Drinking Water

  1. Water quality 
  2. Water Hardness
  3. Water Meters
  4. Swimming Pools

Annual Water Disinfection Change 

Every year, federal AND state law requires Johnston County to change the way your water is treated. In the Clayton area (including Town of Clayton, Aqua and Carolina Water Service customers), water is normally treated with a combination of chlorine and ammonia. However, for 6 weeks in late February and March, only chlorine will be used. The water is safe to drink and use but there may be a slight odor or discoloration.

View water quality and wastewater reports.

Water System Flushing

As part of Clayton's commitment to ensure the highest quality water for our customers, our water operators must perform preventive maintenance on our service lines. This maintenance is called “Flushing”. This process is done to ensure the highest quality water for our customers as well as maintain our service lines. 

Mold and Mildew

Pink residue caused by the bacteria Serratia Marcescens and black/gray residue caused by mildew are not harmful and do not mean there is a water quality problem. 

These microorganisms cannot survive in chlorinated drinking water. Once the water has stood for a length of time, the chlorine will dissipate, making the wet surface an ideal place for bacteria and mildew to occur. 

Bacteria and mildew do not enter your home or business through Town of Clayton water. Typically, growth will come from microscopic spores in the air, on your clothing, and pet's fur.

These microorganisms will grow in spaces that are moist and dark, with limited airflow. Some examples include toilet bowls, showerheads, shower curtains, underneath mats in bathrooms, sink faucets, and inside refrigerator water dispensers.

For more information on how to eliminate mold and mildew in your home, click here.

Discolored Water

Occasionally, the Town is required to perform water line flushing maintenance. During maintenance, homes and businesses may experience discolored water.

This temporary inconvenience is due to flushing maintenance that is required to maintain good water quality. Water lines can build up a lot of particles, such as sediment, dirt, and rust. The pressure changes created by water line flushing maintenance can disturb these particles and stir them up into the water supply.

As a result, those particles can travel into the water supply line. Customers might notice an initial “sputter” or interrupted flow followed by discolored water when first turning on the water.

This inconvenience will go away on its own, most likely in a few hours or less.


If you have any questions, please contact the Town of Clayton at 919-553-5002.