A new infrastructure report delivered encouraging news for residents across Southern Pines and Moore County. Consultants say the town’s water and sewer systems — covering more than 500 miles of pipes — remain in strong condition thanks to decades of maintenance and investment.
Engineering consultant Eddie Staley of WithersRavenel presented the findings to the Southern Pines Town Council, noting the systems represent more than $550 million in infrastructure assets. Council members unanimously approved updated Asset Management Plans along with a new 10-year Capital Improvement Plan to keep the systems reliable.
Sewer System Assessment
The town maintains a sewer network that includes 151 miles of sewer mains, 12.5 miles of force mains, 3,743 manholes, and 19 lift stations, representing an asset valued at roughly $250 million.
According to the report, about 64 percent of sewer gravity mains are rated “very good,” while another 19 percent fall into the “good” category. Only about 10 percent are considered poor or very poor.
Recommended improvements include continued flow monitoring, hydraulic model updates, and reducing infiltration from aging pipes. Planned projects include annual sewer rehabilitation, a line relocation near Longleaf Golf and Family Club, and upgrades to the Warrior Woods pump station.
Water System Performance
Southern Pines’ water system also received high marks. The system includes 253 miles of water mains, more than 5,000 valves, 1,628 fire hydrants, four storage tanks, four wells, and two pump stations — totaling more than $300 million in infrastructure.
Less than one percent of water mains, valves, or hydrants were rated in poor condition.
The town’s improvement plan includes ongoing waterline replacements, upgrades along Midland Road, and a planned booster pump station near U.S. 1. Additional recommendations include expanded fire-flow testing, pressure monitoring, and a regular valve-exercise program.
Some of the analysis work was supported by grants from the North Carolina Division of Water Infrastructure, helping the town update GIS mapping, hydraulic models, and system risk assessments.
Residents can learn more about town utilities at the Southern Pines town website.
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