Brunswick County residents demand action on unsafe drinking water crisis

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on April 7, 2025, addressing critical issues surrounding the county's ongoing clean water crisis. The meeting featured several residents voicing their concerns about the safety and quality of well water, which has been compromised due to nearby developments.

The session began with public comments, where multiple residents shared personal testimonies about their struggles with unsafe drinking water. One resident, a registered dietitian, expressed shock at the water quality in what is considered one of North Carolina's wealthiest counties. She urged the commissioners to take immediate action to resolve the water crisis, emphasizing that access to clean water is a fundamental human right.

Alexis Yeboah Cody, an attorney with Earth Rights International, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the long-standing efforts of community groups, including the NAACP, to secure clean drinking water for all residents. She noted that many families have been living with unsafe water for decades and called for the county to prioritize this urgent human rights issue.

Other residents shared similar experiences, detailing the financial burden of purchasing bottled water and maintaining water softeners due to poor well water quality. Concerns were raised about health issues linked to contaminated water, with one resident attributing serious health problems to the water quality.

The meeting also included discussions about the lack of fire hydrants in certain neighborhoods, further complicating the community's safety and access to emergency services. Residents expressed frustration over the perceived neglect of their needs, particularly in areas close to new developments that have not been adequately addressed.

Following the public comments, the commissioners moved on to the approval of the consent agenda, indicating a procedural step in their meeting. However, the pressing issue of clean water remains a significant concern for many residents, with calls for the county to take decisive action to ensure safe drinking water for all.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from community members to continue advocating for their rights and the need for clean water, underscoring the urgency of the situation in Brunswick County.