Aqua NC Secures $1.7M for Statewide Infrastructure Projects
Aqua North Carolina, a leading water and wastewater utility provider, has been awarded over $1.7 million in funding from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Division of Water Infrastructure to support essential infrastructure projects across the state. This funding is part of the state’s ongoing commitment to improving water quality, ensuring safe drinking water, and modernizing critical water infrastructure.
Grant Awards to Support Infrastructure Upgrades
Aqua North Carolina has been granted $938,754 by the State Water Infrastructure Authority for Phase 4 of its Lead Service Line Inventory project. This funding represents the latest in a series of successful applications submitted by the company to identify and eliminate potential lead contamination in drinking water systems. Over the years, Aqua North Carolina has secured approximately $7 million in grants and low-interest loans to further this mission, allowing the company to conduct extensive lead service line identification efforts in 20 counties throughout its 51-county service area.
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements provide heightened protection for communities from exposure to lead in drinking water,” said Shannon Becker, President of Aqua North Carolina. “Under this rule, water providers are mandated to identify and, if necessary, remove lead service lines on both public and private properties. This is a significant undertaking, and we are pleased to report that all the service lines evaluated in 2024 as part of our Lead Service Line Inventory Program were identified as non-lead. The additional funding received for Phase 4 of this project will further support our efforts to inventory and assess service lines across the state while minimizing the financial impact on our customers.”
This initiative is particularly important as lead exposure in drinking water can pose serious health risks, particularly for young children and pregnant women. The comprehensive lead service line inventory helps ensure compliance with updated federal regulations while also enhancing public confidence in the safety and reliability of their water supply.
In addition to the lead service line inventory funding, Aqua North Carolina has also been awarded an $800,000 grant for the replacement of aging water mains in the Idlewood Acres community in Catawba County. This project is part of a broader infrastructure improvement plan aimed at modernizing outdated water systems to ensure continued service reliability.
“Investing in our infrastructure is a key part of Aqua’s commitment to our customers,” said Becker. “Over the past year, we have undertaken significant upgrades to improve our water and wastewater systems throughout North Carolina. We are addressing emerging challenges such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), lead contamination, and other potential threats to water quality. These improvements are designed not only to enhance service reliability but also to contribute to a more sustainable future for our customers and their families.”
Impact of Infrastructure Investments
The funding for infrastructure improvements underscores the importance of proactive investments in water and wastewater systems. The replacement of aging water mains in Idlewood Acres is a crucial step in improving service reliability for residents in the area. Many of the existing water mains in this community are reaching the end of their useful life, leading to an increased risk of leaks, main breaks, and service interruptions. By replacing these aging water lines, Aqua North Carolina aims to significantly reduce these issues and ensure uninterrupted service to its customers.
The benefits of these upgrades extend beyond reliability. Replacing aging infrastructure helps improve water pressure, reduce water loss due to leaks, and enhance overall system efficiency. Additionally, modernizing water distribution systems contributes to long-term sustainability by reducing maintenance costs and ensuring that resources are used more efficiently.
The lead service line identification project also plays a critical role in protecting public health. While Aqua North Carolina has not identified lead service lines in the communities it has surveyed so far, the company remains committed to completing a thorough inventory. The ongoing funding for this initiative allows Aqua to continue these efforts without placing undue financial burdens on customers through increased rates.
Future Plans and Long-Term Investments
Aqua North Carolina’s commitment to infrastructure improvements extends well beyond the projects currently funded by NCDEQ. In 2024 alone, the company has invested approximately $55 million in capital improvements aimed at upgrading water treatment facilities, replacing outdated pipelines, and implementing advanced water quality monitoring systems. Over the next five years, Aqua North Carolina plans to invest an additional $400 million in infrastructure projects, ensuring that its water and wastewater systems remain reliable, efficient, and compliant with evolving regulatory standards.
One of the company’s key priorities is addressing emerging contaminants such as PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment. PFAS have been linked to various health concerns, and their presence in water supplies has become a growing issue nationwide. Aqua North Carolina is proactively implementing advanced filtration and treatment technologies to mitigate PFAS contamination and ensure that its water meets or exceeds all safety standards.
Additionally, the company is focusing on expanding its wastewater treatment capabilities to accommodate population growth and increased demand for wastewater services. Modernizing wastewater treatment facilities is essential to protecting local water sources from pollution and ensuring that communities have access to reliable sanitation services.
Collaboration with State and Federal Agencies
Aqua North Carolina’s ability to secure funding for these projects highlights the importance of collaboration between public utilities, state agencies, and federal regulatory bodies. The grants and low-interest loans provided through NCDEQ’s Division of Water Infrastructure play a crucial role in making these projects financially feasible while minimizing the cost burden on customers.
By leveraging available funding opportunities, Aqua North Carolina can continue making critical infrastructure upgrades without significantly increasing customer water rates. This approach aligns with the company’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable water services to North Carolina residents.
Customer and Community Benefits
The ongoing infrastructure improvements supported by these grants directly benefit customers in multiple ways. First and foremost, they enhance the overall reliability and safety of water services, reducing the likelihood of service disruptions, leaks, and contamination risks.
Additionally, these projects contribute to economic development by creating jobs in construction, engineering, and water treatment technology sectors. As Aqua North Carolina invests in upgrading its infrastructure, local contractors and businesses also benefit from increased demand for their services.
Furthermore, the company’s focus on sustainability ensures that future generations will continue to have access to clean and safe drinking water. By modernizing water and wastewater systems today, Aqua North Carolina is laying the foundation for a more resilient and environmentally responsible water supply system.
