Opposition Grows Against Fuquay-Varina's Water Withdrawal Plan from Cape Fear River

The town of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, is seeking an Interbasin Transfer Certificate (IBT) to permanently withdraw 6.17 million gallons of water per day from the Cape Fear River. This request has sparked significant opposition from local officials, environmental organizations, and community leaders across Southeastern North Carolina. The Cape Fear River serves as a crucial drinking water source for over 500,000 residents in the region.

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Fuquay-Varina's exploration of utilizing the Cape Fear River for water supply began in 2020, as the town currently relies on wholesale water purchases from Raleigh, Harnett County, and Johnston County. The town argues that these sources will not suffice to meet future demands. However, public sentiment has largely been against the transfer, with residents expressing concerns that a substantial volume of water would be "stolen" from the river.

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Numerous entities have formally opposed Fuquay-Varina's proposal. Among them are the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, the Town of Wrightsville Beach, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Conservation Network. The Fayetteville Public Works Commission (FPWC) has also voiced concerns, indicating that the withdrawal could necessitate immediate drought conservation measures and complicate water supply to Fort Bragg, which receives up to 8 million gallons of water daily from FPWC.

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The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has announced two upcoming public hearings regarding the draft environmental impact statements, scheduled for December 9 and December 11. These meetings aim to gather further public input on the proposed water withdrawal.

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Critics argue that the proposed withdrawal could have detrimental effects on the river's ecosystem and the water supply for downstream communities. FPWC highlighted that reduced water flow could lead to less dilution of upstream contaminants, necessitating significant investments in water treatment for affected areas. The general opposition reflects a broader concern about the sustainability of water resources in the region.

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The public hearings on December 9 and December 11 will provide a platform for community members and stakeholders to express their views on the proposal. The outcome of these meetings may influence the decision-making process regarding Fuquay-Varina's request to withdraw water from the Cape Fear River.

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• “If approved, PWC could have to go to Drought Level One conservation measures on day one because of the reduction in water flow, even if our area is not in a drought,” — Fayetteville Public Works Commission

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• “massive amount of water was being stolen from the Cape Fear Water.” — Public Comments Summary

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The situation remains dynamic as local authorities and residents continue to engage in discussions about the implications of Fuquay-Varina's water withdrawal plan.

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