City officials in Fayetteville, North Carolina, are asking residents to take part in the public review of a proposed interbasin transfer (IBT) that may affect local water resources. The Town of Fuquay-Varina has requested state approval to move up to 6.17 million gallons of water per day from the Cape Fear River Basin to the Neuse River Basin. This would permanently remove that water from the Cape Fear system. Fayetteville officials have expressed concerns about possible impacts on the city’s water supply, economic development, and environment.
The Cape Fear River supplies drinking water to about 250,000 people in Fayetteville and nearby areas. It also serves Fort Bragg, which uses up to 8 million gallons daily. City and Public Works Commission (PWC) leaders say the transfer could lower river flows, especially during droughts, and may increase water treatment costs.
Mayor Mitch Colvin has stated his opposition to the IBT. He urges residents to attend public hearings and submit comments to state regulators. He says this will help protect the community’s water supply…