WE NEED YOUR HELP TO SUSTAIN OUR WATER RESOURCES
The Town of Fuquay Varina has requested an interbasin water transfer (IBWT) from our Cape Fear River to the Neuse River to meet increasing water demands in southern Wake County. This IBWT would remove four to eight megagallons of water from our Cape Fear River every day.
Sustainable Sandhills is working with the Fayetteville Public Works Commission and other local stakeholders to prevent this IBWT.
WHY ARE WE WORKING TO PREVENT THIS IBWT?
Hundreds of thousands of people in the Sandhills rely on our Cape Fear River for accessible and dependable municipal water resources as well as transportation and recreation opportunities. Fort Bragg, the world’s largest military installation, also relies on water from the Cape Fear River, so preserving our water is a matter of national security. We want to ensure the viability of our river for current and future generations.
Several municipalities and utilities across North Carolina currently draw water from our Cape Fear River. Continuous interbasin transfers are not sustainable without clear replenishment and conservation plans so we are advocating for improved water efficiency, mindful and more forward-thinking development and public education campaigns in these municipalities to save water and alleviate their supply issues.
Droughts have affected our Cape Fear River in the past. IBWTs further reduce river flows during droughts. We want to insulate our water supply against droughts as much as possible.
Our Cape Fear River has been impacted by pollution from chemical releases and other recent water quality issues. A reduction in flow as a result of another IBWT will only exacerbate these concerns.
HOW CAN YOU HELP US KEEP OUR WATER IN THE SANDHILLS?
The Town of Fuquay Varina is accepting public comments on the proposed IBWT now through November 20.
Email Mary Sadler at msadler@hazenandsawyer.com or snail mail comments to Mary Sadler, Hazen and Sawyer PE, 4011 WestChase Boulevard Suite 500, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Sustainable Sandhills will be submitting a formal letter to Hazen and Sawyer to oppose the IBWT and offer alternatives.
WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE OUR WATER IN THE SANDHILLS.
HELP US MAINTAIN RESILIENT WATER RESOURCES – TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER!