Pender to restrict water use in southeastern part of county

Residents in southeastern Pender County could face months of water irrigation restrictions beginning next month.

Drought paired with the “unprecedented growth” in that portion of the county, including land east of Interstate 40 in Rocky Point and along and adjacent to N.C. 210, Hampstead and Scotts Hill has prompted Pender County Utilities to scale back the number of days its customers living in those areas can use irrigation systems provided by the utility, according to a release.

Beginning May 1, Pender County Utilities will enforce irrigation restrictions to customers in those unincorporated areas to Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Residents who do not comply may have their irrigation meter revoked until restrictions are lifted, according to the release.

Eastern Pender County has been in moderate drought conditions since March 30.

“PCU may make further adjustments to these restrictions as needed based on drought conditions, compliance effectiveness, etc. Our key concern is to ensure that water is available for domestic (non-irrigation) use and fire protection,” the release states.

Residents who have private wells are “strongly encouraged” to use them for irrigation rather than the utility’s service.

The utility is continuing to suspend installation and permitting of new irrigation services, though temporary irrigation meters and service may be made with the utility for new sod on a limited basis. For more information about obtaining this temporary service contact Katie Leubner at kleubner@pendercountync.gov.

Developers are reminded that they must be able to provide fire suppression systems to new commercial and residential developments from either the utility or independent water systems to meet state fire code and water extension requirements.

“These measures are planned to be revoked as soon as PCU is able to ensure we can supply the quantity and pressure of water necessary for additional water demand and fire flow conditions,” according to the release.

The utility expects to partially relax the restrictions once it begins operating a new water well in December.

“Complete revocation of these measures may not occur until the proposed elevated water tank in Scotts Hill is completed May 2024,” the release states.

For more information visit https://www.pendercountync.gov/utl/public-notices/.