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As 2019 ends, we’re looking back on the projects and achievements that defined the year at Cape Fear Public Utility Authority. In the past 12 months, we broke ground on a major water treatment project, upgraded technology across our system, added hundreds of customers, recovered from a hurricane and more.

We’re excited to accomplish even more to serve our customers and community in 2020.

In 2019 we... 

Broke ground at Sweeney

One of CFPUA’s largest capital projects in years, the Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filter enhancements will make the Sweeney Water Treatment Plant one of the best-equipped in the state to remove PFAS from drinking water. Excavation for the $43 million project started in November.

For more information, click here.

Began increasing water capacity

A partnership among CFPUA, Brunswick County, and Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority will help meet the region’s growing water needs for years to come. In October, the CFPUA Board approved a contract for the 14-mile Kings Bluff Raw Water Transmission Main, which will increase CFPUA’s allocation of raw water from the Cape Fear River by 15 million gallons per day. The project’s total cost is $44.3 million, of which CFPUA will pay $16.2 million.

For more information, click here.

Increased storm resilience

As the region recovered from Hurricane Florence, CFPUA took steps to prepare for future storms. This year we launched the CivicReady emergency alert system for customers. We expanded fuel storage capacity at treatment plants by 20 percent, purchased a 2,800-gallon fuel truck, and replaced generators at key sites. 

This year, our infrastructure weathered Hurricane Dorian with no disruptions.

Served new customers

CFPUA installed more than 1,600 water meters at new homes, businesses and facilities this year. We’re thankful for the opportunity to serve these new customers. 

For information on connecting to CFPUA services, click here.

Extended services

This year brought the culmination of a years-long project to extend CFPUA water and sewer services along U.S. 421, a key industrial corridor for the region. We’re thankful for the partnership of New Hanover County, which identified areas for future development and funded fire protection services, and the City of Wilmington, which provided critical easements.

For more information, click here.

Modernized technology

This year, CFPUA began upgrading disinfection processes at the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant from chlorine gas to ultraviolet light. This treatment method is safer for employees, better for the environment, and cost-effective. The project is scheduled to be complete in early 2020.