Expensive delays cost chances for countywide water system
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008
By Staff
Staff writer
For decades, counties across the state snatched up millions of dollars in public grants and loans to lay pipes and provide safe, affordable drinking water to every home that wanted it.
But not Cumberland County.
About a third of the county’s 300,000 residents use private wells, and state and county officials know that some of them are contaminated. Uncounted residents have tainted water, many without even knowing it. Those who know, in some cases, are forced to drink bottled water. A few have been warned that even showers are dangerous.
A countywide public water system would provide safe water, but the construction of one isn’t likely. The expense of the project is partly at fault. But blame can also be placed on years of inaction by county officials and more recent turf battles with the Fayetteville Public Works Commission. The result is that when it comes to making sure residents have safe water to drink, Cumberland County is far behind its neighbors.
Because grant and loan programs don’t have as much money as they once did, it will be hard for Cumberland County to catch up. (more…)
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