In a forward-thinking approach to water management, the Town of Fuquay-Varina has partnered with neighboring towns Pittsboro, Holly Springs, and the City of Sanford on the Sanford Water Filtration Expansion Project. The project broke ground on October 29, 2024, with completion expected in late 2028. “This strategic collaboration aims to provide a reliable and sustainable water supply for all participating communities, ensuring that residents have access to potable drinking water now and in the future,” says Fuquay-Varina Public Utilities Director Michael Wagner, who has worked on the project for three years.
By pooling resources and expertise, the partners have created a regional water system that benefits from economies of scale. This collaborative effort includes a shared investment in the expanded filtration plant, which will yield significant cost savings not only in the volume of treated water but also in advanced treatment techniques. The regional partnership approach is being used nationwide as a model to provide efficient and effective government services.
In addition, Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs are partnering on a key infrastructure project: the construction of a 14-mile water conveyance line from the City of Sanford to both communities.
Mayor Blake Massengill
After years of planning, this expansion will more than double the plant capacity from 12 million gallons per day to 30 million gallons per day. The Town of Fuquay-Varina stands to gain a supply of 6 million gallons per day, securing long-term water capacity for its residents.
Fuquay-Varina Mayor Blake Massengill says, “The Sanford Water Filtration Expansion Project is a major milestone for our community. This project will provide us with reliable infrastructure to support our growing population and thriving businesses.”
The total cost of this project is $390 million, with a significant investment of $44 million dedicated to installing granulated activated carbon (GAC) filtration. This advanced treatment process will remove Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or better known as “forever chemicals” from the water supply. The forward-thinking approach of including the treatment process in the design has proven beneficial as the United States Environmental Protection Agency recently set new drinking water standards to limit the amount of PFAS compounds found in our drinking water.
The projected cost for the Town of Fuquay-Varina’s portion of the project is estimated at $122 million and will be paid through a combination of revenue bonds, grants, and a State Revolving Fund low-interest loan.
As Fuquay-Varina continues to experience growth and development, management continues to plan for the future needs of its residents and businesses. By investing in infrastructure upgrades, the town is positioning itself for long-term success, ensuring that its water resources can keep pace with the expanding population.
