System Improvements

CWSNC Project Updates

• Aberdeen Village Community, Mooresville

  The Point Well Decommissioning – During 2024, twenty (20) wells were decommissioned due to changes in NCDEQ requirements which no longer allowed the wells to function as originally designed and permitted.
  
  All well sites were decommissioned in accordance with NCDEQ requirements. The Point Water system was connected to the Town of Mooresville to purchase water as needed to provide customers with water.

• Amber Acres North Community, Knightdale

  Amber Acres North Well Upgrade: During 2024, Well #4 of the Amber Acres North water distribution system received an upgrade to treat elevated levels of uranium and radium.

• Ashley Hills North Community, Knightdale

  Amber Acres North Well Upgrade: During 2024, Well #3 of the Ashley Hills North water distribution system received an upgrade to treat elevated levels of radium.

• Bear Paw, Murphy

  Bear Paw: Drilling and development of an additional well. The new well will add redundancy to the existing water system and allow for additional water connections for the community.
  
  In 2024, a potential well site turned out not to be viable and following engagement with community members another potential site was located at the end of 2024. The new well site is scheduled to be drilled in early to mid-2025 with development and launch into production in late 2025 or early 2026.

• Belvedere Plantation Community, Hampstead

  Belvedere Water System Evaluation: During 2024, a study was conducted on the Belvedere water distribution system and found minor levels of iron in one of the wells. CWSNC is currently evaluating our options to address the matter.
  

• Bent Creek, Buncombe

  • Bent Creek Develop and Drill New Well: A new well was drilled and developed in the Bent Creek Community to replace a well that was no longer viable. The well was placed into service in early 2024 and has played a pivotal role in ensuring the community had ample water following the severe weather events in 2024.
  • Bent Creek Wastewater Treatment (WWTP) Rehabilitation: during 2024, the Bent Creek WWTP was in the process of rehabilitation with a schedule completion in 2025. The Bent Creek sewer system has operated by CWSNC for over 50 years and needs rehabilitation and modernization. The rehabilitation of the existing concrete aeration and clarifier structures was performed.
    • Preparation for the installation of new blowers and UV disinfection systems was completed in 2024, and this equipment will be installed in 2025. The rehabilitation work extends the life of the plant and ensures effective and consistent operations.

• Bradfield Farms Community, Harrisburg

  • Bradfield Farms Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) upgrades: Upgrades were performed in 2024 to replace process equipment and improve equipment weather protection. Two clarifier process drives were replaced. Two protective structures were installed to provide year-round weather protection of process equipment. Portions of existing process piping were heat traced and insulated to prevent freezing during winter.
  • Bradfield Farms Wellhouse modifications: Wellhouses 1 & 2 had new roof shingles installed, and new siding installed and coated. Well #2 had modifications performed to the driveway to minimize water intrusion and its associated deterioration.

• Brandywine Bay Community, Morehead City

  Brandywine Wastewater Treatment (WWTP) Replacement: During 2024, the Brandywine WWTP has been in the process of replacement with a scheduled completion in 2025. With the existing WWTP reaching the end of its life expectancy at nearly 50 years old, along with North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) allowable discharge requirements, the existing WWTP requires replacement and addition of high-rate infiltration basins.
  
  The proposed WWTP consists of a staff office, sequence batch reactor treatment tank, two buildings containing electrical controls, blowers, pumps, filters and ultraviolet disinfection system, and two high-rate infiltration basins. Upon completion of the new WWTP, the existing plant will be abandoned and disposed of.

• Carolina Trace Community, Sanford

  Carolina Trace WWTP Equalization (EQ) Tank Replacement: In 2024 an evaluation was conducted to explore options to replace or rehabilitate an EQ basin that is at the end of its useful lift in the Carolina Trace WWTP. CWSNC has opted to replace the existing basin, and the work is projected to be completed in 2025.
  
  Equalization (EQ) is a means of buffering or equalizing the characteristic of  wastewater prior to entering the wastewater treatment system.

