Water and wastewater (W/WW) systems are critical infrastructures that directly impact North Carolina’s communities’ health, safety, and quality of life. Many of these systems, especially those in rural or underserved areas, face significant challenges in maintaining operational and financial viability. To address these concerns, water and wastewater systems across the state are taking strategic steps to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.
In September 2021, the UNC Environmental Finance Center produced eight case studies discussing unique financing mechanisms in different North Carolina cities and towns and a series of one-page overview resources. This section of work was generously supported by funding from the Division of Water Infrastructure at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
Case Studies
- On the Shores of Financial Stability: Town of White Lake, North Carolina
- Small Town Budgeting Case Study: Town of Stantonsburg, North Carolina
- Small Town Investing in Capital Projects and Leveraging Expertise: Town of Pink Hill, North Carolina
- Small Town Big Cash Reserves and Capital Planning: Town of Cleveland, North Carolina
- Small Town Regionalization Case Study: City of Claremont, North Carolina
- Partnership Fosters a Financially Viable System: Town of Bostic, North Carolina
- Small Town Financial Viability Case Study: Town of Ahoskie, North Carolina
- Grants Foster Better Planning and Mutual Aid: Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority
- Small Town Asset and Inventory Assessment: Town of Oxford, North Carolina
One-Page Overview Resources
- Before The Funds: A guide to evaluating the implications of accessing water or wastewater infrastructure funding
- The LGC’s Unit Assistance List And Takeover Process For Water And Wastewater Systems
- Board Members: Find Out if your Water or Wastewater Utility is Financially Viable in the Long-Term
- Resource Agency Partnership for Water Utilities
- How Can Local Governments in North Carolina Assess Affordability of Water and Wastewater Rates?
- Regionalization of Water and Wastewater Systems
