Letter to the editor: NC's water supply issues

First published in the Brunswick Beacon, 07.16.26

North Carolina’s water supply is under growing strain, and a major reason is the policy direction chosen by our state legislature. Lawmakers have repeatedly advanced bills that encourage rapid growth, weaken oversight and prioritize corporate expansion over the basic needs of North Carolina families.

First, the legislature continues to push aggressive development without requiring the infrastructure needed to support it. Cities and counties are pressured to expand housing, industry and commercial projects even when local water systems are already stretched thin.

Second, by rolling back the state’s carbon reduction goals and advancing policies that exacerbate the effects of climate change, lawmakers are contributing to hotter, drier conditions that intensify water shortages. The North Carolina State Climate Office has documented how rising temperatures increase drought risk across the state. When legislators choose policies that amplify heat and reduce rainfall reliability, they are choosing to increase the chances of droughts like what we are experiencing currently.

Third, although the legislature is now trying to restrict new data center construction, it previously encouraged their growth through tax incentives. These facilities use large amounts of electricity and significant amounts of water. With 95 already operating in North Carolina, it’s time to pause any further development until we can ensure our water supply can support them.

Finally, lawmakers have repeatedly failed to enforce, and in some cases have weakened regulations, that protect the state’s drinking water from industrial toxins.

North Carolinians deserve a safe, reliable water supply. Our state legislators should protect the public, not undermine it.

Larry Widman

Leland