Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in water utilities
Water and Sewer Infrastructure Investments
The board authorized the $4.3 million grant application for the first phase of bringing treated water to western Pender County, from Highway 11 to the Sampson County line. Residents have waited years and want updates every meeting.
Water Service Concerns
Residents keep complaining about water quality and billing from the private utility Carolina Water; Commissioner Burns wants a community meeting so residents can at least be pointed toward help, possibly the state Utilities Commission.
Well Filtration and Water Infrastructure Investments
Several big water and sewer items were on the agenda: a $1.17 million well filtration contract, grant paperwork for the West Pender Water Project, updated system specifications, and Topsail Township sewer facility hearings.
Hampstead wastewater capacity and Pluris expansion
The board approved a second Pluris wastewater plant off Hoover Road, rezoning 32 acres for a 1.5 million-gallon-per-day facility serving up to about 7,500 homes and businesses. Some commissioners wanted capacity closer to the original 3 MGD permit, worrying a smaller plant will hamstring East Pender growth.
Western Pender treated water
Commissioners learned the planned water line from Harrells cannot deliver enough pressure for the west-side extension — a big surprise to some. Staff says water must come from Penderlee or Malpass Corner instead, or via small standalone well systems.
Maple Hill Infrastructure Improvements
Kimley-Horn will design a replacement for the aged, unrepairable UV system at the Maple Hill wastewater plant and study stormwater infiltration into the closed collection system.
Wastewater plant siting near Castle Bay
A resident asked that the planned wastewater plant near Castle Bay be sited where it would be least disruptive to neighbors.
FY27 Water Treatment Chemical Contracts
Nearly $843,000 in fiscal year 2027 contracts for water treatment chemicals — ferric sulfate, sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, aluminum sulfate, and activated carbon — were scheduled for approval. These keep the county's drinking water systems running.
Washington Acres water plant and sewer
Running the water plant 8-10 hours a day wastes up to 400,000 gallons per startup — potentially $500/day. Two more operators would allow 24-hour operation, less waste, and better cross-training.
Water supply purchase orders
The county committed $900,000 across three suppliers to keep water meters flowing — 800-900 meters are installed or replaced each year.
Drought status and water conservation
Brunswick and New Hanover counties have water restrictions and Pender is one drought stage away from mandatory limits. Residents are being asked to cut daytime sprinkler use and fix leaks before D3 hits.
Proposed private wastewater treatment facility near Hoover Road
A developer wants to rezone roughly 32 acres off Wolf Pond Road in Topsail Township to build a private wastewater treatment plant serving the Hampstead area. Neighbors may weigh in on traffic, odor, and growth implications at the hearing, but any recommendation goes to the county commissioners for a final decision.
Water system participation fee refunds
About 1,552 homeowners paid water connection fees years ago, and the county is still sorting records before deciding on refunds with interest. The item returns August.
County Water Advocacy and Lobbying
After a resident raised water concerns, Commissioner Springer pushed to hire a water lobbyist; the current lobbyist is paid through the year and Chairman Burton noted movement on the issue.
Utility rate increases
Water and sewer rates are climbing 19–23% under a planned multi-step increase — about $4–5 more a month for flat-rate customers. Growth is driving the need.
Clean water well assistance program
Many Pender County residents struggle with water quality, and the county is proposing to use settlement money as a revolving fund to help pay for deeper wells. Homeowners would repay the county through monthly charges with interest on their utility bill, secured by a lien on the property.
Confusing utility water bills
Residents have been confused by water bills that appear to show a shutoff date before the due date. The county's new text reminders and online payments have cut shutoffs by about 75%, and staff will look into fixing the bill format and contract terms.