Fuquay Varina outlines water and wastewater projects; billing increase planned

The Town of Fuquay Varina described a set of water and wastewater projects it says will boost capacity and reliability and noted a planned 15% water and sewer rate increase in the fiscal 2026 budget.

Staff member, budget presenter for the Town of Fuquay Varina, said the town is a partner in the Sanford Water Filtration Expansion Project, which the presentation said will deliver 6 million gallons per day of drinking water to the town. The presenter also described a planned 14-mile water conveyance line in partnership with Holly Springs from the Sanford plant.

The presentation said the Terrible Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion will double capacity — from 3 million to 6 million gallons per day — with completion expected in 2027. The presenter noted a separate, $44 million expansion led by Harnett County that is already underway to increase Cape Fear River Basin treatment capacity from 2.6 million to 6 million gallons per day.

Town staff said the budget includes final design for a new 1 million-gallon elevated water storage tank, with bidding scheduled for summer 2025, and that the tank would increase average water pressure in the area west of Sunset Lake Road. The presenter said the town will continue charging system development fees for new development to help fund utility investments.

The presenter described the 15% planned water and sewer rate increase as consistent with the town's rate stabilization plan included in past budgets.