Pender County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Water and Sewer Infrastructure Investments
The county approved a $581,975 budget amendment and an amended agreement raising its year-two payment from $1.5 million to nearly $1.9 million for the 10-mile parallel raw water line. An investigation into the project is ongoing; insurance will cover $250,000.
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.
Maple Hill Infrastructure Improvements
Maple Hill was slated to see two investments: $308,713 in infrastructure improvements through Kimley-Horn and capital project funding for the Maple Hill Playground (paired with Long Creek Community Park).
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
Utilities Director James Proctor updated residents: land easement negotiations with Walmart for sewer access to Highway 210 are underway, NCDEQ review of the Mill Creek discharge is in progress, well-field bids are expected within 90 days, and service should be operational by late 2028 or early 2029.
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 Service Concerns
Roughly a dozen residents raised concerns about clean water and county water service during public comment. Commissioner Tate directed the county manager to find someone to help with water issues.
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.
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.
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.
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.