Pender County Utilities addresses customer concerns, error in water advisory

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Last month, WWAY reported on one Pender County community facing water quality issues. 

Officials with Pender County Utilities told us on Friday they’re working to resolve the issue as an additional water advisory and rate increase notification is sent out to customers this month. 

Pender County Utilites sending out an advisory warning of trihalomethanes that are higher than standard levels in the water supply.  

But officials said that letter has an error in the quantity. 

Rather than 0.68 mg/L it should say 0.068mg/L, which is below standard levels.  

All of this is happening at the same time the company is sending out notices of a rate increase. 

Pender County Utilities Director Anthony Colon said he understands customer concerns and is working to resolve them. 

“I can understand how the customers can be quite upset, being that this letter is coming out at the same time that the first new rates are being put out, but I assure you that the water is very safe to drink,” he said. 

TTHMs are potentially toxic chemicals that can form when chlorine and other disinfectants react with organic matter in water during water treatment. 

Colon added that PCU will be adding activated carbon to some wells to reduce organic material in the water that can create these compounds.