Wastewater planning
Failing Septic Systems
Many rural communities rely on septic wastewater systems, and Carteret County is no exception. However, low-lying septic is highly vulnerable to rising seas, and Carteret County is experiencing widespread septic failure as a result of sea level rise. This looks like toilets that aren’t able to flush, sinks that don’t drain, and raw sewage that can overflow into waterbodies, such as the North River. Homes without functioning septics are also condemnable by the county, which can force homeowners out of their residence.
Septic systems are beginning to fail across eastern Carteret County, as sea level rise has pushed up the groundwater. Septics before sea level rise may already be partially submerged. With a sea level rise of between 6-18 inches over the next 25 years, our engineering partners anticipate that most low-lying septics in the community will fail.
100%
of the homes we work with are on septic.
Our engineering partners expect the vast majority of these septic systems to fail over the next 20 years.
How the program works
1. Assess Community Vulnerability
We’ve partnered with the EPA through the Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap to assess community vulnerabilities which includes evaluating soil types, current conditions and projected conditions under various sea level rise scenarios.
2. Develop Wastewater Solutions
Experts develop suite of wastewater options with cost estimates abd management requirements.
3. Engage the Community
We facilitate workshops with the community to determine most suitable options.
4. Plan for Implementation
We work with experts to identify financial strategies and necessary training for implementation.
5. Timeline
2025-October 2026 Planning
Fall 2026- 2027 Identifying Funding
2027+ Implementation