At Chad Johnson Orthodontics, your smile is our passion. Our orthodontists provide you with the best care possible in Harrisburg, all from a stress-free, comfortable setting. We know how much of a difference a beautiful smile can make, which is why we are so passionate about giving our clients a smile they love forever.
Having served metro Harrisburg for years, we know that no two patients have the same orthodontic needs. That's why we offer a variety of treatment options to correct each patient's unique concerns, along with payment plans that make braces affordable for every family. You can rest easy knowing that our team specializes in the latest innovations in the field of orthodontics. This allows us to treat our patients in the most efficient, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing ways possible.
A few of our orthodontic treatment options in Harrisburg include:
- Invisalign®
- Invisalign® Teen
- Clear Braces
- Traditional Braces
- Early Treatment
- Adult Treatment
If you're looking for an orthodontist in Harrisburg, NC, who is professional, trustworthy, and compassionate, look no further than Chad Johnson Orthodontics. Your pathway to a beautiful smile starts by choosing the treatment options best for your lifestyle.
Invisalign Treatment in Harrisburg, NC
Over the last few years, Invisalign has become one of the most effective and popular orthodontic treatments in North Carolina. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and discreet way to realign your teeth, Invisalign should be at the top of your list.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a treatment used by the best orthodontists in Harrisburg. It straightens patients' teeth without the metal components of traditional braces. Invisalign works by using a variety of custom trays that cover your teeth. These trays gently pull your teeth into proper alignment over time. Each custom tray brings your teeth closer to their final position, resulting in a beautiful smile. Unlike braces, treatment times typically don't exceed two years. Once treatment is complete, you may need a retainer to maintain your new, healthy teeth alignment.
Since they are clear, most patients find Invisalign less noticeable than traditional braces. Unlike metal braces, you can remove Invisalign trays while eating. That way, you don't have to worry about damaging your investment with certain foods like chewing gum. And unlike metal braces, Invisalign options are popular with people of all ages, from teens to adults.
Invisalign works well for patients who have:
- Spaced or gapped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Underbites, crossbites, and overbites
How Does Invisalign Work?
For most patients, Invisalign involves a streamlined, three-step process:
- 1 Initial Consultation - You consult with your Invisalign orthodontist in Harrisburg, NC. During this meeting, your doctor will take a 3D digital scan of your teeth. Once complete, they will create a custom, comprehensive treatment plan to achieve your goals. The best part? Before you leave, they will give you a sneak peek at what your new smile will look like.
- 2 First Fitting - After your Invisalign consultation at Chad Johnson Orthodontics, we will make sure your custom aligners fit properly. If you have any questions, your first fitting is a great time to ask. Before you leave, your doctor will let you know what to expect in the coming weeks and months. Treatment completion times will vary, but many patients see results in only a few weeks. During this time frame, you will check in with your orthodontist regularly.
- 3Love Your Smile - Once your Invisalign treatment is finished, it's time to show off your shiny new smile to friends, family, and loved ones! Before you wrap up treatment, ask your orthodontist if you need to use a retainer to maintain your newly straightened teeth. After all, the last thing you want is for your teeth to shift gradually back into their original positions.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces - Which is Right for You?
With so many innovating teeth straightening options in North Carolina, it can be hard to settle on the best treatment choice for your needs. At Chad Johnson Orthodontics, one of our most asked questions usually involves which treatment is better: traditional braces or Invisalign? Since every patient has different goals and needs, that question isn't always easy to answer.
A younger patient with slightly crooked teeth might benefit from the discreet features of Invisalign. Conversely, an older patient with a severe underbite might benefit more from the reliability of traditional braces.
Keep in mind the following points, which will give you a great knowledge base for orthodontic consultation:
Are They Removable? Invisalign trays can be removed. Traditional braces cannon.
Treatment Length: Invisalign treatment can last from six months to two years. Treatment times for traditional braces usually last from one to three years. Each time frame can vary depending on the severity of the patient's teeth problems.
Orthodontic Visits: With Invisalign, patients visit their Invisalign dentist in Harrisburg, NC, every three months. Patients can expect to visit every month or every other month when choosing metal braces.
Cleaning: Regular brushing and flossing is recommended for Invisalign patients. A specialized floss threading tool and regular brushing and flossing are recommended for patients with traditional braces.
Benefits: Invisalign is comfortable and discreet. Because trays are removable, there are no food restrictions involved. Traditional braces offer consistent progress, are effective for severe cases, have great reliability, and can be the best choice for patients who are sticking to a strict budget. Ready to learn more about Invisalign from Chad Johnson Orthodontics? Our knowledgeable customer service team is ready and waiting to answer your questions. When you're ready to move forward, we'll get you scheduled for your first consultation. Before you know it, you'll be fitted for Invisalign and on your way to earning a gorgeous smile.
Adult Orthodontic Treatment in Harrisburg, NC
Are you craving a beautiful smile but feel like the time has passed for metal braces? You wouldn't be the first adult to ask that question, and you won't be the last. However, the truth is that roughly 25% of our orthodontic patients are adults, not children. At Chad Johnson Orthodontics, you're never too old for braces!
We want you to know that a stunning, healthy smile is attainable no matter how many birthdays you've had. Our orthodontist in Harrisburg, NC, offers braces that are perfect for busy working adults. If you decide that adult braces are the way to go, you have plenty of options to consider.
From traditional metal braces that offer reliable results to more popular Invisalign treatments, a new smile is more attainable than you might imagine. During your initial visit at Chad Johnson Orthodontics, your doctor will review all of your treatment options and help you choose a plan best suited to your needs.
Benefits of Adult Braces
Just about everybody understands that a straighter smile is more appealing aesthetically than having unhealthy teeth. However, not everyone knows that properly aligned teeth actually improve your overall oral health. Here are just a few reasons why so many adults in Harrisburg are changing the way they think about using adult braces:
Better Oral Health: When you have bad oral hygiene, there are a number of concerning health risks to consider. Misaligned teeth can cause bacteria to build up. Over time, harmful bacteria wreak havoc on your teeth, creating problems like tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Thankfully, orthodontic treatments are available that can help avoid severe tooth decay, gum recession, and bone loss. You can even reduce and prevent irregular tooth enamel loss stemming from TMD and TMJ.
More Confidence: If you're feeling self-conscious about how your teeth look, you're the only one. Millions of Americans aren't happy with their oral aesthetics. Luckily, adult braces help restore confidence and can give you a smile you're proud to show off. Studies show that when you like the way your teeth look, you'll be more likely to smile. This simple act reduces stress, makes you feel happier, and can even improve your mental health. Plus, it makes people around you feel great too!
Enjoy More Foods: If you have never had serious oral issues, you might not know that eating can be painful with misaligned teeth. Adult braces can straighten your teeth and correct under and overbites for patients with severely crooked or crowded teeth. When you don't have to worry about painful chewing or biting, life is better, and you can enjoy the experience of eating any delicious meal you'd like.
Less Bad Breath: Few things are nastier than someone talking to you with bad breath. We've all been there, but it is never any less embarrassing when someone tries to subtlety offer you a mint. What most folks don't know is that misaligned teeth and bad breath go hand-in-hand. When your teeth are overcrowded or crooked, bacteria find their way between your teeth where toothbrushes can't reach. Over time, that bacteria builds up, and your breath begins to smell. When left unchecked, these bacteria can cause serious oral health problems.
Improved Speech: Having crooked teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. Unfortunately, they can also affect your day-to-day speech. If you're having problems pronouncing words because your teeth are severely misaligned, adult braces can legitimately change your life. This fact is especially true for working professionals who take part in Zoom calls, speak publicly, or work over the phone. If this sounds like you, speak to our trusted Invisalign orthodontist in Harrisburg, NC, about discreet ways to improve your speech and oral health at the same time.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Your child's early and teen years are a great time to consider braces. According to The American Association of Orthodontists, the best time for a child to have their first orthodontic treatment is by seven. With early orthodontic treatment, you have the chance to find and correct oral issues before they become more serious. Doing so gives your child a leg-up on other kids their age while saving you time and money in the long run.
