MEDIA RELEASE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – The Brunswick County Commissioners are encouraging community members to join them in sharing concerns to the State about a proposed plan to divert millions of gallons of water out of the Cape Fear River, reducing the available water supply for the downstream communities like ours.
The Town of Fuquay-Varina in southern Wake County is seeking approval for an interbasin transfer (IBT) to transfer 6.17 million gallons of water per day from the Cape Fear River basin to the Neuse River basin to increase their water supply to meet the projected future demands for that area. The Environmental Management Commission, which oversees and adopts rules for several divisions of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), ultimately has authority in determining whether to approve the Town’s request.
The Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the Fuquay-Varina IBT on Nov. 17, 2025, due to serious concerns about the long-term repercussions to our county’s available drinking water supply, public health and economic future.
“Having a stable and reliable source of drinking water for Brunswick County is imperative for the health and prosperity of our residents in the decades to come,” Chairman Mike Forte said. “We urge our residents to let DEQ know that they also do not support this IBT request and are worried about the threats it poses to Brunswick County’s long-term future.”
Several other local governments and utilities passed similar resolutions or written letters opposing the IBT, including New Hanover County, City of Wilmington, Cape Fear Public Utilities Authority, and several municipalities in Brunswick County including Boiling Spring Lakes, Bolivia, Caswell Beach, Carolina Shores, Holden Beach, Leland, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sandy Creek, Shallotte, Southport, Sunset Beach, and Varnamtown.
The Commissioners’ resolution also asked DEQ to hold a public hearing in the Lower Cape Fear region where downstream communities are most likely to suffer consequences should they approve the Town’s IBT request. Despite submitting the resolution months ago, DEQ has not indicated any plans to hold a public hearing in our area.
“We will not be deterred from voicing our frustration and opposition to this attempt to take away millions of gallons of water that our community depends on,” Forte said. “Pulling water away from one part of the state to give to another part only creates more problems rather than solutions and sets a terrible precedent for North Carolina.”
Public Comment Opportunity
Community members can still voice their concerns on the Fuquay-Varina IBT request by submitting written comments to DEQ. Those who plan to submit are encouraged to note if they live or work in Brunswick County.
Residents are welcome to include any or all of the key concerns listed below as part of their comments to DEQ. Comments must be postmarked or emailed by April 1, 2026.
- Email: Send to Maya Holcomb, Division of Water Resources, at maya.holcomb@deq.nc.gov
- Mailing Address: Maya Holcomb, Division of Water Resources, 512 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC, 27604
Key Concerns for Brunswick County
- Should the Town’s IBT request pass, our region will become far more susceptible to increased water shortages during droughts, may receive fewer economic development opportunities, and may lead to reduced water flow or quality for recreational use.
- The Town of Fuquay-Varina has not provided any measures or alternatives on how to avoid detrimental impacts and risks for downstream communities like us, nor have they accounted for how the millions of gallons of water they want to take from the river will be returned to the Cape Fear River basin.
- The Cape Fear River is the only freshwater source available that can accommodate the current and future water needs in our county. Brunswick County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state and nation, with our water utility system serving upwards of 350,000 people at our seasonal peak each year.
- Brunswick County has already invested $167.3 million into an expansion and reverse osmosis project at our main water treatment plant to support our own anticipated future growth and to remove PFAS compounds present in the Cape Fear River. The contractor estimates completing this project in 2026.
- DEQ continues to deny the County’s request to hold a public hearing in the Lower Cape Fear region so our community members can share their thoughts and concerns in person. Public hearings were only held in Fayetteville, Raleigh, and Pittsboro—which would have required significant travel time and mileage to attend.
Learn more about Brunswick County Public Utilities and our water and wastewater services at brunswickcountync.gov/utilities.
-30-
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, contact Communications Director Meagan Kascsak.
- Email Meagan Kascsak
- Phone: 910.253.2995