The town of Hillsborough has proposed a new stormwater utility and fees.

The stormwater utility would help the town improve its current system and pay for improvements.

“We’ve been concerned about stormwater for quite some time,” said Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens, “it’s the largest source of pollution.”

The town is hoping to reduce the amount of pollution that reaches Falls Lake and the Eno River, which is the town’s main source of drinking water.

“This is something we really need to deal with, it’s the quality of drinking water,” said Stevens. “And a lot of that has to do with, two things, it’s nutrients that go into the water, it’s runoff from farms.”

Pollutants in the water can affect local eco-systems and make it more difficult for water treatment plants.

The fees will be based on property type. Non-residential properties will pay on a tiered system depending on property size, while residential homes will be charged a $50 flat fee.

“It takes years to deal with this, we are well along our way but as we are seeing more construction and development in this area we are seeing the stormwater doesn’t get any better,” said Stevens.

A public information meeting will take place on January 26 at Hillsborough’s Town Hall.

Related Stories
‹
Hillsborough to Resume Water Disconnections, Utility and Tax Penalties in August
The Town of Hillsborough will resume disconnecting water service and imposing penalties for delinquent utility and tax accounts in less than two months. The town’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance at its latest meeting to discontinue the stay placed on such costs and protocols beginning August 1. Past-due water and sewer accounts will begin accruing […]
Demolitions Continue Along Churton Street in Hillsborough
Downtown demolitions in Hillsborough are proceeding as part of an infrastructure overhaul project intended to provide additional accessibility options for disabled people. Motorists that traveled along North Churton Street between West King Street and Brick Alley last week were treated to the sight of an excavator dismantling a nearby sidewalk. Other construction vehicles will accompany […]
Sidewalk Demolition Planned for Churton Street in Hillsborough
An area redevelopment project in Hillsborough is currently underway, with stormwater piping having recently been installed at the site of a planned bus stop on Churton Street. According to a news release from the municipal government, contracting crews will begin laying asphalt at that site and demolishing a nearby sidewalk on Monday. The labor is […]
Hillsborough Officials Announce Temporary Water Pressure Increase
Town officials in Hillsborough are advising residents to be aware of pressure changes in the water system that are likely to manifest during a utility transition period scheduled for this week. Due to recent water line improvements, a shift in service sectors will take place beginning on Monday for customers in the Forest Ridge subdivision […]
Road Repairs Planned for Hillsborough Cemetery
Residents of Hillsborough who wish to pay their respects to the deceased at the town cemetery this week may experience minor inconveniences due to planned construction. According to a news release from the municipal government, repairs to a portion of road at the cemetery and a stormwater pipe underneath it will begin on Tuesday and […]
Hillsborough Officials Announce Improvements for Local Park
Town officials in Hillsborough announced plans last week to replace a rock-laden stormwater drainage swale at Cates Creek Park with a plant-lined rain garden. According to the announcement, the purpose of the rain garden is to “act as a bioretention area by allowing collected [stormwater] runoff to soak into the ground.” The park will remain […]
5,500 Gallons of Untreated Sewage Reach Eno River
An estimated 5,500 gallons of untreated sewage reached the Eno River in Hillsborough Wednesday afternoon, according to town officials. Heavy rain caused flooding which closed the Riverwalk greenway and Gold Park before the sewer overflows. A release from the town says five manholes along the Eno River sewer outfall overflowed around 2:30 Wednesday afternoon due […]
Thanksgiving Holiday to Affect Local Government Services in Orange County (2025)
Thanksgiving will fall on Thursday, November 27 this year, and the holiday will affect several local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s a rundown of what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 are both town holidays. Residential trash collection will not be affected. However, there […]
Hillsborough: ICE in The Triangle, Plate Readers, Community Events
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, November 18, discussing town news and events. He talked about reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers being in Hillsborough. He also clarified the town's use of license plate reading technology, previewed some upcoming community events, and more.
Hillsborough: Veterans Day, Cold Weather, UPROAR Art Installed
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, November 11, discussing town news and events. He discussed Veteran's Day, and his participation in an Orange County event earlier in the day. He also discussed cold weather shelters and a food distribution event from last weekend. He talked about the installation UPROAR art in the town's sculpture garden, and more.
›