5 Critical Infrastructure Projects And Water Quality Initiatives Driving The Broad River Water Authority In 2025
The Broad River Water Authority (BRWA), a critical provider of essential drinking water services in Western North Carolina, has entered the 2025 fiscal year with a highly ambitious agenda focused on modernizing infrastructure, securing emergency funding, and maintaining top-tier water quality. As of late 2025, the Authority is actively implementing its new Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and has recently secured major state funding through the North Carolina General Assembly, signaling a significant period of investment and growth for the region it serves. This deep dive explores the five most critical initiatives currently shaping the BRWA’s operations and the future of water reliability in the Broad River Basin.
Formed in 1999, the BRWA was established by local officials with a vision for local control over their water resources, moving away from previous arrangements to ensure the health, environment, and economy of their service areas were protected. The Authority operates as a local government entity, overseen by a dedicated Board of Directors, and is headquartered in Spindale, North Carolina.
Broad River Water Authority: Biography and Key Leadership Profile
The Broad River Water Authority (BRWA) is governed by a board of eight directors, with two representatives from each of the participating local governments, ensuring local accountability and oversight. The Authority’s leadership is instrumental in navigating complex state regulations, securing funding, and managing the extensive water infrastructure.
- Type of Entity: Local Government Entity (Water Authority)
- Location (Headquarters): Spindale, North Carolina
- Year Founded: 1999
- Water Source: Broad River (Surface Water)
- Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Location: Rutherfordton, NC
- Governing Body: Eight-member Board of Directors
- Key Personnel (2025):
- Maria Hunnicutt: General Manager of BRWA and President of the North Carolina Rural Water Association (NCRWA). Ms. Hunnicutt is a frequent speaker on utility financial planning and capital improvement strategies.
- Tommy Hardin: Chairman of the BRWA Board.
- Rob Bole: Vice-Chairman and Treasurer.
- Rus Scherer: Board Member.
- Mission: To provide valuable drinking water services essential to the community's health, environment, and economy.
1. Securing Major Disaster Recovery Funding via NC Session Law 2024-53
One of the most significant and timely developments for the Authority in 2025 is the acceptance of a major grant offer tied to North Carolina Session Law 2024-53. This legislation, officially known as the "Disaster Recovery Act of 2024 – Part II," was enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly to provide crucial appropriations and support for infrastructure recovery following major weather events, such as the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
The BRWA Board formally accepted this grant, which is intended to fund necessary fiscal actions and infrastructure improvements to ensure continued and improved service to its customers. While the precise dollar amount is often detailed in internal documents, the nature of the funding—focused on disaster relief and emergency infrastructure—highlights the Authority's commitment to resilience against increasing environmental challenges. This funding is critical for capital projects that may be required to protect the Authority’s net investment in capital assets, including the water treatment facility and extensive water distribution network.
2. Implementation of the 2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
The foundation of the BRWA's future reliability rests on its multi-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), with the latest iteration becoming effective on July 1, 2025. The CIP is a comprehensive financial and operational strategy that identifies capital projects, equipment purchases, and the funding sources required to maintain and expand the water system.
Focus Areas of the 2025 CIP
The Authority’s CIP is designed to address long-term sustainability and immediate needs. Key components include investment in the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) located near Rutherfordton, waterline expansion, and the replacement of aging infrastructure.
- Infrastructure Modernization: Continuous investment in capital assets like land, buildings, and the treatment facility is paramount. This ensures the Authority can handle current demands and prepare for future growth across its service area.
- Financial Strategy: The plan outlines the three major funding sources for the CIP, which typically include operating revenues, bond issuance, and state/federal grants, such as the recent Session Law 2024-53 grant.
- Service Expansion: The CIP often includes specific waterline expansion projects, which are vital for bringing reliable water service to underserved areas and supporting new economic development within Rutherford County.
3. The "Lead Safe Community" and 2025 Compliance Push
In line with stricter federal regulations, the BRWA is heavily invested in its "Lead Safe Community" project, a crucial public health initiative. This effort is directly related to compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S. EPA) Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) revisions.
A major focus in 2025 is the identification and inventory of lead service lines throughout the system. The Authority has proactively reached out to customers—specifically those whose homes or businesses were constructed prior to March 1987—to complete a survey. This data collection is essential for developing a comprehensive lead service line replacement plan, a critical component of the Authority's commitment to water safety. Furthermore, the next scheduled Lead and Copper sampling is due in 2025, ensuring continuous monitoring of water quality.
4. Maintaining High Water Quality Standards (2024 Report Highlights)
The BRWA's primary responsibility is providing clean, safe drinking water that meets or exceeds North Carolina state regulatory standards. The Authority sources its water from the Broad River, utilizing its Water Treatment Plant in Rutherfordton, NC, which employs rigorous treatment processes before distribution.
The Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2024 confirmed that the Authority’s water met all primary health standards. The Authority continually monitors water quality at the WTP and various representative points in the distribution system. This commitment is vital not only for its direct customers but also for partner entities that purchase water wholesale, such as the Inman-Campobello Water District (ICWD) and the Spartanburg Water System (SWS). The availability of the complete Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) report online provides transparency and allows the public to review the protective measures in place for the Broad River source water.
5. Enhancing Customer Service and Digital Access
Recognizing the need for modern, convenient customer interactions, the BRWA has launched a new customer portal. This digital upgrade is a key operational improvement for 2025, streamlining essential services for residents and businesses across the service area, which includes the Towns of Spindale and Rutherfordton, and the Cliffside Sanitary District.
The new customer portal allows users to:
- Make Payments: Providing a secure and efficient way to handle billing.
- Obtain New Water Service: Simplifying the process for new residents and commercial enterprises to connect to the system.
- Access Rates & Fees: Offering transparent information on current tariffs and charges.
These improvements reflect a broader trend in utility management to leverage technology for greater efficiency and enhanced customer satisfaction, ensuring that the Authority remains accessible and responsive to the community it serves. The Authority's overall mission—to provide essential services for the community's health, environment, and economy—is directly supported by these digital and infrastructure investments.
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