Drinking Water Distribution Systems

Public water systems depend on distribution systems to provide an uninterrupted supply of pressurized safe drinking water to all consumers. Distribution system mains carry water from the treatment plant to the consumer.

Water distribution systems consist of an interconnected series of components. They include:

• pipes
• storage facilities
• components that convey drinking water

 Water distribution systems meet fire protection needs for:

• cities
• homes
• schools
• hospitals
• businesses
• industries
• other facilities

Be Prepared For Water Emergencies

Emergency Water Supplies

Natural disasters and other emergencies can occur.  Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts (half gallon) of water each day. People in hot environments, children, nursing mothers, and ill people will require even more.

You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. Store at least one gallon per person, per day. Consider storing at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family. If you are unable to store this quantity, store as much as you can.

Prepare an Emergency Water Supply

• Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. Consider storing more water than this for hot climates, for pregnant women, and for people who are sick.
• Store at least a 3-day supply of water for each person and each pet. Try to store a 2-week supply if possible.
• Observe the expiration date for store-bought water; replace other stored water every 6 months.
• Store a bottle of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach to disinfect your water and to use for general cleaning and sanitizing. Try to store bleach in an area where the average temperature stays around 70°F (21°C). Because the amount of active chlorine in bleach decreases over time due to normal decay, consider replacing the bottle each year.

Water Containers (Cleaning and Storage)

Unopened commercially bottled water is the safest and most reliable emergency water supply.

Use of food-grade water storage containers, such as those found at surplus or camping supply stores, is recommended if you prepare stored water yourself.

Before filling with safe water, use these steps to clean and sanitize storage containers:

• Wash the storage container with dishwashing soap and water and rinse completely with clean water.
• Sanitize the container by adding a solution made by mixing 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach in one quart of water.
• Cover the container and shake it well so that the sanitizing bleach solution touches all inside surfaces of the container.
• Wait at least 30 seconds and then pour the sanitizing solution out of the container.
• Let the empty sanitized container air-dry before use OR rinse the empty container with clean, safe water that already is available.

Avoid using the following containers to store safe water:

• Containers that cannot be sealed tightly
• Containers that can break, such as glass bottles
• Containers that have ever held toxic solid or liquid chemicals, such as bleach or pesticides
• Plastic or cardboard bottles, jugs, and containers used for milk or fruit juices

For proper water storage:

• Label container as “drinking water” and include storage date.
• Replace stored water that is not commercially bottled every six months.
• Keep stored water in a place with a fairly constant cool temperature.
• Do not store water containers in direct sunlight.
• Do not store water containers in areas where toxic substances such as gasoline or pesticides are present.

Call Before Digging

Tennessee One-Call is a nonprofit corporation that serves as a communications link between utility companies and individuals who plan to dig or excavate anywhere in the State of Tennessee.

Why should I call 811?

A single telephone call to Tennessee One-Call allows a customer who plans to dig to receive the approximate location of underground utility lines to ensure safety while excavating. Knowing where underground utility lines are buried before each digging project helps prevent injury, expense, and penalties. The depth of utility lines may vary and multiple utility lines from different providers may exist in a single area. Simple digging jobs can damage utility lines and disrupt vital services to an entire neighborhood, harm those who dig, and result in expensive fines and repair costs.

Who should call 811?

Regardless of whether you are a contractor, or a homeowner you should always call 811 prior to digging. From planting a tree or shrub to building a deck – if the job requires digging, you should call before you dig.

Am I required to call?

Yes, Tennessee state law requires anyone who plans to dig, move earth, excavate, or perform any other type of activity that could damage underground utility lines to notify the utility companies in that area. Tennessee One-Call provides an easy way to comply with state law. To read the entire law please click here.

How far in advance should I call?

Excluding weekends and holidays, please provide a 72 hour (3 day) advance notice of your intent to dig. After reporting your intent to dig, you will receive a locate ticket valid for 15 calendar days from the start date indicated on the ticket, after which it expires. If you wish to continue working, you must call in at least 3 days prior to the expiration date to renew your ticket.

Can I submit requests online?

Yes, Tennessee One-Call provides an online ticket submission. Tickets submitted prior to 1:00pm CST are entered before 3:00pm CST on the same day. Tickets received after 1:00pm CST are not guaranteed entry until the following business day. Online requests can be submitted at the Tennessee One-Call Ticket site.

Are the colors of the paint and flags left by the locators meaningful?

Yes, each color indicates a universal color to what is buried below the ground.

• Red – Electric
• Orange – Communicators, Telephone, or Cable TV
• Blue – Potable Water
• Green – Sewer / Drainage
• Yellow – Gas / Petroleum Pipe Line
• Purple – Reclaimed Water
• White – Premark site of intended excavation

What is the difference between 811 and Tennessee One-Call?

Tennessee One-Call is a nonprofit business who works as an information exchange liaison between diggers and utility companies. In 2005, the FCC made 811 the universal telephone number for the 71 regional services, including Tennessee One-Call, that coordinate location services for underground utilities. The new telephone number provides an easy to remember, location-independent telephone number to report upcoming digging activities. Regardless of whether you report your digging through the toll-free number or 811, know that your call is routed by Tennessee One-Call to the appropriate utility companies.