Fayetteville depends on the Cape Fear River for water and is impacted by inter-basin water transfers. The Fayetteville Public Works Commission is asking the public to comment on Fuquay-Varina’s proposed inter-basin transfer from the Cape Fear River basin to the Neuse River basin.

PWC’s hope is that a thorough process will include full consideration of the impact on all communities downstream on the Cape Fear River and that before any IBT certificate is issued, it has been demonstrated there is no alternate option that would eliminate the need for an IBT. Fuquay-Varina is requesting an average transfer of approx. 4 million gallons per day and a maximum day transfer of 8 million gallons from the Cape River basin to the Neuse River basin.

The request is based on 2055 water demand projects in the town’s service area. Previous agreements have included requirements for water to be returned to the Cape Fear River. The NC Division of Water Resources makes any decisions relating to such requests. Public comments can be submitted to msadler@hazenandsawyer.com. The public comment period closes on Nov. 20.