Spring Lake residents without water since May could now be forced to leave homes

A handful of residents in the came face to face with county officials on Monday, with officials telling residents there is only so much they can do, since the land is private property.

Aneca Glover is frustrated. She lives in the Garden Grove Mobile Home Park and says residents have been without running water since May.

“We get people dropping off cases of water, gallons of water, paper products, things of that nature. You have to leave home to shower,” she said.

In addition to not having running water, she and dozens of other residents are facing the possibility of being forced to leave.

“On May 22, residents were told in writing that the Health Department was pursuing a notice of violation against the owner because of the failing septic system,” said Cumberland County Commissioner Charles Evans.

County officials said the owner of the mobile home park has failed to repair the failing septic system. Officials said they have yet to receive a response from the owner and residents would be required to move if repairs aren’t made by July 1.

Residents are demanding assistance from the county. Officials said they’ve tried to put pressure on the owners, but there’s only so much they can do.

“As far as going on the property and fixing the water system or septic tank, that’s not going to happen because it’s private property,” a spokesperson said.

“Nobody has $4,000 or $5,000 sitting around to re-set up and relocate your home,” Glover said.

County officials are still holding out hope that the owner will respond and begin to remedy the problem by July 1. They said government money is available to assist residents with their moves if necessary.