The development of water and wastewater infrastructure is absolutely critical for economic development, and the County has several major initiatives underway. A new 2 MGD water treatment plant is under design in Pender Commerce Park and is expected to be producing water for the county water system by late 2011. The plant will likely be expanded to 6 MGD within the next 5 years or so. The plant will not only provide needed capacity, but will also open up development opportunities in western Pender County.

Other water projects in the works include: completing Phase V of the Rocky Point-Topsail water extension project; completing the Scott’s Hill water extension project; procuring inter-local agreements for bulk water purchases; constructing a parallel water line from Rocky Point to Wallace; holding sign-up campaigns for Moore’s Creek and Central Water & Sewer Districts; and further evaluating population and demand criteria for the Columbia-Union District.

The County is also planning for the provision of wastewater throughout Pender County which is critical for sustaining growth and development. Wastewater efforts underway include: evaluating and planning for developing wastewater partnerships for Pender Commerce Park and the US 421 corridor; awaiting approvals and movement from the Town of Wallace to begin construction on the US 117 sewer project between Burgaw and Wallace; getting the Pender Packing sewer extension project completed; obtaining supplemental funding, designing and constructing the Maple Hill project; and evaluating the opportunity to partner with a private entity for the provision of sewer along the US 17/NC 210 corridors in eastern Pender County.

Cost estimates for meeting water and sewer infrastructure needs over the next 30 years is about $500 million.