Water and sewer service rarely makes headlines until something goes wrong, but it shapes everything from your monthly bills to where new neighborhoods can be built. On Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) Board received the utility’s 2026 Annual Report. Here are the highlights and what they mean for homeowners, buyers and sellers across New Hanover County.
The Biggest Projects of 2026
According to CFPUA’s Nov. 10 announcement, the utility invested tens of millions of dollars in infrastructure this year. Among its largest projects:
- New water and sewer mains under the Intracoastal Waterway to serve the Town of Wrightsville Beach.
- 2.9 miles of parallel raw water transmission main along U.S. 421, which carries untreated water from the river toward treatment.
For Wrightsville Beach owners, new mains under the waterway are the kind of behind-the-scenes investment that supports reliable service on the island. If you own or are shopping on the island, our posts on the Wrightsville Beach bridge replacements and the Lees Cut bridge closure cover other infrastructure work in the area.
Public Water for PFAS-Affected Well Areas
CFPUA says it has launched projects to extend its drinking water service to several unserved parts of New Hanover County that rely on private wells affected by PFAS contamination. For households on wells in those areas, public water can be a significant change, both for peace of mind and, potentially, for how buyers view a property.
If you’re buying a home on a private well anywhere in the region, ask about recent water testing and whether public water is available or planned. Our coverage of the state’s order for Chemours to expand PFAS cleanup has more background for well owners.
The “Last Frontier” Gets Water and Sewer
This summer, CFPUA and New Hanover County celebrated completion of a $27.5 million slate of county-funded projects in the northern part of the county. CFPUA says more than 8,000 acres of what’s known as the county’s “Last Frontier” now have access to clean drinking water and sanitary sewer. Including the county’s funding, CFPUA has managed 11 projects valued at $109 million to bring water and sewer to the area.
Why it matters: access to public water and sewer is one of the biggest factors in where and how land can be developed. It can open the door to new neighborhoods, change what’s possible on larger lots, and influence values over time. For current owners in northern New Hanover County, it’s worth understanding whether service is available on your road and what connecting would involve. Our Castle Hayne guide covers the area.
Raw Water Concerns Upstream
CFPUA also noted a challenge to the region’s raw water supply: a request by the Town of Fuquay-Varina to permanently move 6.17 million gallons per day out of the Cape Fear River basin through an interbasin transfer (IBT). The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s project page says the town is seeking to transfer that amount from the Cape Fear River basin to the Neuse River basin, based on 2055 demand projections. CFPUA says it will continue to oppose the IBT and inform state leaders about the threats it poses to our region.
Because the Lower Cape Fear relies on the river for drinking water, upstream decisions like this one are worth following for anyone who lives here long term.
What’s Next for CFPUA
“As we close out 2026 and the Board’s 2022 Strategic Plan, our utility remains committed to continuous improvement,” CFPUA Executive Director Kenneth Waldroup said. He added that the board will shape a new strategic plan in the new year. For questions about how bills are structured, see our post on CFPUA water and sewer bill changes.
Tips for Buyers and Sellers
- Buyers: confirm whether a home is on public water and sewer or a well and septic, and ask for recent bills or records.
- Sellers: if public service recently became available near you, gather what you know about connection status and costs. Buyers will ask.
- Everyone: utility investments are long-term signals about growth. Keep an eye on where new lines are going.
CFPUA Annual Report FAQ
When was the 2026 Annual Report presented?
The CFPUA Board received it at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026.
What is the “Last Frontier”?
The term used for northern New Hanover County, where CFPUA says more than 8,000 acres now have access to public water and sewer.
What is the Fuquay-Varina IBT?
A request to transfer 6.17 million gallons per day from the Cape Fear River basin to the Neuse River basin. CFPUA opposes it.
Buying or Selling in New Hanover County?
Utilities, flood risk and growth plans all play a role in a smart move. Talk with Aspyre Collective and we’ll help you see the full picture.
