Small Drinking Water Systems in North Carolina

Abstract

We seek to improve understanding about small drinking water systems in North Carolina. By analyzing data on drinking water violations, individual system characteristics, and community demographics, and by speaking with system owners directly, we can enhance current knowledge about these systems and help to lay the groundwork for future research on capacity-building and system consolidation. Among small systems, mobile home parks and schools are two unique entities that help us narrow the scope of our research and explore often overlooked communities. Our research confirms and tests common assumptions about small drinking water systems: these systems do struggle to meet compliance and there are inherent disadvantages in resources. However, these systems are not necessarily bound for failure. We believe our research will help to illuminate solutions for challenges faced by small drinking water systems in North Carolina and across the United States.