Cape Fear Public Utility Authority - Wilmington

The Division of Water Resources (DWR) provides the data contained within this Local Water Supply Plan (LWSP) as a courtesy and service to our customers. DWR staff does not field verify data. Neither DWR, nor any other party involved in the preparation of this LWSP attests that the data is completely free of errors and omissions. Furthermore, data users are cautioned that LWSPs labeled PROVISIONAL have yet to be reviewed by DWR staff. Subsequent review may result in significant revision. Questions regarding the accuracy or limitations of usage of this data should be directed to the water system and/or DWR.

1. System Information

Contact Information

Complete

Water System Name: Cape Fear Public Utility Authority - Wilmington   PWSID: 04-65-010
Mailing Address:235 Government Center Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
Ownership:Authority
 
Contact Person:Benjamin KearnsTitle:Water Resources Manager
Phone:910-332-6577Cell/Mobile:910-398-4311
Distribution System
Line Type Size Range (Inches) Estimated % of lines
Asbestos Cement 4-12 0.47 %
Cast Iron 1-24 11.14 %
Ductile Iron 1-60 18.00 %
Other 1-20 1.21 %
Polyvinyl Chloride <1-60 69.18 %
What are the estimated total miles of distribution system lines?   1,172 Miles
How many feet of distribution lines were replaced during 2024?   42,217 Feet
How many feet of new water mains were added during 2024?   100 Feet
How many meters were replaced in 2024?   1,774
How old are the oldest meters in this system?   21 Year(s)
How many meters for outdoor water use, such as irrigation, are not billed for sewer services?   7,942
What is this system's finished water storage capacity?   26.9150 Million Gallons
Has water pressure been inadequate in any part of the system since last update? Line breaks that were repaired quickly should not be included.   No
Programs
Does this system have a program to work or flush hydrants?   Yes, Weekly
Does this system have a valve exercise program?   Yes, As Needed
Does this system have a cross-connection program?   Yes
Does this system have a program to replace meters?   Yes
Does this system have a plumbing retrofit program?   No
Does this system have an active water conservation public education program?   Yes
Does this system have a leak detection program?   No
Water Conservation
What type of rate structure is used?   Uniform
How much reclaimed water does this system use?   0.0000 MGD   For how many connections?   0
Does this system have an interconnection with another system capable of providing water in an emergency?   No

Connection between CFPUA and Pender County Utilities for emergency use along an isolated portion of the Hwy 421 Corridor is in design and approved for construction but not yet active. A system consolidation between CFPUA and Wrightsville beach is scheduled for September 2025 with enhanced interconnects under design for completion expected in late 2026. CFPUA is looking at potential connections between CFPUA and other customers, such as Figure Eight Island, on a wholesale basis.

2. Water Use Information

Service Area
Sub-Basin(s)% of Service Population
New River (02-6)42 %
Cape Fear River (02-3)41 %
Northeast Cape Fear River (02-5)17 %
County(s)% of Service Population
New Hanover100 %
What was the year-round population served in 2024?   246,684
Has this system acquired another system since last report?   No
Water Use by Type
Type of Use Metered
Connections
Metered
Average Use (MGD)
Non-Metered
Connections
Non-Metered
Estimated Use (MGD)
Residential 76,500 12.0300 81 0.0000
Commercial 5,425 4.0300 483 0.0000
Industrial 180 0.1400 24 0.0000
Institutional 803 1.6600 73 0.0000

How much water was used for system processes (backwash, line cleaning, flushing, etc.)?   1.2258 MGD

Use in above table does not include amount for purchase systems. Unmetered connections represent fire lines. MGD totals exclude amounts for customers reported individually.

Water Sales
Purchaser PWSID Average
Daily Sold
(MGD)
Days
Used
Contract Required to
comply with water
use restrictions?
Pipe Size(s)
(Inches)
Use
Type
MGD Expiration Recurring
Oyster Point S/D 04-65-211 0.0058 366 Yes 6 Regular
Port of Wilmington 70-65-007 0.0965 366 Yes 12 Regular
Wilmington Clinic Water System 70-65-070 0.0111 366 Yes 3 Regular
Wrightsville Beach 04-65-020 0.4079 366 1.1520 2025 Yes Yes 8 Regular

ILA with Wrightsville Beach states that the Authority will furnish the Town up to 150 MG per year beginning calendar year 2022 and recurring each subsequent year the bulk agreement is renewed. The maximum rate at which the Authority will deliver water through the connection point shall not exceed 800 gpm.

