Craven County Water System

Craven County Water prioritizes providing residents with safe, reliable water. In compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996, we're proud to share our Annual Water Quality Report which demonstrates our commitment to quality and safety. The test results confirm our municipal water meets all stringent requirements established by the EPA and North Carolina Public Water Supply Section.

Our Water Source: Craven County draws groundwater from three distinct aquifers. Five wells access the Black Creek Aquifer, primarily serving northwestern Craven County south of NC Hwy 55. Five additional wells draw from the Pee Dee Aquifer. Each well connects to a pump house where chlorine treatment occurs before distribution. Since October 2017, Townships 5, 6, and 7 receive water from our new Nano-filtration Water Treatment Plant, which draws from the Lower Castle Hayne Aquifer. This plant and its eight wells are situated throughout Carolina Pines and Stately Pines.

Water Quality Testing: To ensure compliance with regulatory standards, Craven County Water routinely collects samples from all wells and throughout the distribution system. These samples undergo independent laboratory testing for over 120 different contaminants. Our plant operators carefully review each test result to monitor water quality and safety levels continuously.

About Your Water: All water sources—whether from oceans, rivers, lakes, or wells—can naturally collect materials as water travels over land or underground. While all municipal water contains small amounts of some contaminants, this doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. Our priority is ensuring these levels remain well below established safety thresholds.

Special Health Information: Some individuals may be particularly vulnerable to certain water contaminants, including people undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, those with HIV/AIDS or immune system disorders, some elderly residents, and infants. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding their water consumption. For information about reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

1. How is waste collected in our community? The Borough utilizes a pay-as-you-throw system with contracted waste collection services. Residents must dispose of trash in official green "Borough Bags" available for purchase at Borough Hall and various local stores for $3.50 each. This fee includes recycling service (with a one-time $9.00 recycling container purchase).
2. How do I dispose of large items? Residential customers can place ONE bulky item at the curb on their regular collection day. Bulk items exclude electronics, vehicle parts, tires, construction materials, yard waste, hazardous materials, petroleum products, and commercial/industrial waste.
3. Where can I recycle electronics and hazardous materials? Cumberland County operates an E-Recycling Center for electronics disposal. The County Solid Waste Authority provides collection services for materials not accepted in regular municipal collection.
4. When is yard waste collected? The Borough conducts bi-annual curbside yard waste collection and maintains a compost facility on Post Road where residents can drop off yard waste (except grass clippings). Leaf collection occurs weekly during fall months, with schedules published in local media.
5. Does the Borough collect Christmas trees? Yes, Christmas trees are collected during two designated weeks in January. Collection schedules appear in local newspapers and the Carlisle Gazette. If using tree bags for indoor transport, please remove them before placing trees at the curb.
6. Who handles water billing questions? For questions about your water bill or to establish new service, contact the Borough Water Department at 717-249-4422.
7. How do I request a handicap parking space? Applications must be submitted in writing to the Public Works Director with proof of residence, physician documentation of necessity, confirmation of handicap vehicle registration/placard, acknowledgment of parking restrictions, agreement to cover installation costs, and verification that no suitable off-street handicap parking is available.