Lenoir takes another step toward $24.8 million, grant-funded water interconnection project

The longtime plan to connect Lenoir’s water system to Valdese’s took a small step forward at the Lenoir City Council meeting on Tuesday with the approval of a revision to the project budget to accept $24.8 million in various loans and grants.

The amendment was on the consent agenda and passed in a unanimous vote without discussion.

Regional water resiliency is the main goal. Through the interconnection project, Lenoir and Valdese will strengthen their respective water systems and reduce the risk of water service disruptions if disasters like Hurricane Helene damage either system.

Lenoir provides drinking water to the majority of Caldwell County, according to information from the city.

City of Lenoir Communication and Public Information Director Joshua Harris did not respond to The Paper before deadline.

“As a countywide and regional water supplier, the city recognizes the importance of resiliency and redundancy in its water supply system,” said city staff. “Currently, Lenoir does not have an interconnection with another water utility, making the establishment of an interconnection with the Town of Valdese a critical investment in regional water resiliency.”

The project benefits not only Lenoir, but Valdese.

Valdese has an enormous water system designed for a town full of manufacturing. The exodus of manufacturers led to fewer customers purchasing water, less water consumption, and a water system that required the same level of maintenance with less money to cover said maintenance.

“Every gallon of water we sell helps us maintain the system, because there are big costs that we have to pay for,” said Valdese Town Manager Todd Herms.

Valdese is permitted for 12 million gallons a day (MGD), Herms said. The current demand is for only 3 MGD, leaving capacity for up to 9 MGD.

Lenoir will draw 300,000 gallons per day when the project is complete, Herms said, unless the city requests more. Notice must be given in that case.

No work is required on Valdese’s end. Lenoir will be constructing the interconnection.