• Charlotte, NC Communities

  Silverton/Bradfield Farms Water Interconnect and Wellhouse Rehabilitation: The interconnect between two (2) existing systems, Silverton and Bradfield Farms, was completed in 2023.
  
  Part of this project was also to rehabilitate two (2) wells located in the Silverton Community which was completed in 2024. The wells source was in good condition, but the wellhouses and piping were aged and needed replacement.

• Connestee Falls, Transylvania

  Connestee Falls: The Connestee Falls community has 11 wells. The number 4 Well house was originally constructed in 1973 and over the past 50 years the building has slowly deteriorated to the point that it needed replacement. As the well needed to remain in operation, a new well house was required to be constructed near the existing one.
  
  The new building is modernized with the latest SCADA technology and communication equipment to minimize operator time being spent monitoring the well. The old wellhouse will be demolished and area rehabilitated following commissioning of the new building in early 2025.

• Danby Community, Pineville

  Danby Wastewater Treatment (WWTP) Replacement: The Danby WWTP project team completed the planning and design process. With the existing WWTP reaching the end of its life expectancy at nearly 50 years old, replacement of the WWTP is required.The project will include a new stainless steel Membrane BioReactor (MBR) WWTP to current standards on the existing site within the Danby community.
  
  The MBR technology will improve effluent discharge to the environment while potentially reducing capital improvement and operating costs. Permitting and construction are scheduled for completion in late 2025 or early 2026.

• Echota Community, Foscoe

  Water Meter Installation: During 2024, procurement of the necessary materials to install upwards of 650 new water meters in the Echota Water System. Meter installation began in late 2024 and is expected to continue until end of Q1 2025.

• Elk River Community, Banner Elk

  New Well Drill: During 2024, water capacity was scheduled to be increased in the Elk River community by drilling a new well. The new well is located between Summit Park Lane and Summit Park Drive. The well proved to yield good capacity and is currently awaiting permit approval from the state. Construction is expected to be complete before the summer begins.

• Fairfield Harbour Community, New Bern

  • Fairfield Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant (FFH WWTP) Rehabilitation: During 2024, the FFH WWTP began the rehabilitation process with a projected completion in 2025. This effort is being made to stay within the guidelines set by North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) for discharge. The project consists of a complete rehabilitation of two (2) package plant tanks, a chlorine contact chamber and complete overhaul of existing piping, pumps and electrical, and replacement of the generator. The work is not anticipated to impact the FFH community customers will continue having service during construction.
  • FFH Sewer Force Main Replacement: Approximately 1,900 feet of sewer force main was replaced along Cassowary Lane and Broad Creek Road in 2024. The existing pipe was aging and began to show serious signs of deterioration. To mitigate the risks of future sanitary sewer overflows, the sewer line was replaced.
  • FFH Emergency Sewer Replacement: Planned and mobilized during 2024, work began in 2025 to replace approximately 300 feet of sewer running under Gondolier Drive. The existing pipe is aging, and several deficiencies were found that made any repair unfeasible. This work is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
  • FFH Lift Station #2 Rehabilitation: During 2024, the lift station on the corner of Cassowary Lane and Caracara Drive was found to require rehabilitation and upgrading. The lift station is scheduled to be rehabilitated in 2025.

• Heather Glen Community, Durham

  Heather Glen Well Upgrade: During 2024, Well #1 of the Heather Glen water distribution system received an upgrade to treat elevated levels of manganese and iron.

• High Meadows Community, Roaring Gap

  High Meadows/Tree Top Lane Water Main Replacement: A system study and design was completed in 2024 to evaluate the entire Water Main system for flow and pressure changes due to topography changes of the area. The project will install new water main, taps, pressure reducers and blow off valves in utility easements outside of the existing roadbed for all 1100 linear feet of Tree Top Lane and 600 linear feet of the northern section of Meadow View Road.
  
