Brunswick County urges residents to speak out as the state weighs a proposal to divert millions of gallons of Cape Fear River water upstream.
Brunswick County. NC — Local officials are calling on residents to speak out against a proposal that would divert 6.17 million gallons of water per day from the Cape Fear River basin to the Neuse River basin, a move they warn could jeopardize the long‑term water security of downstream communities that rely on the river as a primary drinking water source.
The request, submitted by the Town of Fuquay‑Varina in southern Wake County, seeks state approval for an interbasin transfer (IBT) to support projected future growth. The Environmental Management Commission, which oversees several divisions of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, will ultimately decide whether to approve the transfer.
Brunswick County Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the proposal on Nov. 17, 2025, citing concerns about the strain such a diversion could place on the region’s water supply, public health, and economic future.
Several neighboring governments and utilities across southeastern North Carolina have issued similar resolutions or letters of opposition.
Commission Chairman Mike Forte said the board remains steadfast in its stance.
“We will not be deterred from voicing our frustration and opposition to this attempt to take away millions of gallons of water that our community depends on,” Forte said. “Pulling water away from one part of the state to give to another part only creates more problems rather than solutions and sets a terrible precedent for North Carolina.”
County leaders are urging residents to submit comments to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality before the public input period closes. Comments must be emailed or postmarked by April 1, 2026.
Email: maya.holcomb@deq.nc.gov
Mail:
Maya Holcomb, Division of Water Resources
512 N. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27604
Additional background and resources brunswickcountync.gov/oppose-ibt.
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