Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Local Water Supply Plan?
A LWSP is an assessment of current and future community water supply needs and the ability of a water system to meet them.

What is a Water Shortage Response Plan?
A Water Shortage Response Plan is a requirement of a LWSP. A WSRP establishes authority for declaration of a water shortage, defines different phases of water shortage severity, and outlines appropriate responses for each phase. A system's WSRP needs to be reviewed and updated every 5 years. After approval by NC DWR, the system will need to have the WSRP approved by their governing board.

Who is required to prepare a Local Water Supply Plan?
All units of local government that provide or plan to provide public water service and all community water systems having 1,000 or more connections or serving more than 3,000 people in North Carolina are required to prepare and submit a LWSP, as mandated by NC General Statute 143-355 (l).

Why is a Local Water Supply Plan necessary?
By looking at current and future needs, LWSPs allow local governments to better manage water supplies, plan for water supply system improvements, and prepare for a variety of water shortage situations. Planning at the local level is the best place to address and respond to water shortages.

When are Local Water Supply Plans due?
Water Systems must submit updated plans based on 2023 calendar year conditions by April 1, 2024.

Where do I submit my Local Water Supply Plan?
LWSPs may be prepared and submitted online at: https://www.ncwater.org/WUDC/login.

Where do I view or submit my Water Shortage Response Plan?
After logging in to the LWSP at https://www.ncwater.org/WUDC/login, the user can view or upload their WSRP on the WSRP tab.

How will I know my LWSP or WSRP is complete?
Division of Water Resources staff will review your plan to assure it is complete and meets the requirements of NC General Statute 143-355 (l). You will be notified by mail when your plan is complete and ready to be approved by your local governing body.

How do I login to the online Local Water Supply Planning (LWSP) Reporting System?
You must login to the LWSP at https://www.ncwater.org/WUDC/login. If you need to be associated with a system, follow the instructions on the bottom of the login page.

What if I don't have or forgot my NCID?
Instructions for getting an NCID or unlocking it can be found at https://www.ncwater.org/WUDC/login.

Who can I contact for more information?
If you have additional questions or require assistance, please contact the Division of Water Resources at (919) 707-9000 or [email protected].