Greenville Utilities Commission seeks permission for

Interbasin Transfer of Tar River

The Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC) is currently seeking state permission for an Interbasin Transfer (IBT) of Tar River water to the communities of Winterville, Farmville, and Greene County, all located in the Neuse River basin.  GUC wishes to divert up to 13.5 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated drinking water from the Tar River basin to the Neuse River basin. GUC is planning on 40 year water contracts with the receiving communities. The main purpose behind the water transfer request, is that Winterville, Farmville, Greene County communities and many others are required by state law to significantly reduce water withdrawal from aquifers, in most cases their sole source of water supply. Currently the aquifers in the central coastal plain area are in deep decline. The State enacted legislation in 2002 requiring these communities to cut their groundwater use by 75% by 2018 using a phased approach. In an effort to comply, the communities decided that surface water from the Tar River is the most economical option.

The petition must be granted by the NC Environmental Management Commission (EMC). A public hearing was held at the Pitt County Communit College in November. No other hearings are scheduled at this time. .

Currently, the GUC drinking water plant has a total capacity of 22.5 mgd. Current average demand for Tar River water in the Greenville area is typically around 11mgd, but can rise to 16 mgd during the summer months. By asking for permission to transfer up to 12.3 mgd to the Neuse Basin communities, G.U.C. could potentially max out their current drinking water plant capacity during peak demands as the year 2030 approaches.

PTRF Concerns include the following:

• The requested IBT goes above and beyond what the communities need for current peak demand, allowing for future growth including an additional 1.2 mgd for emergency  purposes. To protect the integrity of the Tar River basin and to ensure adequate water supply for Tar Basin communities, the IBT should be limited to replace the existing ground water use in order to comply with the 2002 State Law. Additional water supply should be located within the Neuse River basin. Continuing to rely on the Tar River interbasin transfer for water supply is not a sustainable, long-term solution.
• The petition to the NC EMC does not address the long term water use efficiencies (or year-long water conservation plans) by both the City of Greenville or the receiving communities. All communities should enact activities to encourage year-round water conservation. Such plans may include incentivizing cistern use or other rain water harvesting practices to reduce water consumption. All of the communities, including Greenville are required to have such plans in place by the 2002 legislation aimed at reducing groundwater depletion. Water conservation activities and appropriate planning must be required before the IBT is granted.