North Carolina Secures Major Funding to Repair and Strengthen Septic Systems After Hurricane Helene

North Carolina has secured a historic level of federal and state funding to repair, replace, and strengthen septic systems and other water infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene, marking one of the most significant investments in decentralized wastewater resilience the state has ever seen.

The storm caused widespread flooding across western North Carolina, overwhelming aging septic systems, contaminating surface waters, and leaving thousands of homes vulnerable to system failure. In response, state and federal agencies have accelerated funding programs aimed not only at recovery, but at building long-term resilience against future extreme weather events.

Federal Funding Targets Septic and Decentralized Wastewater Systems

In late 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced more than $337 million in water infrastructure funding for North Carolina through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. For the first time, a dedicated portion of this funding is focused on decentralized wastewater and septic systems.

More than $22 million has been directed toward septic system assessment, repair, replacement, and resilience improvements in hurricane-impacted areas. Eligible uses include repairing or replacing damaged systems, installing flood-resilient onsite treatment technologies, and, where appropriate, connecting homes to centralized sewer infrastructure.

These funds are administered in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and may include low-interest loans, grants, and principal forgiveness for qualifying projects.

State Awards Focus on Western North Carolina Recovery

Building on federal support, North Carolina has awarded approximately $270 million for water, wastewater, and septic infrastructure projects across western counties most affected by Hurricane Helene.

Funding has been allocated to 58 projects across 26 counties, including targeted programs to repair hundreds of damaged septic systems in rural and mountainous communities where centralized sewer service is not available. Several towns and regional councils of governments received funding to stabilize failing systems, improve flood resistance, and protect downstream water quality.

State leaders have emphasized that these investments are intended not only to restore service, but to modernize infrastructure and reduce vulnerability to future flooding events.

Why Septic Systems Matter in Disaster Recovery

Nearly half of North Carolina’s land area relies on onsite wastewater systems. When septic systems fail during flooding events, untreated wastewater can enter rivers, streams, and groundwater, creating serious public health risks and long-term environmental damage.

By directing significant recovery dollars toward decentralized wastewater systems, state and federal agencies are recognizing septic systems as essential public infrastructure, particularly in rural and disaster-prone areas.

How Communities and Homeowners Can Access Funding

Most hurricane recovery and infrastructure resilience funding is awarded to local governments and regional entities, but homeowners may benefit indirectly through county-administered repair and replacement programs.

Primary Funding Pathways

• Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loans and grants
• Decentralized wastewater and septic resilience funding
• State and regional grants administered through counties and councils of governments

Who Can Apply

• Counties and municipalities
• Councils of governments
• Public utilities
• Community development organizations

What Homeowners Should Do

• Contact their county health department or local government office
• Ask whether septic repair or replacement programs are available
• Work with licensed onsite wastewater professionals to document storm damage and system condition

Applications for many programs are accepted on a rolling basis, with additional funding rounds expected through 2026.

Call to Action: What This Funding Means for Industry Professionals

For Septic Contractors, Installers, and Pumpers

This funding represents a major pipeline of publicly funded septic repair and replacement work across North Carolina.

Contractors interested in participating should ensure they are positioned to meet public project requirements, including licensing, documentation, and compliance expectations. Training and continuing education play a key role in qualifying for this work.

For Inspectors, Soil Scientists, and Designers

Recovery projects frequently require:

• System evaluations and inspections
• Soil and site assessments
• Design of flood-resilient onsite wastewater systems

Inspectors and designers involved in these efforts are expected to provide defensible, code-compliant documentation. Installer and Inspector Certification Programs and advanced technical training through Onsite Wastewater Professionals can help professionals meet these expectations while expanding eligibility for publicly funded projects.

For Local Governments and Utilities

Communities impacted by Hurricane Helene that rely on septic systems are encouraged to:

• Engage early with NC DEQ’s Division of Water Infrastructure
• Identify failing or high-risk onsite systems
• Partner with qualified onsite wastewater professionals to develop shovel-ready projects

Decentralized wastewater funding is now a core component of North Carolina’s recovery and resilience strategy.

Looking Ahead

Hurricane Helene exposed long-standing vulnerabilities in North Carolina’s water infrastructure, particularly in rural areas dependent on septic systems. The unprecedented level of funding now being deployed offers a rare opportunity to rebuild stronger, smarter, and more resilient onsite wastewater systems.

As recovery continues, septic contractors, inspectors, designers, and local governments will play a central role in protecting public health, water quality, and long-term community stability across the state.

Professionals seeking to expand their role in North Carolina’s recovery effort can explore upcoming training, certification schools, and continuing education opportunities at register.owpnc.com.