  The Meadow View Road section requires increasing the water main size from 2” to 4” to meet current NCDEQ standards. The water main sections under the existing roadbed will be retired in-place.  The installation of the water main outside of the roadbed is expected to reduce water main breaks and improve maintenance, minimizing impact to the community.  Permitting is in-progress with scheduled construction in 2027.
  
  High Meadows/Woodcrest Booster Building Replacement: Planning was completed to replace the Woodcrest Booster Building. The new building will be built to current code requirements. The project will require removing several large, deteriorating pine trees that pose risk to the Booster Building, Ground-level Water Storage Tank and the overhead utilities serving the well building and customers atop the mountain peak at Woodcrest. A new security fence, aesthetically accommodating to the existing community is planned. Construction is scheduled for 2025.

• High Vista, Mills River

  In the High Vista Community there are two water storage tanks which require rehabilitation and repair. Both tanks were drained, sand blasted, internally and externally and recoated according to specifications. At the Chestnut tank site, the dead trees were removed and new trees planted. All work was completed with little disruption to the community water supply.

• Hound Ears Community, Blowing Rock

  Hound Ears Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Rehabilitation: The rehabilitation of the WWTP was completed in 2024. A study was performed to determine the feasibility of conducting a rehab instead of a full plant replacement. The rehab consisted of cleaning out the two extended aeration processing tanks (40k and 100k) and applying two coatings of epoxy to the interior surfaces each tank. This epoxy is expected to extend the life of each tank by up to 10 years.

• Indian Trail, NC Communities

  • Hemby Acres Aeration Ponds Rehabilitation: During 2024, the two (2) aeration basins at the Hemby Acres WWTP were rehabilitated. Each tank was drained, inspected, repaired and placed back in service. This included fixing any cracks in the concrete lining, filling any voids beneath the concrete lining, aeration systems’ evaluation and replacing any deficient valves or piping.
  • Hemby Acres Digester Tank Rehabilitation: During 2024, the four (4) vertical digester tanks were rehabilitated. The tanks were cleaned down to bare metal, patched as needed and a new coating applied. The pipes were tested, and any deficient components were replaced.

• Kinnakeet Shores Community, Avon

  In July 2022, CWSNC took over operations of the Kinnakeet WWTP and WWCS system. During the initial investigations of the WWTP, it was determined that the WWTP was not powered up to allow for treatment of the wastewater. Equipment within the WWTP was found to be inoperable, substandard by today’s standards, and have significant metal corrosion.
  
  The WWTP was placed back into operation, by cleaning and rehabbing the operational systems, along with adding filters and disinfection system. Additionally, all lift station control panels in the WWCS were replaced. SCADA monitoring was added to the lift stations to reduce operator time from a daily basis to a weekly basis or called for by SCADA alerts.

• Kynwood/Abington Community, Kernersville

  Abington Wastewater Treatment (WWTP) Project: The current WWTP is nearing the end of its life. During 2024, an initial study was performed to determine options for individual tank replacement and for complete WWTP replacement. Additional planning and economic evaluation of options are required. The project is scheduled for construction in 2029.

• Matthews, NC Community

  Eastwood Forest 10,000 Gallon Water Storage Tank Rehabilitation: During 2024, the 10,000-gallon potable water storage tank was cleaned down to bare metal, patched as needed and a new coating applied to extend the life of the asset without replacement.

• Meadow Glen Community, Wendell

  Meadow Glen Well Upgrade: During 2024, Well #2 of the Meadow Glen water distribution system received an upgrade to treat elevated levels of uranium and radium.

• Olde Point Community, Hampstead

  Olde Point Water System Evaluation: During 2024, a study was conducted on the Olde Point water distribution system in response to community complaints of discolored water. The study showed that both wells in the system have high levels of iron. CWSNC is currently evaluating our options to address the matter.

