On November 25, 2025, the Pender County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution opposing a proposed interbasin transfer (IBT). The board voted unanimously. The resolution was presented by Pender Water & Sewer executive leadership. It states the county’s intention to protect the reliability and quality of its water resources.
Pender County’s Water Treatment Plant is located on Highway 421. It draws water from the Cape Fear River. The county is currently permitted to withdraw 6 million gallons per day (MGD). It is seeking an additional 5 MGD from Brunswick County to meet increased demand. The Town of Fuquay-Varina has proposed an IBT certificate to withdraw 6.17 MGD from the Cape Fear River. The plan would discharge the residuals into the Neuse River, removing this water from the Cape Fear River Basin.
If approved, the IBT could reduce downstream water flow. This may be a concern during droughts or low river levels. Reduced flow could also increase pollutant concentration, making water treatment more difficult. County officials say this could affect public health and future water supply planning…