News & Information

2011 Water Quality Report  

The 2011 Water Quality Report is a snapshot of last year’s water quality. Included are details about from where your water comes, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. To read the report, click below.

Harkers Island Sanitary District 2011 Water Quality Report

Applying for Service

Applications for service can be made by phone or in person at the district offices. A non-refundable connect fee as listed in the Schedule of Charges is charged at the time of application, in addition to any other fees as required by the Service Rules & Regulations.  

Refinancing to save Harkers Island water customers $300,000

The Harkers Island Sanitary District (HISD) Board of Directors has agreed to take advantage of current low interest rates to consolidate long-term debt into a single loan at a lower rate and for a shorter term. This change will save more than $300,000 in interest costs over the life of the loan.

The finance team at Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative, which provides management services for the sanitary district water system, recently reviewed long-term bonds issued in 1985 and 2001 by the district to finance its infrastructure. The team found that substantial savings could be realized through lower interest rates and presented several alternatives for the HISD board to consider.

“We are always looking for opportunities and efficiencies that can save our customers money without sacrificing quality or service,” said HISD Board Chairman Clifford Rice.  “This refinancing option does just that, and we appreciate the efforts of the team in identifying this opportunity.”

HISD serves over 900 customers on Harkers Island and is a member of the North Carolina Rural Water Association, a nonprofit organization that provides training, information and other resources for rural water and waste treatment systems. The sanitary district is a local government entity guided by an elected board of directors. The district has an agreement with Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative to provide the staff, facilities and management required to operate the water system.

Winterize vacant property to avoid frozen pipes, leaks

If you have home that will be vacant over the winter, it is important to winterize the water system to avoid freeze damage.

The best way to avoid frozen pipes is to hire a professional plumber or handyman to winterize the home. The pipes that are most likely to freeze are those most exposed to the cold--like water pipes in unheated interior spaces such as attics, garages or crawl spaces, pipes that run along exterior walls or even pipes in bathroom or kitchen cabinets. If you want to do it yourself, you need to follow ALL these steps.

Turn Off Water. The first step is usually easy; locate and turn off the main water shut off valve, preferably one that is outside. If the property is supplied by a well, then also turn off the breaker to the pump system.

Water Heater. After the water is off, turn off and drain the water heater. There are a couple of different procedures that could be followed to accomplish this step. Electric water heaters should be shut off at the breaker. Temperature controls on gas water heaters should be set to the off position and the gas valve should be shut off. A faucet or spigot will need to be opened to allow air to flow in as water is drained out.

Drain Supply Lines. Water then should be drained from the entire water supply system. Faucets and fixture shut off valves should be left open. If the house is on a well, the pressure tank should also be drained.

Blow Out the Water Supply Lines. Though gravity may be sufficient to drain the plumbing in many homes, standing water will remain in some pipes. Though the water is no longer under pressure, this remaining water will freeze and may strain some fittings. Water should be blown out of the water supply lines with an air compressor. Many do-it-yourselfers skip this step, and a few get lucky. Using special fittings to connect a compressor to the house plumbing, the water supply lines would be cleared of water by systematically closing and opening faucets and valves starting with plumbing fixtures most distant from the compressor and working backward. If the house is to be winterized by a handy man or plumber, verify their level of thoroughness by asking if they blow out the water lines.

Other Items to Drain. Water softeners, filters, and water treatment systems also need to be drained (the brine tank in a water softener can usually be ignored). Anti-Freeze. Once all the water supply lines are completely empty, flush the toilets until they are empty, and then pour non-toxic RV antifreeze (pink) into all toilets, sink, lavatory, tub, and shower drains, as well as automatic dishwashers.

Other Appliances. Water also runs through many appliances such as washing machines and the water supply line to the ice-maker in refrigerators. These will also need to be drained and/or disconnected. Turn Off Electrical. Turn off all electrical breakers to appliances as well as any other unnecessary breakers, and post a reminder note at the panel to make sure the electric water heater and other appliances are NOT turned back on before the water is turned on.

Note: If you have a water supply to a boat dock, you will need to winterize it as well by turning off the water supply and flushing any water from the system. 

Contact Us

Harkers Island Sanitary District (HISD) customers are served through the offices of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative.

The main office is located at 1300 Highway 24, west of Morehead City, NC . The cooperative also has branch offices at 849 Island Road in Harkers Island,  NC, and at 450 McCotter Boulevard in Havelock, NC.

Regular office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Service work is performed during regular work hours only, except for unusual conditions or circumstances. Emergency work is performed from these offices 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the District can be contacted by calling 252.247.3107. 

Board of Directors

The Harkers Island Sanitary District (HISD) is responsible for assuring the continuing supply of high quality water to consumers at a cost that is consistent with good business practices.

The district is governed by the five-member, HISD Board of Directors. Current directors are: 

• Clifford A. Rice (Chairman)
• Anthony Nelson 
• Fred Schramm
• Rusty Brooks
• Arnold Asdenti