If you own a home in Belville, parts of Leland, or the northeastern corner of Brunswick County, your water and sewer bill comes from Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer, better known as H2GO. This week the utility cleared a big hurdle on a project that will shape those bills for years. Here’s what happened, what it could mean for monthly costs, and what buyers in northern Brunswick County should ask before they make an offer.
What Happened This Week
On Nov. 3, 2026, WECT reported that North Carolina’s Local Government Commission, the state board that signs off on local government borrowing, approved $56 million in financing for H2GO to build a new administrative and field operations complex in Belville.
According to North Brunswick News (Oct. 27, 2026), the H2GO board raised the project’s total budget by $21 million on Oct. 21, bringing it to $56 million. The lowest of three construction bids came in at $46.9 million, which the utility’s executive director said was within its estimates. The complex is planned for Poole Road in Belville and is expected to include a roughly 52,000-square-foot administration building, maintenance facilities, warehouse and storage space, and vehicle wash and fueling areas.
The timeline
- Nov. 18: H2GO could award the construction contract at its board meeting, according to North Brunswick News.
- Late 2026: Construction could start before the end of the year.
- 2028: Construction is expected to take about two years, with completion planned for 2028.
The utility plans to pay for the complex with a 25-year loan at a fixed 5% interest rate, according to the same report.
Why This Matters for Your Water and Sewer Bill
The headline for homeowners isn’t the building itself. It’s what H2GO officials said alongside it: another water and sewer rate increase is planned for 2027. The utility’s deputy executive director told the board that the 2027 increase would complete a three-year schedule of increases that was already set, covering the operations complex and other infrastructure work, including sewer projects and future wastewater treatment needs.
H2GO’s executive director also pointed to larger needs ahead, including water and sewer extensions and a wastewater treatment plant expansion with Brunswick County that could cost $100 million to $150 million. He said fees collected from new connections can’t cover all of those costs, so customer rates and fees will carry the rest.
What the most recent increase looked like
For a sense of scale, North Brunswick News reported in April 2026 that H2GO proposed these changes for the 2026-27 budget year:
- Base water charge rising from $14 to $16
- Water usage rising from $3.75 to $4 per 1,000 gallons
- Base sewer charge rising from $19 to $21
- Sewer usage rising from $6.25 to $6.50 per 1,000 gallons
The size of the 2027 increase hasn’t been announced yet. It will likely be discussed during H2GO’s next budget cycle in the spring, so it’s worth watching for a public hearing notice.
What This Means for Homeowners
A few dollars a month won’t change anyone’s plans, but utility costs add up over a year, and they’re part of the true cost of owning a home. If you live in H2GO’s service area:
- Budget for gradual increases. The utility has been clear that more increases are coming, so plan for your water and sewer bill to creep up rather than stay flat.
- Watch your irrigation. Usage charges apply per 1,000 gallons, and lawn irrigation is often the biggest driver of a high summer bill. A smart controller or a separate irrigation meter, where allowed, can make a real difference.
- Follow the spring budget hearing. H2GO’s board holds public hearings on its budget and rates each spring. That’s your chance to weigh in.
What This Means for Buyers in Northern Brunswick County
Northern Brunswick County is one of the fastest-growing parts of our market, and it isn’t served by just one utility. Depending on the address, water and sewer may come from H2GO, Brunswick County Public Utilities, or another provider, and some homes farther out rely on wells and septic. That’s why we encourage every buyer to ask these questions during due diligence:
- Who provides water and sewer to this address? Ask the seller for a recent bill, or check with the provider directly.
- What does the bill typically run? A year of bills shows seasonal swings, especially if the yard has irrigation.
- Is the home connected to sewer, or on septic? If a sewer extension is planned nearby, ask whether connection would be required and what it would cost.
- For new construction, what’s included? Builders usually account for connection and system development fees, but confirm they’re in the contract price.
What This Means for Sellers
If you’re selling in Belville or Leland, have your last 12 months of water and sewer bills ready. Buyers relocating from other states often ask about monthly costs, and having real numbers on hand answers a common question before it slows down a deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does H2GO serve?
H2GO serves Belville, parts of Leland and Navassa, and nearby unincorporated areas of northeastern Brunswick County. Check your bill or contact the utility to confirm your provider.
Will my bill go up because of the new complex?
H2GO officials said a 2027 rate increase is planned, and that it accounts for the complex along with other infrastructure needs. The exact amount hasn’t been announced.
When will the new complex open?
Construction is expected to take about two years, with completion planned for 2028, according to North Brunswick News.
Should utility costs change where I buy?
Usually not on their own, but they belong in your monthly budget alongside taxes, insurance, and HOA dues. Comparing a full year of bills between two homes is a smart move.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Leland or Belville?
Northern Brunswick County offers a lot, from new neighborhoods to quick access to downtown Wilmington, and knowing the full monthly cost of a home helps you buy with confidence. Whether you’re comparing communities or getting ready to list, reach out to Aspyre Collective and we’ll help you understand the details that matter for your address.
