Sanford, NC – TriRiver Water closed on the purchase of approximately 50 acres of land on Iron Furnace Road across from the Big Buffalo Water Reclamation Facility on July 28, 2026, securing the space needed for a future expansion that will increase wastewater treatment capacity.
Big Buffalo Water Reclamation Facility currently has the capacity to treat up to 12 million gallons of wastewater per day. Preliminary plans call for expanding the facility’s treatment capacity to approximately 18 million gallons per day—a 50% increase.
“Reliable wastewater infrastructure is essential to the health, quality of life and economic future of our communities,” Sanford Assistant City Manager Vic Czar said. “Purchasing this property gives TriRiver Water the space needed to accommodate the region’s long-term wastewater needs before existing capacity becomes a limitation on responsible growth.”
Plans to expand Big Buffalo remain in the early stages and may change as engineering, permitting and design work progress. The plans will also be subject to City Council approval. TriRiver Water currently anticipates beginning engineering and design in 2027, starting construction in 2029, and completing construction in 2033.
“Major infrastructure projects require years of planning, design, permitting and construction,” Czar said. “Acting early allows TriRiver Water to prepare responsibly, evaluate the project carefully, and ensure that wastewater capacity keeps pace with the communities we serve.”
TriRiver Water purchased the 50 acres for approximately $3.3 million. Revenue from system development fees will be used to finance the acquisition.
System development fees are one-time charges collected in connection with new development and system expansion. These funds are used to help support the additional treatment capacity and infrastructure needed as the region grows.
The land purchase does not represent the beginning of construction. Instead, it is an early planning step that secures the property necessary for the project while engineering and design work move forward.