OWP Presents 2026 Legislative Champion Awards at the North Carolina General Assembly

Onsite Wastewater Professionals (OWP) traveled to Raleigh on June 24 to present its 2026 Legislative Champion Awards to two members of the North Carolina General Assembly, recognizing their leadership on policy affecting the onsite wastewater and groundwater protection community.

The awards were presented to Representative Jeff Zenger of House District 74 and Senator Steve Jarvis of Senate District 30. The Legislative Champion Award is the highest honor OWP confers on a member of the General Assembly, given annually to one member of each chamber whose leadership has meaningfully advanced sound public policy for the profession. It is awarded without regard to party, on the basis of a demonstrated commitment to protecting public health, safeguarding groundwater, and supporting the licensed professionals who design, install, inspect, and maintain onsite wastewater systems.

Both legislators were recognized for their work on House Bill 376. As originally drafted, several provisions in the bill would have created significant problems for North Carolina's homeowners and for the licensed professionals responsible for protecting public health and groundwater. Rep. Zenger and Sen. Jarvis took the time to understand the profession's concerns, engaged directly with the professionals who raised them, and worked to amend the language so that the final bill protected sound standards rather than undermining them.

"That kind of careful, constructive legislating is not always visible to the public, but its effects are lasting," said Jonathan Godfrey, Education Director of OWP. "The changes these two leaders helped secure will be felt by homeowners, communities, and professionals across the state for years to come."

During the visit, OWP representatives also had the opportunity to sit in on the House session and observe the legislative process firsthand — a meaningful look at how policy is debated and passed at the General Assembly.

The awards come as OWP formally launches OWP Government Affairs, the organization's new advocacy arm dedicated to giving the onsite wastewater profession a stronger voice in the legislative and regulatory process. To lead the effort, OWP has partnered with Elevation Strategies, one of North Carolina's most effective government relations firms, whose team includes former NC House Majority Whip Jon Hardister and firm founder Sebastian King. Their work on House Bill 376 in their first month representing OWP marked an early and significant win for the profession.

"This is a new chapter for OWP — and for the onsite wastewater profession in North Carolina," Godfrey said. "We're just getting started."