3. Water Supply Sources

Monthly Withdrawals & Purchases
Average Daily
Use (MGD)
Max Day
Use (MGD)
Average Daily
Use (MGD)
Max Day
Use (MGD)
Average Daily
Use (MGD)
Max Day
Use (MGD)
Jan 20.5707 23.3350 May 24.9023 27.9990 Sep 25.4529 28.2350
Feb 20.4837 21.3130 Jun 27.9170 32.2140 Oct 25.8056 27.2090
Mar 20.6858 22.3390 Jul 27.3194 29.9500 Nov 22.8946 26.7070
Apr 23.6567 26.5000 Aug 24.9531 28.8420 Dec 21.2474 23.6120

Ground Water Sources
Name or Number Average Daily Withdrawal (MGD) Max Day Withdrawal (MGD) 12-Hour Supply
(MGD)
CUA Reduction Year Offline Use Type
MGD Days Used
#15 NHC 0.1062 22 0.313 0.4320 Emergency
#16 NHC/PD-Q 0.3622 343 1.045 0.4320 Regular
#19 NHC 0.1196 22 0.355 0.2160 Emergency
#20 NHC 0.0369 14 0.122 0.2230 Emergency
#22 NHC/PD-B 0.6030 336 0.782 0.4320 Regular
#23 NHC/PD-A 0.3476 345 0.993 0.4320 Regular
#28 NHC/PD-M 0.1852 350 0.542 0.2880 Regular
#29 NHC/PD-N 0.1681 251 0.368 0.2880 Regular
#30 NHC/PD-O 0.1854 353 0.699 0.2880 Regular
#31 City (Queens Point) 0.0000 0 0 0.2170 Emergency
#34 City (Sea Spray) 0.0000 0 0 0.6740 Emergency
#38 City (Foxcroft) 0.0332 12 0.051 0.3030 Emergency
#4 NHC 0.0339 14 0.173 0.2770 Emergency
#40 City (Pirates Cove) 0.0281 12 0.068 0.2420 Emergency
#43 City (Masonboro Forest) 0.0461 11 0.093 0.1880 Emergency
#44 City (Sea Pines) 0.0000 0 0 0.5400 Emergency
#45 City (Beacon Woods) 0.0181 12 0.038 0.1330 Emergency
#5 NHC 0.0145 4 0.022 0.2680 Emergency
#8 NHC/PD-P 0.1784 342 0.456 0.2520 Regular
CH-B 0.0000 0 0 0.2880 Regular
CH-C 0.0756 21 0.303 0.2880 Regular
CH-F 0.1724 360 0.496 0.3420 Regular
CH-G 0.1596 357 0.377 0.2520 Regular
CH-H 0.1600 327 0.376 0.2520 Regular
CH-I 0.0424 27 0.159 0.2880 Regular
CH-J 0.0847 235 0.295 0.2520 Regular
CH-K 0.0305 159 0.145 0.1080 Regular
CH-L 0.1942 350 0.624 0.3420 Regular
Monterey Heights #1 0.1132 366 0.196 0.0940 Regular
Monterey Heights #2 0.1465 366 0.249 0.1800 Regular
Monterey Heights #3 0.1644 356 0.312 0.2304 Regular
Monterey Heights #4 0.2348 366 0.414 0.1510 Regular
Monterey Heights #5 0.1300 366 0.225 0.1690 Regular
Monterey Heights #6 0.1142 256 0.219 0.1584 Regular
Monterey Heights #7 0.0576 69 0.124 0.1584 Regular