The primary goal of early orthodontic treatments is to:
- Spot the possible oral issue
- Eliminate the cause
- Oversee jaw and facial growth
- Ensure adult teeth develop properly
Depending on how your child's teeth develop, they may need additional orthodontic care after their permanent teeth have formed.
A few common orthodontic problems that may require treatment for children include:
- Excessively spaced teeth
- Extra teeth
- Missing teeth
- Extremely crowded teeth
- Teeth that do not meet properly or don't meet at all
- Pacifier, finger, or thumb-sucking that affects your child's jaw or teeth growth
- Underbites - this occurs when your child's front lower teeth are ahead of their front upper teeth.
- Crossbites - this happens when your child's jaw shifts to one side.
The best way to learn whether your child will need early treatment is to consult with your orthodontist in Harrisburg, NC. Dr. Johnson, Dr. Martin C. Avey, Dr. Alexandra D. Best, and Dr. Neal Patel are all highly trained to spot subtle problems, even in children under ten. During your child's initial consultation, you can expect one of three outcomes:
- There is a problem that child braces may correct while your child is younger.
- Treatment may be necessary in the future. Our team will keep an eye on your child's oral health each time they visit.
- There is no treatment necessary at this age
If early orthodontic treatment is needed, we will create a personalized treatment plan for your child so you know exactly what lies ahead.
Brace Yourself for an Amazing Smile with Chad Johnson Orthodontics
Our orthodontic practice in Harrisburg does things a little differently than others. Our doctors want to get to know you, your family, and your oral health goals. With more than 30 years of combined experience, we know that each smile our doctors help create is as unique as the person it belongs to.
That's why our practice offers several orthodontic solutions customized to your individual orthodontic needs. If you're a new patient, we know you probably have important questions that need answers. That's why new patients always receive a complimentary orthodontic consultation, so you can learn about the best treatment options for your budget and lifestyle.
At the end of the day, our goal is to make access to orthodontic treatment as available, effective, and easy as possible. Come experience why so many children, teens, and adults trust Chad Johnson Orthodontics with their oral health needs. We'd love to get to know you and your smile better today!
704-454-5500
Free Consultation
Latest News in Harrisburg, NC
Lenoir-Rhyne Football Grabs 38 on National Signing Day
Jason Savage – Sports Directorhttps://whky.com/lenoir-rhyne-football-grabs-38-on-national-signing-day/
On National Signing Day 2023, 38 young men have a new home with the Lenoir-Rhyne football program.“I am excited about the quality of depth of the players we signed,” said Head Coach Mike Jacobs. “Bears Nation should be excited about the depth these young men will provide our program.”The defensive side of the ball allured the most number of talent with 18 players joining the Bears, with the linebackers being the lead position group this year with six signees. The offense accumulated 16 new athletes, with...
On National Signing Day 2023, 38 young men have a new home with the Lenoir-Rhyne football program.
“I am excited about the quality of depth of the players we signed,” said Head Coach Mike Jacobs. “Bears Nation should be excited about the depth these young men will provide our program.”
The defensive side of the ball allured the most number of talent with 18 players joining the Bears, with the linebackers being the lead position group this year with six signees. The offense accumulated 16 new athletes, with the wide receivers loading up with five new players this year. Lastly, special teams added four new members to the roster with all being listed as possible kickers.
