transitioning from their current Southern Pressure Zone (SPZ) into the Central Pressure Zone (CPZ). We expect an increase of approximately 20 pounds per square inch (psi) in the municipal water pressure throughout the defined area, resulting in the “zone shift.”

What should I expect on the day of the pressure zone shift?

Between 7-10 a.m., you may notice Town of Cary staff opening fire hydrants and turning water valves in the street. Valves will be turned slowly and hydrants will be opened for flushing to help ensure a smooth transition of water from Southern Pressure Zone to the Central Pressure Zone. Additional Town staff will be in the field monitoring the water pressure in water mains. The operation will take about two hours.

Use water as you normally would throughout the day. There is no anticipated impact to the quality of our water. If you notice any discoloration in the water, run a faucet for a few minutes to flush your lines. Because of the possibility of discolored water, consider delaying running a load of whites in your washing machine until a day or two later. 

If you experience any problems, turn your water off at your master shut off valve and contact a plumber as needed. You can also call the Town at 311 for additional support.

How do I know if my property is within the area of the pressure zone modification? 

To verify if your property is within the area of pressure modification, refer to our Pressure Zone Modification map:

SPZ shift map image

Properties within the upcoming pressure modification area will also receive the following:

  • Initial pressure zone modification letter mailed at least 8 weeks in advance of the change
  • Secondary notice letter mailed approximately 4 weeks in advance of the change
  • A reminder 1-2 weeks prior to implementation

If you do not receive these communications and you don't see changes listed for your address on our Pressure Zone Modification map, your property is not part of this project. 

What should I do if my property is within the area of modification?

Take note of the pressure modification date for your area and the communications you receive and consider doing the following prior to implementation: 

Check that your plumbing system has a pressure reducing valve (PRV) installed

A PRV is a device that reduces and stabilizes the water pressure entering a property typically to between 50 and 80 psi., helping to protect plumbing when the pressure in the Town's water lines are higher. The NC Plumbing Code requires a PRV to be installed on private plumbing systems where the pressure in the municipal water lines serving that property exceeds 80 psi. Do I have a PRV?

Test your water pressure

Knowing your property's water pressure relative to the pressure in the municipal water line can help you determine your plumbing system's needs. For example, property's with high water pressure may indicate that a PRV is not installed, is set high or has failed. Call the Town at 311 or submit a service request to schedule a free water pressure test. 

Assess your automatic irrigation system

Automatic irrigation systems can be equipped with a PRV and, just like your home's PRV, check if it's installed, is working or is needed. Having backflow prevention does not mean your irrigation system is protected against high pressure. Your existing irrigation system was designed for the current pressure and a PRV will help maintain that pressure in the irrigation system. Without it, heads may spray beyond the zone intended or it could damage the system components as most irrigation systems are plastic and have relatively low pressure limits. Consult with your irrigation contractor as needed.

Plan ahead if out of town

The following tips may help protect your plumbing anytime of the year:

  • Turn off all outdoor faucets and disconnect hoses
  • Turn off your home's water supply at the master shut-off valve.
  • Set your water heater to the lowest setting or completely shut it off and drain
  • Call 311 if you need water turned off at the meter while out of town. 

More about water pressure in our community.