PD-C 0.2142 363 0.512 0.2880 Regular
PD-F 0.2458 362 0.704 0.3420 Regular
PD-G 0.2233 357 0.496 0.2520 Regular
PD-H 0.1649 331 0.333 0.3240 Regular
PD-I 0.2351 317 0.555 0.2880 Regular
PD-J 0.2052 279 0.430 0.2520 Regular
PD-K 0.2097 346 0.482 0.2880 Regular
PD-L 0.2481 354 0.809 0.2880 Regular
Ground Water Sources (continued)
Name or Number Well Depth (Feet) Casing Depth
(Feet)
Screen Depth (Feet) Well Diameter (Inches) Pump Intake Depth (Feet) Metered?
Top Bottom
#15 NHC 185 140 12 105 Yes
#16 NHC/PD-Q 175 12 105 Yes
#19 NHC Yes
#20 NHC 170 123 12 Yes
#22 NHC/PD-B 170 133 14 123 Yes
#23 NHC/PD-A 170 133 14 Yes
#28 NHC/PD-M 175 140 14 80 Yes
#29 NHC/PD-N 175 140 14 80 Yes
#30 NHC/PD-O 171 137 131 169 14 123 Yes
#31 City (Queens Point) 155 126 8 Yes
#34 City (Sea Spray) 165 12 Yes
#38 City (Foxcroft) 160 126 8 Yes
#4 NHC 145 125 12 65 Yes
#40 City (Pirates Cove) 165 128 8 Yes
#43 City (Masonboro Forest) Yes
#44 City (Sea Pines) 190 12 Yes
#45 City (Beacon Woods) Yes
#5 NHC 157 122 12 Yes
#8 NHC/PD-P 160 132 12 90 Yes
CH-B 80 50 42 82 14 60 Yes
CH-C 100 47 49 89 14 60 Yes
CH-F 105 47 52 92 14 60 Yes
CH-G 90 48 46 86 14 60 Yes
CH-H 100 45 50 90 14 60 Yes
CH-I 95 49 44 84 14 60 Yes
CH-J 100 46 52 92 14 60 Yes
CH-K 92 54 52 92 14 60 Yes
CH-L 80 50 52 72 14 60 Yes
Monterey Heights #1 136 114 8 94 Yes
Monterey Heights #2 156 91 91 156 10 88 Yes
Monterey Heights #3 132 88 82 132 12 80 Yes
Monterey Heights #4 190 8 120 Yes
Monterey Heights #5 125 105 8 100 Yes
Monterey Heights #6 140 139 6 129 Yes
Monterey Heights #7 177 174 6 150 Yes
PD-C 168 137 14 80 Yes
PD-F 170 137 14 80 Yes
PD-G 169 136 134 167 14 122 Yes
PD-H 165 137 128 163 14 123 Yes
PD-I 175 148 14 80 Yes
PD-J 177 143 139 175 14 128 Yes
PD-K 175 135 14 80 Yes
PD-L 175 135 14 80 Yes
Are ground water levels monitored?   Yes, Daily
Does this system have a wellhead protection program?   Yes
Surface Water Sources
Stream Reservoir Average Daily Withdrawal Maximum Day
Withdrawal (MGD)
Available Raw
Water Supply
Usable On-Stream
Raw Water Supply
Storage (MG)
MGD Days Used MGD * Qualifier
Cape Fear River - Kings Bluff 8.3674 256 9.8290 10.0000 F 0.0000

