Clean Water For North Carolina: First Things First

Communities statewide facing critical water and sewer projects

The public infrastructure that provides North Carolinians with clean, safe drinking water and treats wastewater faces serious challenges. The Rural Center and partners from across the state urge the N.C. General Assembly to pass the Clean Water Act of 2007, authorizing a public referendum to approve $500 million in clean water bonds and appropriating an additional $50 million over the next two years to fund urgent water and sewer construction projects. Only by acting now can we prevent a full-blown crisis.

What you can do

For individuals -- contact your state representative and senator.
For local governments and organizations -- pass a resolution in support of the Clean Water Act of 2007. Sample resolution. Please submit resolutions to your legislators with a copy to Ashley Crane at the Rural Center.

Past bonds support

A 2006 clean water bonds proposal drew numerous endorsements.

Latest developments

July 10, 2007 — The Partnership for North Carolina's Future releases "Reality Check for North Carolina," describing strains on the state's infrastructure and quality of life.
May 23, 2007 — Partnership for North Carolina's Future launches campaign to encourage statewide investments, including water and sewer infrastructure.
February 20, 2007 — S208 referred to Senate Committee on Finance
February 15, 2007 — H127 referred to House Committee on Finance
February 5, 2007 — Rep. Owens and others introduce H127
January 26, 2007 — Sen. Dalton and others introduce S208

Delta City community volunteer Sylvester Reddick

Peace of mind

For about 100 years, Delta City residents lived well and happy in this unincorporated coastal community in Beaufort County. People here knew their community was considered to be poor, but they never much agreed with that assessment. They felt lucky to live here, and in fact, felt Delta City, population 256, had a lot more going for it in terms of history, community involvement and civic pride than many northeastern towns. But when their septic systems began to fail repeatedly about 15 years ago, life in Delta City changed dramatically. Read more...

The issues in depth

North Carolina’s public water, sewer and stormwater utilities will require investments totaling $16.63 billion by 2030.
Read the report.

Declining funds for infrastructure raise serious challenges for North Carolina’s future.
Read more.

The 1998 Clean Water Bonds had a major impact on North Carolina’s economy, health and environment.
See report.