About DWR

The Division of Water Resources is comprised of two Sections, Public Water Supply and Water Resources Management.

DWR's mission is to provide the strategic information necessary to manage the state's water resources for the health and welfare of the public, the continued economic growth of the state, the integrity of North Carolina's surface waters, and the sustainability of its ground waters.   The Public Water Supply Section within the Division ensures that North Carolina's citizens and visitors are provided with safe drinking water.

It is the responsibility of the Public Water Supply Section to regulate public water systems within the state under the statutory authority of G.S. 130A Article 10.   Public water systems are those which provide piped drinking water to at least 15 connections or 25 or more people 60 or more days per year. There are more than 6,000 regulated public water systems in the state.   About three-fourths of the state's population lives in areas served by community water systems, while many others and visitors to the state are served by other types of public water systems, such as workplaces, schools, parks or restaurants. The section has branches and programs for:

• Implementation of the mandates of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act;
• Review and approval of plans and specifications for new and expanding or improving water systems;
• Inspections, investigations, and technical assistance for water systems;
• Emergency responses and complaint investigations;
• Source water assessment, protection, and wellhead protection;
• Capacity development;
• Financial assistance through loans and grants; and
• Administration of an operating fee permit program.

The Water Resources Management Section administers programs for river basin management, water supply assistance, water conservation, and water resources development.   The Section conducts special studies on instream flow needs and serves as the State liaison with federal agencies on major water resources related projects.   The Section also administers two environmental education outreach programs, Stream Watch and Project WET.