Solving Inequities
Clean Water
Problem
For years, Black residents in Brunswick County have been left off the public water system, as developers have been able to obtain clean water hookups free of charge for all of their residents.
Residents have been told that they can pay to hook up to the water system, but connection fees are at least $2,000 per household and that is if the waterline is already running down that neighborhood's street. The residents pay taxes to the county, which creates an obligation to provide that basic service, stated the attorney Ms. Jordan, who was hired by the NAACP.
Advocated Solutions
NAACP President Carl Parker has been asking the Brunswick County Commisioners for clean water for years, attending meetings, and bringing petitions from local residents to the County Commissioners, writing letters and speaking with reporters.
The County officials have applied for grants; they state they face a roadblock because Brunswick County is a Tier 3 County economically, despite having areas of poverty. In 2024, a grant that had been approved was later canceled as part of the federal funding review process.
Private wells face severe quality issues, contaminated by GenX chemicals dumped into the Cape Fear River Basin. For families in marginalized areas lacking county infrastructure, these conditions are unmanageable. Many are forced to rely on commercial laundromats simply to prevent rust from ruining their clothing.
Petition Status
Limited Obligation Bonds 2026 Financing Proposal
On June 1, 2026, the BC NAACP submitted a formal petition to the Board of Commissioners. We urged a commitment of $70 million over five years ($14 million annually) to: 1) Expand safe drinking water to marginalized zones; 2) Remediate toxic wells and broken private utilities; 3) Guarantee fair access to sewage systems; and 4) Focus on neighborhoods historically denied local funding.The BC NAACP demands justice and parity - ensuring every resident can benefit from the same essential water resources that other local citizens utilize today.
The Brunswick County Board of
Commissioners Voted against the
Petition..