2023 National Signing Day Signees with Lenoir-Rhyne Name Position Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School Amari McArthur WR 6’2″ 190 Spencer, N.C./North Rowan HS Adonis McDaniel WR 5’10” 160 Winnsboro, S.C./Ridge View HS Khamoni Robinson QB 6’1″ 180 Monroe, N.C./Monroe HS Khary Morrow SAM 5’10” 190 Fairburn, Ga./Creekside HS Knox Henderson DT 6’1″ 270 Powder Springs, Ga./Hillgrove HS Deshaun Whitmire SAF 6’0″ 175 Arden, N.C./Asheville HS Jack Moseley TE 6’3″ 235 Columbia, S.C./A.C. Flora HS Jadyn Johnson SAF 5’11” 175 Hopkins, S.C./Brookland-Cayce HS Jordan Herndon LB 5’11” 210 Conyers, S.C./Salem HS Jake Brown K/P 5’8″ 170 Indian Trail, N.C./Sun Valley HS Sean McFarland OL 6’2″ 265 Waxhaw, N.C./Marvin Ridge HS Tony Saylor OL 6’2″ 300 Smyma, Ga./Langston Hughes HS Jahreece Lynch SAF 6’0″ 170 Mt. Airy, N.C./North Surry HS Marqies McCombs RB 5’8″ 180 Ellenboro, N.C./Chase HS Alec Hall LB 6’2″ 193 Newton, N.C./Maiden HS Kamadi Maxwell WR 5’11” 170 Lexington, S.C./Lexington HS Joey Evans LB 6’2″ 200 Orlando, Fla./Olympia HS Luke Gilbertson LB 6’0″ 195 Harrisburg, N.C./Hickory Ridge HS Kensen Davis OL 6’2″ 280 Cherokee, N.C./Cherokee HS Brick Bowen K/P 6’1″ 195 Burlington, N.C./Williams HS JB Robbins WR 6’0″ 170 Lenoir, N.C./South Caldwell HS Taye Spencer RB 5’8″ 185 Rockingham, N.C./Richmond HS Coby Wilson WR 6’3″ 165 Lenoir, N.C./Hibriten HS Parker Davis SAM 6’3″ 190 Denver, N.C./East Lincoln HS Angus Weaver LB 5’10” 195 Columbus, N.C./Polk County HS Stewart Simmons K Newton, N.C./Fred T. Foard HS Ben Watson LB Newton, N.C./Newton-Conover HS Ean Ryans CB 5’9″ 170 Greenwood, S.C./Emerald HS Grayson Jenkins SAF 6’0″ 175 Social Circle, Ga./Social Circle HS Trey Shearer DB 6’1″ 170 Spindale, N.C./RS Central HS Victory Atkins CB 5’11” 153 Moore, S.C./Riverside HS Elijah Roberts OL 6’1″ 280 Liberty, S.C./Pickens HS Langston Scott LB 5’11” 190 Greenville, S.C./Eastside HS Matthew Pethel TE 6’6″ 220 Arden, N.C./Christ School Walker Brondos K 6’1″ 172 Wilkesboro, N.C./West Wilkes HS Avonte Grant ATH 5’11” 175 Columbia, S.C./Richland Northeast HS Bryson Thomas DL 6’3″ 255 High Point, N.C./High Point Christian Academy Randan Clarke TE 6’3″ 220 Morganton, N.C./Patton HS
Talib Kweli, CIFIKA, renforshort & More – 2023 SXSW Music Weekly Roundup
Julia Pintohttps://www.sxsw.com/music/2023/talib-kweli-cifika-renforshort-more-2023-sxsw-music-weekly-roundup/
T-minus 18 days until the first day of the 2023 SXSW Music Festival and we have a fresh drop of new Showcasing Artists that will be taking the stage!Dive into this Thursday's Roundup with over 100 artists. Joining the lineup party, we have reputable MC/rapper who earned his accolades in the late 90s working with Mos Def and partnering with Hi-Tek in Black Star ...
T-minus 18 days until the first day of the 2023 SXSW Music Festival and we have a fresh drop of new Showcasing Artists that will be taking the stage!
Dive into this Thursday's Roundup with over 100 artists. Joining the lineup party, we have reputable MC/rapper who earned his accolades in the late 90s working with Mos Def and partnering with Hi-Tek in Black Star Tabli Kweli; boundary-pushing electronic artist that filters humanism through the celestial and futuristic CIFIKA; English-born, indie rock singer/songwriter Bartees Strange; legendary guitarist and founding member of The Doors Robby Krieger; Texas' own Hannah Jadagu with her debut album Apeture coming out in May; and many more.
As you mark off the days on your calendar towards March 13-18, here are some ways to get moving and grooving with our lineup:
Discover artists in this week's roundup below and get ready to pump up the jams!
