Pender County’s Water Crisis and Solutions | Wilmington News

Wilmington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 20, 2026 · 1m

Pender County’s rural western communities are racing against time to secure clean water access, with only 15% currently connected to the county system. Facing a $20M+ infrastructure push—either via Penderlea or Malpass—to serve hundreds of homes, residents who’ve paid connection fees for years now face potential home hookup costs of $1,800–$4,000. With federal and state funding deadlines looming by September 30, commissioners scramble to finalize a 20-year master plan for growth while also tackling contaminated well water through resin filters and seeking engineering help—all as population…