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WINTON – Help is on the way to Hertford County citizens living in a residential neighborhood along NC 461 who are experiencing issues with their private water wells .

At their Feb. 6 meeting, the Hertford County Board of Commissioners approved a measure that would extend the county’s public water lines to homes located on Peachtree Lane. That residential area is between St. John and Union, southwest of Lewter Farm Road.

Hertford County Manager David Cotton said there are approximately 15 homes on Peachtree Lane.

“The residents there have expressed their concerns for reliable potable water wells becoming unproductive and cost prohibitive to drill new wells,” Cotton said.

He added that he worked with the county’s Rural Water District Director. They calculated approximately 1,550 linear feet of pipe is needed to extend the water line into the residential area.

Currently there is a county-owned six-inch water line passing by the entrance to Peachtree Lane from NC 461.

He estimated the cost of extending the line would be $91,255.

“I would recommend soliciting bids for the actual construction costs,” Cotton said. “If you wish to proceed from that point, then I would recommend using some of our ARP (American Rescue Plan) funds to pay for this project.”

Cotton noted that the county has $3 million of ARP funds to spend.

“Commissioner [John] Horton has been working diligently on this project for the constituents in his district,” said Commission Chairman Andre Lassiter.

“I did talk yesterday with a resident there and they are very pleased that the county is considering helping them with their problems with water,” Horton stated. “One lady there told me it would cost $6,500 per household to fix their problems. To a lot of residents of that community that cost is prohibitive.

“I’m so excited that this board chose to help them and I appreciate the work of our county manager to assist them,” Horton added.

The board approved the measure without objection.