EMERALD ISLE — Crews with Bogue Banks Water Corporation are working to install a new water treatment plant in the area.

That is after the discovery of saltwater in the local ground water supply at the original facility. Company officials say it is difficult to keep fresh water clean when people live so close to the ocean.

"The primary reason is we had a lot of salt water intrusion in our wells in this end of the island. We're looking to remove that and keep it from spreading to our other wells down the island and down east and the other reason is just to provide better water for the consumers in general," said Bogue Banks Water field manager Seola Hill.

The company supplies water to more than 4,500 people in Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Salter Path and Bogue Banks. The plant is expected to be completed this fall.