North Carolina has approved over $204 million in funding for 48 water infrastructure projects across 27 counties, aiming to enhance public health, environmental safety, and climate resilience.
The investments will improve drinking water and wastewater systems, remove PFAS contaminants, identify and replace lead service lines, and strengthen infrastructure against future storms. The funding comes from the State Revolving Funds (SRF) and federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) programs, which offer low-interest loans and grants for critical utility upgrades.
“At DEQ, we’re committed to ensuring everyone in North Carolina has access to clean water,” said Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson in a press release. “This funding will address aging infrastructure and improve public health for communities large and small.”
Key awards include:
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Fayetteville Public Works Commission (Cumberland County): $20.5 million to install PFAS-removal technology at the Glenville Lake Water Treatment Plant.
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Town of Bryson City (Swain County): $9.2 million to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant.
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City of Lexington (Davidson County): $13.7 million for solids handling improvements at its regional wastewater plant.
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City of Graham (Alamance County): $3.4 million to address PFAS at the Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant.
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City of Lenoir (Caldwell County): $6.6 million for wastewater and lead service line projects.
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City of Sanford (Lee County): $9.3 million for sewer rehabilitation and lead line inventories.
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Town of River Bend (Craven County): $6.3 million for Phase II drinking water improvements.
Additionally, Carolina Water Service, Inc. will receive $5.5 million for six PFAS and lead mitigation projects across Cumberland, Gaston, Moore, and Pender counties.
These projects were selected from 133 eligible applications, which collectively sought $1.57 billion in funding. Awards were finalized by the State Water Infrastructure Authority during its July 16 meeting.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) notes that these investments are vital for maintaining safe, sustainable, and modern water systems statewide.
For a full list of awarded projects, visit the NCDEQ Division of Water Infrastructure website.