New 2023 Showcasing Artists
49DMAN (Cleveland Heights OH) Adam Dodson (Austin TX) Addy the Baddy (Brooklyn NY) A Giant Dog (Austin TX) AJ, the One (Inglewood CA) Alonda Rich (Harrisburg PA) Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness (Dana Point CA) Arroyo Low (Los Angeles CA) AUTOBAHN (Houston TX) BackDrop Cinderella (Tokyo JAPAN) Bartees Strange (Washington DC) Benji. (Pittsburgh PA) Big Blanco (Rocky Mount NC) Big Haze (New Haven CT) Billlie (Seoul SOUTH KOREA) Billyracxx (Houston Texas TX) Brian Sella (The Front Bottoms) (Asbury Park NJ) Brody Price (Dallas TX) The Brothers Groove (Austin TX) Carson McHone (Austin TX) CIFIKA (Seoul SOUTH KOREA) Cowboy Diplomacy (Austin TX) CP Loony (Austin TX) CRL CRRLL (Denver CO) dem roots music (Houston TX) Diamond Dior Davenport (Austin TX) Diego Fresh (St. Louis MO) DJ Does IT All (Dallas TX) DJ Hella Yella (Austin TX) DJ Little Martin (Manchester UK-ENGLAND) DJ PAUL (Memphis TN) DJ Square (Houston TX) Erica Banks (Dallas TX) Erykah Officer (Miami FL) General Mealz (Chicago IL) Glass Spells (San Diego CA) Hannah Jadagu (Mesquite TX) Heavy Meddo (Austin TX) House of Lepore (Austin TX) Ir-Sais (Bonaire BONAIRE, SINT EUSTATIUS AND SABA) Jay-Way (Amsterdam NETHERLANDS) JET THE 3RD (Houston TX) Jim-E-O (Austin TX) JUANPORDIOS! (Bogotá COLOMBIA) Katie Malco (Northampton UK-ENGLAND) King Hester (Austin TX) La Cuneta Son Machin (Nicaragua NICARAGUA) Lady Midnight (Saint Paul MN) Lady Shacklin (Killeen TX) Lena Luca (Austin TX) Liah Alonso (San Miguel De Allende MEXICO) Little Wilderness (Durango CO) Liu Lee (Seoul SOUTH KOREA) LØREN (Seoul SOUTH KOREA) Los Dioses Del Ritmo (Medellin COLOMBIA) Low.bō (Baltimore MD) LUCY (Seoul SOUTH KOREA) Lunadira (Kuala Lumpur MALAYSIA) Micah Shalom (Austin TX) MIHI NIHIL (Los Angeles CA) Mike Melinoe (Detroit MI) Mike Sailors and The Higher Calling Orchestra (Austin TX) Mojoe (San Antonio TX) The Natural Lines (Kingston NY) NET GALA (Seoul SOUTH KOREA) Nikki Natural (Atlanta GA) Nolan Potter's Nightmare Band (Austin TX) Nurrydog (Monterrey MEXICO) NxG (Philadelphia PA) Pecos & The Rooftops (Lubbock TX) POT (Osaka JAPAN) Prince Euro (San Antonio TX) Queen Serene (Austin TX) renforshort (Toronto ON) Riders Against the Storm (Austin TX) RINI (Studio City GA) RiRiches (Orange TX) Robbie Vida x Buay Press (Medellin COLOMBIA) Robby Krieger of The Doors (Los Angeles CA) Rob Taylor (Milwaukee WI) Roger Alan Wade (Chattanooga TN) ROMES (Toronto ON) Ruby Red (Oakland CA) Sadurn (Philadelphia PA) Sean THOMPSON’S Weird Ears (Nashville TN) Seesea (Seoul SOUTH KOREA) Shye (Singapore SINGAPORE) Skymomma (Austin TX) sogumm (Seoul SOUTH KOREA) Steven Malcolm (Grand Rapids MI) Talib Kweli (Brooklyn NY) The Tiva (Tokyo JAPAN) Tiago PZK (Buenos Aires ARGENTINA) Time Zones (San Francisco CA) Tohji (Tokyo JAPAN) The WRLDFMS Tony Willams (Dallas TX) Tostao (Bogota COLOMBIA) Tough On Fridays (Georgetown TX) Vanthan (Battambang CAMBODIA) Will Varley (Kent UK-ENGLAND) Windser (Los Angeles CA) Work Wife (Brooklyn NY)
Everything subject to change.
