Belhaven is located in coastal Beaufort County, North Carolina. It has developed along Pantego Creek, a tributary of the Pungo River, one leg of the Intercoastal Waterway.
Elevations are five feet or less in most places.
Drinkking Water for the Town of Belhaven is supplied entirely by groundwater from two deep wells located in the northwest section of the jurisdiction. The Town and its one mile jurisdiction consists of relatively dense residential and small commercial development surrounded by outlying agricultural activities. The Town's drinking water supply is totally dependent on groundwater and any potential contamination incident could have severe impacts to the health and economy of the area. Many potential sources of contamination in the area include industrial chemicals associated with boat building and agricultural chemicals used as pesticides or fertilizers. The project's long-term goal is to protect the town's clean ground water supply and avoid undue health problems or interruptions of service because of avoidable pollution incidents.