A controversial plan to draw water from the Cape Fear River has sparked strong opposition from local authorities, leaders, and organizations in Southeastern North Carolina. The town of Fuquay-Varina's proposal to permanently extract 6.17 million gallons daily from the river without replenishing it has raised concerns and sparked a debate.
The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) has revealed that Fuquay-Varina is seeking an Interbasin Transfer Certificate (IBT) to access this substantial amount of water. The town's current water supply, which is purchased wholesale from Raleigh, Harnett County, and Johnston County, is projected to fall short of future demands.
Fuquay-Varina began exploring the Cape Fear River as a potential water source in 2020. A letter sent to the town in 2021 highlighted three public meetings held in Cary, Chatham County, and Fayetteville, where public comments indicated a general opposition to the water transfer plan. Residents expressed concerns about the significant volume of water being taken from the Cape Fear River, believing it to be a form of theft.
The Cape Fear River is a vital source of drinking water for over half a million people in North Carolina. The amount of water Fuquay-Varina aims to use is equivalent to filling 102,000 bathtubs daily or nearly matching the size of the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The Fayetteville Public Works Commission (FPWC) and the North Carolina Wildlife Commission have also voiced their concerns about the plan. While FPWC is not entirely opposed to Fuquay-Varina's use of Cape Fear River water, they emphasize the need for a reasonable timeframe for returning the water to ensure its availability for other areas.
"If approved, PWC could have to implement Drought Level One conservation measures on the very first day due to the reduced water flow, even if our region is not experiencing a drought," FPWC stated on their website. They further explained that less water would result in decreased dilution of contaminants from upstream, requiring downstream communities to invest millions of dollars in additional water and wastewater treatment facilities.
FPWC also highlighted their role in supplying up to 8 million gallons of water per day to Fort Bragg. They expressed concerns that approving Fuquay-Varina's request could complicate their ability to provide water to the Army installation.
CFPUA reports that more than 20 municipalities, utilities, businesses, and environmental groups have already opposed the plan through formal letters and comments. Some notable opponents include the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, the Town of Wrightsville Beach, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners, and the N.C. Conservation Network.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has scheduled two additional public hearings for the draft environmental impact statements, which will take place on December 9th and 11th. The meetings will be held at the Archdale Building in Raleigh and the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center in Pittsboro.
This controversial plan has sparked a heated debate, and it remains to be seen how the public hearings will shape the final decision. Will Fuquay-Varina's request be granted, or will the opposition successfully prevent this water transfer? The outcome could have significant implications for the region's water management and environmental sustainability. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in the discussion in the comments below!