* Qualifier: C=Contract Amount, SY20=20-year Safe Yield, SY50=50-year Safe Yield, F=20% of 7Q10 or other instream flow requirement, CUA=Capacity Use Area Permit

Surface Water Sources (continued)
Stream Reservoir Drainage Area
(sq mi)
Metered? Sub-Basin County Year
Offline
Use
Type
Cape Fear River - Kings Bluff 5,255 Yes Cape Fear River (02-3) Bladen Regular
What is this system's off-stream raw water supply storage capacity?   0 Million gallons
Are surface water sources monitored?   Yes, Daily
Are you required to maintain minimum flows downstream of its intake or dam?   No
Does this system anticipate transferring surface water between river basins?   No

Withdrawals from the Cape Fear River are from CFPUA intake at Kings Bluff Pump Station. Raw water purchased from the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority is captured under Water Supply Sources, purchase.

Water Purchases From Other Systems
Seller PWSID Average
Daily Purchased
(MGD)
Days
Used
Contract Required to
comply with water
use restrictions?
Pipe Size(s)
(Inches)
Use
Type
MGD Expiration Recurring
LCFWASA - Kings Bluff 50-09-013 11.7491 366 38.0000 2022 Yes Yes 48,54 Regular

Max day purchase was 21.1120 MGD

Water Treatment Plants
Plant Name Permitted Capacity
(MGD)
Is Raw Water Metered? Is Finished Water Ouput Metered? Source
Richardson Nano-Filtration Mem 7.0000 Yes Yes GW from Castle Hayne & PeeDee Aquifers
Sweeney Water Treatment Plant 44.0000 Yes Yes Cape Fear River
Did average daily water production exceed 80% of approved plant capacity for five consecutive days during 2024?  No
     If yes, was any water conservation implemented?  
Did average daily water production exceed 90% of approved plant capacity for five consecutive days during 2024?  No
     If yes, was any water conservation implemented?  
Are peak day demands expected to exceed the water treatment plant capacity in the next 10 years?  No

4. Wastewater Information

Monthly Discharges
Average Daily
Discharge (MGD)
Average Daily
Discharge (MGD)
Average Daily
Discharge (MGD)
Jan 19.2861 May 18.7212 Sep 24.4953
Feb 18.8484 Jun 18.0483 Oct 20.6964
Mar 19.7224 Jul 20.1499 Nov 18.7427
Apr 18.9614 Aug 26.2274 Dec 18.2113

How many sewer connections does this system have?   75,960
How many water service connections with septic systems does this system have?   2,962
Are there plans to build or expand wastewater treatment facilities in the next 10 years?   Yes

The Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant (Permit # NC0023973) is currently undergoing a design-build replacement/expansion project to increase total treatment capacity to 16 MGD, upgrade the headworks, modernize treatment processes, and ensure capacity for foreseeable future growth within its service area(s).

Wastewater Permits
Permit Number Type Permitted Capacity
(MGD)
Design Capacity
(MGD)
Average Annual
Daily Discharge
(MGD)
Maximum Day Discharge
(MGD)
Receiving Stream Receiving Basin
NC0002879 WTP 44.0000 44.0000 0.5000 2.5000 Cape Fear River Cape Fear River (02-3)
NC0023965 WWTP 16.0000 16.0000 10.9000 33.1000 Cape Fear River Cape Fear River (02-3)
NC0023973 WWTP 12.0000 12.0000 7.8000 21.5000 Cape Fear River Cape Fear River (02-3)
NC0088307 WTP 7.0000 7.0000 1.0000 2.1000 Intracoastal Waterway White Oak River (17-1)
Wastewater Interconnections
Water System PWSID Type Average Daily Amount Contract
Maximum (MGD)
MGD Days Used
Pender County Utilities 70-71-011 Receiving 0.0360 366
Wrightsville Beach 04-65-020 Receiving 0.6248 366 1.5000

5. Planning

Projections
  2024 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070
Year-Round Population 246,684 261,376 293,439 349,055 369,845 415,213
Seasonal Population 0 0 0 0 0 0
 
Residential 12.0300 13.2800 17.3200 24.1100 27.0600 30.3900
Commercial 4.0300 4.4500 5.8000 8.0800 9.0700 10.1800
Industrial 0.1400 0.1500 0.2000 0.2800 0.3100 0.3500
Institutional 1.6600 1.8300 2.3900 3.3300 3.7300 4.1900
System Process 1.2258 3.0400 3.9600 5.5200 6.1900 6.9500
Unaccounted-for 3.0985 1.5967 2.0823 2.9000 3.2537 3.6537
Future Supply Sources
Source Name PWSID Source Type Additional Supply Year Online Year Offline Type
Well Field Expansion 04-65-010 Ground 4.6080 2030 Regular

An expansion of the well field supplying the Richardson WTP as well as a WTP expansion in production capacity is planned in the 10-year CFPUA CIP.