See You There
Join us this March 10-19 in Austin, TX for SXSW 2023. Explore Conference sessions, Music Festival showcases, Film & TV Festival screenings, world-class Exhibitions, and beyond on the SXSW Schedule.
Teaser Photo: Talib Kweli - SXSW 2023
Harrisburg Library suffers 'extensive' water damage
wcnc.comhttps://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/harrisburg-library-extensive-water-damage-pipe-burst-freezing-temperatures-weather/275-cb02427a-7a09-4a7b-bc15-b07c8caf7d4f
A pipe burst inside the library on Christmas causing the damage and prompting the extended closure.HARRISBURG, N.C. — The Harrisburg Library in Cabarrus County will temporarily be closed for an extended period of time following water damage that occurred Sunday.On Christmas Day, a sheriff's deputy patrolling the area discovered the pipe, whic...
A pipe burst inside the library on Christmas causing the damage and prompting the extended closure.
HARRISBURG, N.C. — The Harrisburg Library in Cabarrus County will temporarily be closed for an extended period of time following water damage that occurred Sunday.
On Christmas Day, a sheriff's deputy patrolling the area discovered the pipe, which burst during a period of extended freezing temperatures.
That evening efforts began to save further items from water damage.
The library will remain closed for an undetermined amount of time.
Officials have not yet determined the financial impact of the loss.
You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku and Amazon Fire TV, just download the free app.
Residents can continue to return books and media using the collection bins outside the library. Staff members hope to soon establish curbside service for the checking out of new materials.
The Concord, Kannapolis, Mt. Pleasant and Midland branches will re-open on Wednesday.
For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app.
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Atrium Health seeks approval for $86 million satellite hospital in Cabarrus County
Charlotte Observerhttps://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article265398166.html
Atrium Health is seeking state approval of an $85.8 million satellite hospital in Cabarrus County, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.The hospital would add inpatient, surgical services and fixed MRI services to Atrium’s emergency department on Rocky River Road in Harrisburg, an Atrium health spokesman told The Charlotte Observer Tuesday.Atrium Health Harrisburg would be the result of relocating 24 acute care beds and one operating room from the Atrium Health Cabarrus hospital in Conco...
Atrium Health is seeking state approval of an $85.8 million satellite hospital in Cabarrus County, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
The hospital would add inpatient, surgical services and fixed MRI services to Atrium’s emergency department on Rocky River Road in Harrisburg, an Atrium health spokesman told The Charlotte Observer Tuesday.
Atrium Health Harrisburg would be the result of relocating 24 acute care beds and one operating room from the Atrium Health Cabarrus hospital in Concord, the Department of Health and Human Services said in a news release Tuesday.
The project would be completed by December 2025. Atrium Health, which does business as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, filed a Certificate of Need application for the project on Aug. 15, according to state records.
The state has 150 days from Sept. 1 — or the end of January — to complete its review of the application. The North Carolina Certificate of Need law requires health care providers such as Atrium to get a certificate before building a new health care facility or adding beds to existing facilities.
A public hearing is set for Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Cabarrus County Library auditorium, 27 Union St. N., Concord.
Written comments can be submitted via email or regular mail. The email address is DHSR.CON.Comments@dhhs.nc.gov. The mailing address is Healthcare Planning and Certificate of Need Section, Division of Health Service Regulation, 2704 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2704.
A number of groups including the Cabarrus Economic Development team voiced their support for the hospital expansion in Harrisburg.
The groups pointed to Harrisburg’s growth over the past decade. The town’s population was around 11,500 in 2010, according to U.S. Census data. It grew to just under 19,000 by 2020.
The letters said that when someone needs more advanced care, people must travel out of Harrisburg to get it.
A “significant” number of people in Harrisburg travel each year to receive inpatient care at Atrium Health Cabarrus, the letters state.
