Construction is underway on a $12 million state-funded water infrastructure project aimed at delivering safe, regulated drinking water to Gray’s Creek Elementary School and Alderman Road Elementary School in Cumberland County.
The project, led by contractors working for the Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC), is designed to extend public water mains into the Gray’s Creek Water and Sewer District, addressing long-standing concerns about access to protected drinking water at both schools. Currently, the campuses are located outside the public water system and lack access to water regulated under state and federal standards.
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Officials said the upgraded system will not only serve the two elementary schools but also create opportunities to extend reliable drinking water service to nearby residents in the surrounding community.
“This project demonstrates our commitment to this community and ensures these schools have access to world-class drinking water,” said Timothy L. Bryant, CEO and general manager of the Fayetteville Public Works Commission. “We are not stopping there; this project will have the ability to serve all the residents of Gray’s Creek.”
Construction began in November and is expected to continue through May 2026. T.A. Loving is serving as the project contractor, with crews installing new water mains and related infrastructure primarily within public rights-of-way.
A construction map released by PWC shows work occurring along School Road and Alderman Road, which provide direct access to Gray’s Creek Elementary and Alderman Road Elementary. Officials noted that while some driveways may be temporarily excavated during construction, access will be restored by the end of each workday.
Roadways are expected to remain open throughout the project, with no lane closures or driveway restrictions planned during school drop-off and pickup times. To minimize disruptions, crews will use specialized boring equipment to install water lines beneath roadways rather than excavating across traffic lanes.
Work is scheduled Monday through Saturday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Residents may notice increased activity along public rights-of-way, including temporary fencing, easement clearing, and staging areas. Permanent restoration of grass and driveways will occur later in the project.
PWC officials emphasized that the new water supply will meet or exceed all state and federal drinking water standards. The utility also noted that its water intake point is located upstream of known GenX groundwater contamination in the Gray’s Creek area.
In addition, PWC is upgrading its drinking water treatment facilities with granular activated carbon filtration to comply with federal regulations addressing PFAS — a class of long-lasting chemicals commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.”
County officials said funding from the American Rescue Plan Act may be used to help expand water service beyond the schools to additional areas within the Gray’s Creek Water and Sewer District. The county plans to work with residents to identify funding options to help offset connection fees.
Additional project details, including construction maps, anticipated impacts, and resident notices, are available through the Fayetteville Public Works Commission.
Originally reported by Dasia Williams in City View NC.
