Moving to or selling a home in Wilmington and wondering how water and sewer work here? You are not alone. Between CFPUA accounts, PFAS headlines, and irrigation meter questions, it can feel like a lot. This guide gives you the essentials so you can budget smart, avoid closing-day hiccups, and keep your home running smoothly. Let’s dive in.
CFPUA basics and service area
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) is the consolidated water and sewer utility for the City of Wilmington and much of New Hanover County. It serves about 200,000 people and manages treatment plants, mains, pump stations, and 24/7 emergency response. You can read CFPUA’s overview to understand its role in the region on the CFPUA page for CFPUA at a glance.
If you need to confirm whether a specific address has service, use CFPUA’s interactive GIS tools on the Your Water Service Area portal. You can also call customer service at 910-332-6550 for billing and start-stop requests, or 910-332-6565 for water and sewer emergencies.
Where your drinking water comes from
CFPUA draws water from two sources. The Sweeney Water Treatment Plant treats surface water from the Cape Fear River. The Richardson and Monterey Heights systems treat groundwater from the Castle Hayne and Pee Dee aquifers. CFPUA explains these treatment systems on its Water Treatment page.
Sweeney uses granular activated carbon, ozone, and UV treatment. Richardson uses reverse osmosis. These technologies are part of how CFPUA addresses emerging contaminants, including PFAS. For test results and details, review the annual Water Quality Report on CFPUA’s Water Treatment page.
PFAS and what to expect
PFAS, including GenX, are a regional source water issue in the Cape Fear River. CFPUA tests for more than 70 PFAS compounds and uses treatment steps like GAC and RO where appropriate. You can find current testing and process updates on CFPUA’s Emerging Compounds page.
At the federal level, the EPA finalized national PFAS drinking water standards in April 2024. The rule sets enforceable limits and includes monitoring and compliance timelines that utilities are implementing. For an overview of the federal rule, see the summary of EPA’s final PFAS regulation. For local results, rely on CFPUA’s latest Water Quality Report and Emerging Compounds updates.
Sewer service and your home
CFPUA owns and maintains public sewer mains, pump stations, and treatment plants. Homeowners are generally responsible for the private service line that connects the home to the public main. CFPUA’s Operations and Utility Maintenance page explains these roles and services.
To avoid backups, follow CFPUA’s guidance on proper disposal and maintenance. Do not flush wipes or pour grease down drains. If the property has irrigation or fire sprinkler plumbing, confirm there is a backflow device and ask for test records. CFPUA’s Preventing Sewer Backups and Backflow resources outline required steps and forms.
Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant project
CFPUA is replacing and expanding the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project adds modern treatment processes, relocates critical components above the 500-year floodplain, and increases permitted capacity from 12 MGD to 16 MGD. Site work is slated to begin around late 2025 to early 2026, with completion targeted around 2030. CFPUA provides timeline and funding updates on the Southside project page.
What to do at closing
The simplest way to avoid billing overlap is to use CFPUA’s online forms. CFPUA offers start, stop, and transfer service requests, plus a Seller Closing Disclosure that authorizes the buyer’s new account and closes the seller’s account at closing. Online submissions are processed during business hours and can take up to about two business days. Access these forms on CFPUA’s Applications and Forms page.
Important timing note. The person listed on the account remains responsible for charges until CFPUA processes the transfer or Seller Closing Disclosure. Submit early and confirm your account number to keep the transition clean.
Quick checklists
Sellers
- Submit the Seller Closing Disclosure before closing to ensure a smooth account handoff.
- Confirm any outstanding balance and keep your final bill address up to date.
- Save proof of submission in your closing file.
Buyers
- Ask whether the home has a separate irrigation meter and request backflow test certificates if irrigation is present. Details are on CFPUA’s Irrigation and Conservation page.
- Review the latest Water Quality Report and Emerging Compounds page for contaminant testing.
- Confirm service availability for vacant lots using the Your Water Service Area GIS portal.
Rates, bills, and ways to save
CFPUA posts current rates each fiscal year. As of July 1, 2025, CFPUA’s pages list per‑1,000‑gallon commodity totals of $5.16 for water and $5.72 for sewer, and a separate irrigation rate of $7.73 per 1,000 gallons. Because irrigation meters are not billed for sewer, a dedicated irrigation meter can reduce costs for heavy outdoor watering. See the Irrigation and Conservation page and the current Rates and Fees schedule for details.
CFPUA bills monthly, typically every 27 to 35 days, with due dates about 25 days after billing. Payments can be made online, in person, or by phone. CFPUA warns against third-party bill pay sites due to possible delays. Learn more on Understanding Your Bill.
Starting January 1, 2026, CFPUA will add a $1 printed-bill fee and encourages customers to enroll in paperless billing. Read the printed bill announcement on CFPUA’s news page.
If you need help, CFPUA Assist and partner programs offer emergency bill assistance. Visit the Financial Assistance page for eligibility and contacts.
New construction or vacant lots
If you are buying land or building new, confirm water and sewer availability and whether extensions or capacity fees apply. CFPUA’s Development and Construction pages cover process, plan review, inspection fees, and System Development Charges. You can also use the Your Water Service Area and sewer capacity tools to assess service for a specific site.
Recent changes to know
Effective September 30, 2025, CFPUA assumed water and sewer service for Wrightsville Beach customers. Water and sewer now bill through CFPUA, while the town retains trash and stormwater billing. See CFPUA’s Wrightsville Beach Consolidation page for FAQs and customer letters.
CFPUA and state finance bodies also approved revenue bonds in 2025 to fund major capital projects. These moves help pay for long-term needs and can influence future rate paths. See coverage of the state approval of CFPUA revenue bonds.
Ready to navigate utilities with confidence as you buy or sell in Wilmington? For practical guidance woven into your closing timeline, connect with Lisa Rivera and the Avalon Realty Group team.
FAQs
Who pays CFPUA bills at real estate closing in Wilmington?
- Responsibility stays with the account holder until CFPUA processes a transfer or the Seller Closing Disclosure. Submit the disclosure before closing to automate the switch. See Applications and Forms.
How does an irrigation meter affect CFPUA sewer charges?
- A separate irrigation meter is billed at a dedicated irrigation rate and avoids sewer charges on outdoor water. Review details on the Irrigation and Conservation page.
What is CFPUA doing about PFAS in Wilmington’s water?
- CFPUA tests for more than 70 PFAS, uses GAC and RO where appropriate, and posts results and updates on the Emerging Compounds page. See the federal PFAS rule overview for national standards and timelines.
What should I review on a CFPUA bill before buying a home?
- Check account number, current balance, recent usage, sewer charges, whether there is a separate irrigation meter, and any backflow requirements. Use Understanding Your Bill to read each line item.
Where can I get help if I am behind on my CFPUA bill?
- CFPUA Assist and partner agencies provide emergency assistance. Start with the Financial Assistance page for program details and contacts.