“I believe this proposal to develop inpatient and surgical services at Atrium Health Harrisburg will provide the local access to inpatient and outpatient care that patients need in a location that is more convenient,” Page Castrodale, executive director of Cabarrus Economic Development, wrote in her letter of support.
The plans in Harrisburg follow other big announcements from the health care provider in recent months.
In May, Atrium announced plans to combine with Illinois and Wisconsin-based Advocate Aurora Health, making the new company the fifth largest hospital system in terms of revenue.
Atrium is also behind a new $1.5 billion innovation district that includes a four-year medical school, hotel, residential tower, offices and retail close to uptown. It’s being called The Pearl.
This story was originally published September 6, 2022, 4:32 PM.
“Do we need to go to the Governor?” - NC communities lose water again, fed up with lack of accountability from state regulators
David Hodgeshttps://www.wbtv.com/2022/07/07/do-we-need-go-governor-nc-communities-lose-water-again-fed-up-with-lack-accountability-state-regulators/
A brown, thick substance emerged from WRI customers' faucets after water service was restored in two communities near Harrisburg.HARRISBURG, N.C. (WBTV) - There were so many warnings. Residents knew, state regulators knew, and multiple WBTV Investigations showed that if the utility provider Water Resources, Inc. did not set up a secondary water connection, two communities near Harrisburg could lose water completely.The last week of June 2022 that’s exactly what happened. Despite the dozens of warnings, the tale of Water R...
A brown, thick substance emerged from WRI customers' faucets after water service was restored in two communities near Harrisburg.
HARRISBURG, N.C. (WBTV) - There were so many warnings. Residents knew, state regulators knew, and multiple WBTV Investigations showed that if the utility provider Water Resources, Inc. did not set up a secondary water connection, two communities near Harrisburg could lose water completely.
The last week of June 2022 that’s exactly what happened. Despite the dozens of warnings, the tale of Water Resources, Inc. (WRI) highlights the consequences a slow-moving bureaucracy can have on the well-being of North Carolinians.
For three years, two communities in Harrisburg were only relying on one well for water. The second one had to be shutdown because of high levels of radium contaminants, according to records from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
The safety of their water source was just part of the problem. Complaints from residents in Rocky River Plantation and Highland Ridge are scattered across customer logs WRI must submit to the North Carolina Utilities Commission.
Customers are so accustomed to issues they know the name of WRI’s owner, Dennis Abbott, not a common shared fact among North Carolina communities.
NCDEQ, NCUC, NCDOJ and, to some extent, the Office of the Governor all have responsibility in regulating and enforcing the rules governing WRI and other utilities. Residents in these communities are calling on them to finally hold the utility accountable but have serious doubts because of their lack of action so far.
When the two communities lost water in June, WBTV reached out to residents for an interview about their situation. Nearly 50 showed up to lodge criticisms against WRI.
Customers complained that, despite testing from NCDEQ showing the water is not contaminated, the water is hard and often filled with sediments. Additionally, the water often comes out brown after the system is flushed or when water service is restored after an outage.
“The water is so hard you could almost chew it,” one resident said.
Additionally, customers said the brown water stains and ruins their appliances.
“We’ve replaced so many appliances. Our hot water heater four times in the last 10 years,” a homeowner said.
Tubs, countertops, faucets have all been tarnished, trashed and replaced, they said, because of the silky, hard water that they rely on. Almost all the residents in the interview said they refuse to drink the water and instead buy bottled water.
When the water was restored after two days, residents sent video of the brown substance that emerged from their faucets.
NCUC and NCDEQ both know about these problems. Two homeowners WBTV interviewed numerous times previously, Eric Olsen and Lenny Devitto, have filed complaints about WRI with the NCUC. Both Devitto and Olsen requested that an emergency operator by appointed. Devitto’s request was denied and Olsen’s hearing was in October and NCUC has still not issued an order.
“The NCUC is well aware of this at this point.,” Olsen told WBTV.
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s their responsibility for us being without water today.”
In an email to WBTV, NCUC legal counsel Sam Watson said that a ruling on Olsen’s hearing should be coming soon.