• Pinnacle Shores Community, Mooresville

  Pinnacle Shores Water Main Relocation: During 2024, NCDOT completed the engineering phase for the road widening of approximately 8.5 miles of River Hwy (NC 150) spanning from Greenwood Road to the West and Commons Drive to the East. Project is anticipated to be completed in 2026.

• RiverPointe Community, Charlotte

  RiverPointe Wastewater Treatment (WWTP) modification: A study was performed for the existing facility to identify requirements. A further PILOT study was approved and completed to address pH limits in the discharge to meet NCDEQ discharge limits. New process system changes were developed, and modifications were completed to address the pH discharge limits.

• Rutledge Landing Community, Knightdale

  Rutledge Landing Well Upgrade: During 2024, Well #3 of the Rutledge Landing North water distribution system received an upgrade to treat elevated levels of iron, uranium and radium.

• Saddlewood Community, Gastonia

  Saddlewood Wells 1 & 2 modifications: Modifications to the wells were performed in 2023 to improve water quality by improving water chemistry, corrosion resistance and remove iron and manganese from the groundwater. Chemical controls were changed, chemical constituents were changed, new electrical controls were installed, and a new security fence was installed at both well locations.
  
  Additionally, at Well #2, a new water conditioning house was installed to house the treatment system, and the existing well house was demolished. The wells were tested and turned over for full operation in 2024.

• Ski Mountain Community, Blowing Rock

  New Well Drill: During 2024, water capacity was scheduled to be increased for the Ski Mountain Acres and Ski Mountain communities by drilling a new well on the CWSNC property off Tower Lane. Scheduled completion of this effort was spring 2025. Unfortunately, due to the low yield from the well, and in conjunction with the water quality from the well, it is not financially feasible to bring this well online.
  
  CWSNC is exploring the option of conducting a partial replacement to the distribution system to replace aging and deteriorating lines which will increase the system capacity. This option, if approved, will take place over the course of a few years. The distribution system will be assessed and prioritized based on the cost feasibility of replacing the largest impacted areas during a given period.

• Sugar Mountain Community, Sugar Mountain

  Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Rehabilitation: During 2024, rehabilitation of the WWTP was completed at Sugar Mountain. The rehabilitation tasks included:

  • Repairs and recoating of five (5) concrete disinfection chambers. The application of protective epoxy is expected to increase the life of these chambers.
  • Repairs and recoating of the concrete inlet bar screen. The application of protective epoxy is expected to increase the life of the bar screen.
  • Repairs and recoating of internal plant lift station. The application of protective epoxy is expected to increase the life of the lift station. The lift station also received upgraded chopper pumps and associated controls.
  • SCADA monitoring was installed throughout the plant to aid in operator efficiency and responsiveness.
  • The above ground discharge pipe from our 300k gallon extended aeration plant was rerouted and buried to maximize plant spacing and mitigate a safety risk. New isolation valves were also installed to each of the three plants to improve operational flexibility.
  • The inlet splitter box was replaced with a larger design for safety and reliability. The inlet piping to the splitter box was also replaced with a larger size pipe to allow for better flow control.
  • A new metering manhole was installed at the discharge of the WWTP to allow for the relocation of the plant throughput meter, which originally at the plant inlet. Relocation of the meter allows for more accurate discharge reporting.
  • A new storage shed was installed, allowing for better parts availability and inventory, minimizing the potential for unnecessary overstocking of material. CWS had not had a dedicated storage facility in the area until now.

• Various Systems Throughout NC

  • Cold weather proofing: In 2024, a study was conducted to evaluate all assets owned by CWSNC and their susceptibility to freezing. All elements of our systems exposed to the environment with the potential to freeze and cause damage were evaluated and a plan was developed to install heat tape, insulation or other means of cold weather mitigation devices. Operations will be implementing the recommendations as detailed in the study.
  • Hydropneumatic Tank Inspections: During 2024, inspections were made on all hydropneumatics in North Carolina. Tanks and appurtenances will be rehabilitated or replaced as recommended in the inspection report.