After more than 10 years of planning, New Hanover County and Wilmington's water and sewer systems have officially merged to become the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority. The merger is expected to better prepare our area for growth, and address issues with our aging infrastructure. From here on out, county and city residents will be billed jointly for their water and sewer use. New rates are taking effect immediately. Wilmington mayor Bill Saffo said, "Based on the sewer spills and the issues that we had with the system, I thought it was high time that we spoke with one voice with everybody at the table and this authority will help us do that." Cape Fear Public Utilities Authority is looking to spend around $400 million over the next 10 years on sewer system improvements.