Public Hearing Held in Cumberland County on the Proposed Transfer of Water from the Cape Fear River Basin

December 5, 2025

The first of 3 public hearings was held December 4th regarding the proposed transfer of water from the Cape Fear River basin to the Town of Fuquay Varina. The meeting was held at FTCC with hundreds in attendance to oppose the request. Here are a few details…

  • The town is requesting to pull 6.17 MILLION gallons of water per day with no intention of sending the water back into the Cape Fear River
  • Under state law the Department of Environmental Quality must hold public hearings and then approve or dissaprove
  • Currently, Fuquay purchases water from Raleigh, Johnston County and Harnett
  • The town says it needs additional water for future growth

Interbasin Process Highlights:

  1. Applicant submits notice of intent to file a petition
  2. Three public hearings within 90 days & comments accepted for 30 days after the meetings (current position)
  3. DEQ issues DRAFT determination
  4. Public notice of determination and 30-day notice of 2 additional public hearings held within 60 days of the determination
  5. Comments accepted for 30 days after public hearings
  6. DEQ issues the final determination

The public was asked to speak for 2 minutes each. Various local and state delegates’ spoke as well as leaders in the community. Longleaf Pine REALTORS® Government Affairs Director, Angie Hedgepeth represented the Association and read a resolution in opposition to the transfer, written by LPR’s Board of Directors.

If you would like to provide written comments, please click the link below.https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/11/04/ncdeq-division-water-resources-hold-public-hearings-draft-environmental-impact-statement-fuquay

  • Presentation slide from Department of Environmental Quality.
  • LPR Government Affairs Director reads resolution from Board of Directors.
  • Community gathering to voice their opposition to the proposed water transfer.