Goldsboro Council discusses $120M upgrade for aging water reclamation facility

Goldsboro City Council took significant steps towards upgrading its aging water reclamation facility during the meeting on June 16, 2025. The council heard presentations from Public Utilities Director Bert Sherman and representatives from Hazen and Sawyer, who are involved in the facility's engineering design work.

Sherman highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure improvements, noting that much of the equipment at the facility dates back to the 1960s and has suffered from wear and tear due to severe weather events over the years. He emphasized that without timely upgrades, the facility risks operational failures that could have long-term consequences for the community. Key components requiring replacement include sand filters and UV systems, with estimated costs reaching up to $12 million for the sand filters alone.

The council was informed that the facility's current capacity is nearing its limits, with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) imposing restrictions once flow exceeds 80% of capacity. This situation has already led to a temporary moratorium on sewer line extensions, underscoring the need for expansion to support future economic growth.

Hazen and Sawyer provided an overview of the project timeline and budget, estimating costs between $80 million and $140 million, depending on the scope of work and inflation. They are currently working on a Basis of Design Report, which will provide a more detailed cost estimate and project outline.

Funding remains a critical issue, with the council exploring low-interest loans and potential grants to finance the upgrades. A proposed rate increase of 7.5% for water services could improve the city's chances of securing funding, but officials warned that even with this increase, future double-digit rate hikes may be necessary to meet the financial demands of the project.

The discussions highlighted the importance of proactive measures to ensure the reliability of Goldsboro's water reclamation services, with council members expressing a commitment to addressing these challenges head-on. As the city moves forward, the focus will be on securing funding and finalizing project details to enhance the facility's capacity and efficiency for years to come.