Cape Fear Public Utility Authority - New Hanover County

CFPUA's Infrastructure Overview: Serving Our Community

Our extensive infrastructure delivers clean water to approximately 200,000 residents through a network of pipes, pumps, wells, and treatment facilities. This infrastructure is vital to our community's quality of life, providing:

• Disease prevention
• Fire protection
• Sanitation services
• Environmental protection
• Economic development support

CFPUA processes nearly 20 million gallons of untreated water daily from two primary sources:

• Groundwater aquifers - processed at the Michael E. Richardson Nanofiltration Plant
• Cape Fear River - our main supply, shared with Brunswick and Pender counties through the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority (LCFWASA)

Our treatment systems meet or exceed standards established by the EPA and NC Department of Environmental Quality. After treatment, water is distributed through a network of pumps and pipes to residential and commercial customers, with excess stored in tanks for future needs.

CFPUA also operates two wastewater treatment facilities - the Northside and Southside plants - which remove pollutants and harmful microorganisms before water returns to the environment.

System Maintenance: Annual Flushing Program

Like most utilities, CFPUA conducts annual system flushing to:

• Preserve water quality
• Enhance system flow
• Maintain pipe integrity
• Test critical infrastructure

During this maintenance, water flows at high velocity through pipes to remove mineral sediment. Crews work overnight during spring and summer when weather conditions are optimal and the risk of disinfection byproducts increases.

The program allows CFPUA to inspect 1,100+ miles of water mains, 7,700 fire hydrants, and 15,000 water valves. This ensures firefighters have reliable hydrants and allows for targeted water shutoffs during repairs, minimizing customer disruption.

Lead & Copper Protection

CFPUA's Corrosion Control Program uses special additives to coat pipes and prevent metals from leaching into water. Last year, we conducted 50 different tests for lead and copper in our Sweeney water system. This comprehensive monitoring program includes plumbing reviews, sample collection, test analysis, and customer notifications. Ongoing data confirms our corrosion control methods effectively protect customers from lead and copper that might otherwise leach from home plumbing systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does my water sometimes appear cloudy or milky?
   This typically occurs when air bubbles get trapped in water. If you fill a glass and the water clears from bottom to top, it's just air and completely safe.
2. What causes spots on dishes after washing?
   These spots are usually mineral deposits from hard water, particularly calcium and magnesium. They're harmless but can be aesthetically unpleasant.
3. Should I purchase a water softener for my home?
   Water softeners can help reduce mineral buildup in pipes and appliances, but they're a personal choice based on your water hardness level and household needs.
4. Is home filtration necessary?
   While our municipal water meets safety standards, some residents prefer additional filtration for taste improvement or to address specific concerns.
5. What causes occasional taste and odor issues?
   Seasonal changes in source water, system maintenance, or chlorine disinfection can temporarily affect taste and odor without impacting safety.
6. Why is water disinfected?
   Disinfection eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses that could cause waterborne illnesses, making it essential for public health protection.
7. Is bottled water better than tap water?
   Not necessarily. Municipal tap water is highly regulated and tested more frequently than bottled water in many cases.