North Carolina’s Wastewater Market: Key Drivers and Funding

North Carolina’s wastewater infrastructure needs are defined by its rapid urbanization in the Research Triangle and other growing areas, as well as a strong commitment to protecting its abundant waterways. The state is investing billions to modernize its systems and protect its vital rivers and coastlines.

• Population Growth: North Carolina has experienced significant population growth, especially in metropolitan areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville. This boom puts immense pressure on existing wastewater collection and treatment systems, leading to a pressing need for expansions and new facilities.
• Environmental Protection: The state has a strong focus on protecting water quality. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) is a major driver of change, pushing communities to reduce pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater discharges to protect rivers and coastal ecosystems.
• Aging Infrastructure: Many of North Carolina’s wastewater systems, particularly in older cities, are decades old and in desperate need of repair or replacement. This aging infrastructure contributes to sewer overflows and other costly failures. The Division of Water Infrastructure within NCDEQ provides financial assistance to help communities address these issues.
• State and Federal Funding: The primary sources of funding for these projects are:
  • Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF): This program, a joint effort between the NCDEQ and the state, provides low-interest loans and grants for a wide range of projects. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) has infused the CWSRF with an additional $253.6 million in supplemental funds, with a portion specifically for emerging contaminants like PFAS. The NCDEQ’s Division of Water Infrastructure website provides details on its funding programs.
  • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Infrastructure Program: This program, managed by the state’s Department of Commerce, provides grants to local governments for public infrastructure, including wastewater systems, with a focus on low- and moderate-income communities.
  • Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System Pilot Program: This is a new, innovative program with initial awards, like the $500,000 for the Town of Nags Head, aimed at addressing aging septic systems.

Finding Future Projects with Early-Stage Sales Intelligence

In North Carolina’s competitive market, waiting for an RFP is often too late. By the time a project is formally bid, the solution, technology, and even the preferred vendor may already be determined. Early-Stage Sales Intelligence is the key to winning. It means tracking public documents that signal a future project long before it’s officially announced.

• State Water Infrastructure Authority (SWIA): This independent body oversees the allocation of federal and state funding. Their meeting minutes and press releases detailing approved funding are an excellent source of intelligence on upcoming projects, which are often listed with specific dollar amounts and project descriptions.
• NCDEQ Funding Application Rounds: The NCDEQ Division of Water Infrastructure has specific application rounds for drinking water, wastewater, lead service line, and emerging contaminants projects. These application deadlines and the subsequent award announcements provide a clear timeline for when projects are being planned and financed.
• Feasibility Studies and Master Plans: Before a project moves forward, communities commission engineering studies and develop master plans. These documents, which are often publicly available in meeting minutes or on city websites, detail specific wastewater challenges and potential solutions. For example, a “Wastewater Treatment Plant Master Plan” is a clear signal of future construction or upgrade projects.
• Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs): Many North Carolina municipalities publish multi-year CIPs. These documents outline planned spending on wastewater projects, providing a direct roadmap for upcoming work. For example, the Metropolitan Sewerage District of North Carolina has a publicly available CIP with planned spending of $465 million on capital projects.

How Citylitics Can Help

Citylitics transforms fragmented public data into actionable Early-Stage Sales Intelligence. We analyze millions of public documents from sources like the NCDEQ, SWIA, and local municipalities. Our platform provides a clear, forward-looking view of the Wastewater market. By using Citylitics, you can:

• Identify Planned Projects: Our platform tracks projects mentioned in CIPs, budgets, and public meeting minutes, giving you a comprehensive view of which communities are planning to invest in their wastewater infrastructure.
• Follow the Funding: We monitor funding applications for the CWSRF and other programs to pinpoint which projects have secured financing and are most likely to move forward.
• Influence the Conversation: By finding projects early, you can engage with the right public officials and become a trusted advisor, helping to shape the project’s scope and specifications to align with your company’s strengths. This proactive approach significantly increases your chances of winning the project.

Learn how to uncover, target, and influence upcoming wastewater infrastructure projects. Request a demo of Citylitics today and start improving your win rates.