UPDATE: The Kannapolis City Council has just unveiled a comprehensive capital improvement plan (CIP) aimed at transforming the city’s water and sewer management through 2050. During a crucial presentation by Water Resources Director Alex Anderson, officials detailed immediate and long-term strategies to meet escalating water demands.
With current water usage at 6.5 million gallons per day, projections indicate that this figure could surge to between 12 million and 14 million gallons per day by 2050 due to anticipated population growth. Anderson emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades to accommodate this demand, highlighting that without intervention, water systems could face severe constraints decade by decade.
The finalized CIP will be integrated into budget discussions in May and June, focusing on essential repairs and assessments of both water and wastewater systems. “We have the ability to get the water that we need, but we need to work on the pipelines,” Council member Naomi Hatchell stated, underscoring the critical nature of these upgrades.
Anderson presented alarming findings about the city’s water sources, revealing that Kannapolis Lake has lost 72 million gallons of storage capacity from 2002 to 2022 due to sedimentation issues. The current safe yield from the city’s reservoirs stands at 13.5 million gallons per day, but this could dip significantly under severe drought conditions, with projections estimating a maximum yield of just 7.3 million gallons per day during a 100-year drought.
The CIP outlines a strategy to secure additional water access from the Yadkin and Catawba Rivers, crucial for maintaining supply during dry spells. Plans include enhancing the Second Creek Pump Station and expanding treatment facilities to effectively double water withdrawal capabilities.
On the wastewater side, current flow is at 4.61 million gallons per day, with projections nearing 11 million gallons per day by 2050. The city plans to address this growth by expanding capacity through regional partnerships or constructing new facilities in Rowan County.
“If we activated all the IBT certificate would allow, we definitely could achieve what’s in there,” Anderson noted, referring to the city’s water sourcing capabilities.
The council’s discussion highlighted the importance of immediate action. Anderson stated that the CIP’s phased approach will prioritize projects that can be initiated within the next two years, particularly those related to the Catawba River. “We hope that no drought hits in 2026, but we definitely could begin to transfer water today from Coddle Creek,” he added, indicating the city’s proactive stance.
As water demands continue to rise, officials are urging residents to stay informed about upcoming projects and potential impacts on their communities. The CIP is set to provide clarity on costs and timelines for each initiative, ensuring that Kannapolis can meet its water and sewer challenges head-on.
The city council will continue discussions on this urgent plan, with significant developments expected in the coming months. Stay tuned as Kannapolis works to secure its water future.