Demand v/s Percent of Supply
  2024 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070
Surface Water Supply 10.0000 10.0000 10.0000 10.0000 10.0000 10.0000
Ground Water Supply 8.2872 8.2872 8.2872 8.2872 8.2872 8.2872
Purchases 38.0000 38.0000 38.0000 38.0000 38.0000 38.0000
Future Supplies 4.6080 4.6080 4.6080 4.6080 4.6080
Total Available Supply (MGD) 56.2872 60.8952 60.8952 60.8952 60.8952 60.8952
Service Area Demand 22.1843 24.3467 31.7523 44.2200 49.6137 55.7137
Sales 0.5213 1.2654 1.2654 1.2654 1.2654 1.2654
Future Sales 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000
Total Demand (MGD) 22.7056 25.6121 33.0177 45.4854 50.8791 56.9791
Demand as Percent of Supply 40% 42% 54% 75% 84% 94%

The purpose of the above chart is to show a general indication of how the long-term per capita water demand changes over time. The per capita water demand may actually be different than indicated due to seasonal populations and the accuracy of data submitted. Water systems that have calculated long-term per capita water demand based on a methodology that produces different results may submit their information in the notes field.

Your long-term water demand is 49 gallons per capita per day. What demand management practices do you plan to implement to reduce the per capita water demand (i.e. conduct regular water audits, implement a plumbing retrofit program, employ practices such as rainwater harvesting or reclaimed water)? If these practices are covered elsewhere in your plan, indicate where the practices are discussed here.    CFPUA continues to conduct annual water loss audits and investigate system optimization strategies.

Are there other demand management practices you will implement to reduce your future supply needs?   CFPUA's Water System Master Plan update is underway via our engineering department and seeks to address future needs as identified to meet customer demand projections.

What supplies other than the ones listed in future supplies are being considered to meet your future supply needs?   Optimization of existing groundwater emergency wells in key system support areas. Master planning for both upgrading and adding production wells to provide additional capacity to the Richardson WTP and overall integrated system. Extensive interconnects allow the integrated system to be supported by all supply sources in a more reliable and resilient manner. The Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority as well as purchase partners (Brunswick, Pender, CFPUA, commercial) are investing resources into redundancy and resiliency along the length of the common raw water transmission mains which are underway this calendar year (2025).

How does the water system intend to implement the demand management and supply planning components above?   Funding and design of additional sources will be through CFPUA's Capital Improvements Plan as required to meet anticipated demands. The demand-to-supply ration in the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority (LCFWASA) - Kings Bluff Local Water Supply Plan (LWSP) is currently above 80% because available raw water supply is fully allocated to the existing customers and partners (i.e. Brunswick County, CFPUA, and Pender County). Based on a 7Q10 calculation, the total available supply for the LCFWASA system is 106 MGD at Lock & Dam No. 1. Even so, the currently projected demands of all partners - when totaled - remains below the 80% of the available raw water supply for the foreseeable future (i.e. 2050). Furthermore, all the partners have agreed not to exceed the demands currently projected in their LWSP, without notice to NCDWR, even though these amounts may remain less than what LCFWASA - Kings Bluff is obligated to sell them. However, should projected water demands of the partners increase to such amounts where the demand-to-supply ratio in the LCFWASA Kings Bluff LWSP exceeds 80%, a long-term water supply plan to address future demands would be necessary, per statutory requirements, before NCDWR could approve the LWSP.

Additional Information

Has this system participated in regional water supply or water use planning?  Yes, In 2020, CFPUA, LCFWASA, Brunswick, and Pender Counties implemented a Raw Water Supply Emergency Management Plan to have a unified protocol for water shortage response planning and reporting during droughts, water emergencies, and other potential raw water supply challenges.

What major water supply reports or studies were used for planning?  Each partner utilized their existing water shortage and emergency response plans to create a unified plan.

Please describe any other needs or issues regarding your water supply sources, any water system deficiencies or needed improvements (storage, treatment, etc.) or your ability to meet present and future water needs. Include both quantity and quality considerations, as well as financial, technical, managerial, permitting, and compliance issues:   

The Division of Water Resources (DWR) provides the data contained within this Local Water Supply Plan (LWSP) as a courtesy and service to our customers. DWR staff does not field verify data. Neither DWR, nor any other party involved in the preparation of this LWSP attests that the data is completely free of errors and omissions. Furthermore, data users are cautioned that LWSPs labeled PROVISIONAL have yet to be reviewed by DWR staff. Subsequent review may result in significant revision. Questions regarding the accuracy or limitations of usage of this data should be directed to the water system and/or DWR.