Statement from NCUC’s Sam Watson:
“I cannot comment on matters pending before the Commission and cannot give you a specific date by which orders in such cases will be issued. However, Mr. Olsen’s leaking meter has been repaired, and as I indicated in my earlier responses to him, the Commission should issue an order on his complaint before too much longer. Also, Water Resources indicated in February that it had replaced all of the meters in Rocky River Plantation, an open issue from its last rate case raised by Mr. Devitto.”
The leaking meters were addressed by WBTV’s first investigation into WRI on May 18, 2021 and were only fixed after WRI applied for a new rate increase with the NCUC.
The issue of the well and water source is regulated by NCDEQ.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality says having just one well presents a “significantly elevated public health risk.”
On August 12, 2019, Water Resources Inc said it would fix the health issue by connecting with the Town of Harrisburg. Nearly three years later, after numerous violations and missed deadlines, it still hasn’t happened.
In July 2021, NCDEQ and the North Carolina Department of Justice got a consent judgement against Water Resources, setting deadlines for completing a connection.
But that still hasn’t been done. A letter from the Attorney General’s Office in June 2022 reveals NCDEQ agreed to move the deadline again, mandating a connection by completed and service active “no later than October 10, 2022.
Court records show Water Resources wasn’t held in contempt for not following the consent judgement and hasn’t been forced to pay the $4,500 in fines it’s accrued for being in violation.
One of the reasons for moving the deadline to connect was because, according to the letter from NCDOJ, NCUC staff made an alternative suggestion for completing the connection, slowing down the project more.
One agency getting in the way of another and leaving these customers frustrated and without water.
“I mean, do we need to go to the Governor? He oversees the Utilities Commission. He appoints those people. Somebody needs to crack down on them or somebody needs to get fired,” Devitto said.
WBTV reached out to these state agencies to ask what they’re doing to fix the problem for WRI customers and ensure a long lasting issue like this isn’t repeated in another community.
Statement from NCDOJ:
“NCDOJ is continuing to coordinate with DEQ on this issue as their legal counsel. Separately, we are also looking into in the consumer complaints that North Carolinians have been filing with our office. We have received a few complaints, and we continue to encourage people to file consumer concerns with our office as well as with DEQ. You can file a complaint with DOJ’s Consumer Protection Division at www.ncdoj.gov/complaint or 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. We will continue working with DEQ to resolve this matter and ensure clean drinking water for North Carolinians.
Statement from Mary Scott Winstead, Deputy Communications Director for the Office of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper:
“The Governor expects DEQ and the Department of Justice to continue to use their authority to resolve this issue and water providers must follow the law.”
Statement from NCDEQ:
“Residents are right to be frustrated with the ongoing service issues with their water system operator. DEQ and DOJ are using our authority to force improvement from this operator. We are closely monitoring the situation and committed to ensuring a resolution for the community. We will explore ways to make sure community members have access to updates from our agencies going forward.”
WBTV also interviewed WRI’s legal counsel Patrick Buffkin about the ongoing issues for WRI customers.
WBTV spoke with a legal counsel of Water Resources, Inc. regarding water-related issues facing residents in the Harrisburg area.
On why the water is brown and filled with sediment and milky:
“That is something that happens when a water system loses pressure. The water sits still and then when the system is re pressurized you can have both of those results.”
On whether having a second water connection would have prevented the water outage:
“It is difficult to say, but that is the purpose of the water adequacy regulations that we are working on resolving those issues.”
On why it has taken so long to connect to a secondary water source:
“A good part of the delay was to explore and explore all options for resolving the problem and that is really something that Water Resources did to the benefit of customers. The company didn’t want to spend more money to fix the problem than was necessary.”
On whether customers can expect another rate hike application after construction for the connection is completed:
“It’s a little too early to tell right now when a rate case might happen… but it is true as a general rule, the more money that a utility spends, the more likely it is that a rate increase is going to be necessary.”
Residents who are struggling with issues with their utility have several options to lodge complaints.
File a Complaint with NCUC Public Staff
Email the WBTV Investigates Team at investigates@wbtv.com
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