History

The Broad River Water Authority (BRWA) is a local government entity that was founded in 1999 by local officials who had a vision for local control of their own water resources. The young company issued bonds and purchased the Duke Power Company’s Rutherford Water System in December of 2000. The water system includes a modern water plant located on our water source, the Broad River, one of the cleanest and most dependable rivers in North Carolina. The distribution system serves the Towns of Ruth, Rutherfordton, and Spindale; and many other areas of the county such as the Cliffside and Harris Communities.

As a local government utility formed under the North Carolina Water and Sewer Authorities Act (N.C.G.S. 162A), the BRWA is overseen by a board of eight directors, two each appointed for three-year terms by the governing elected commissions from the Towns of Ruth, Rutherfordton, and Spindale; and the County of Rutherford. Meetings, which are always open to the public, are held monthly, usually on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 9:00 AM at the administration offices located at 112 N Main Street in Rutherfordton. Every meeting provides an opportunity for any person to address the Board on any matter of inquiry or concern. The Board sets policy and rates, adopts an annual budget, and hires a General Manager to carry out policy, make recommendations and administer the daily activities of the water system’s operation. The water system is currently managed by Maria Hunnicutt (Executive Director), Reid Hammett (Distribution Superintendent), and Brad Joyner (Water Plant Superintendent).

Please see the BRWA Fact Sheet below for a comprehensive overview of the utility.