Our Organization
A unified voice for North Carolina's water environment.
Our Mission
"Unifying and empowering the One Water community through education and leadership to protect our most vital resource, water."
Our Vision
"An informed, connected, and engaged One Water community."
Organizational Structure
NC One Water is the assumed name of the North Carolina Section American Water Works Association, Inc. and the North Carolina Water Environment Association, Inc. (NC AWWA and NC WEA).
Affiliations
NC AWWA is affiliated with its national parent, the American Water Works Association (AWWA). NC WEA is affiliated with its national parent, the Water Environment Federation (WEF).
Compliance
We are required to comply with the Bylaws of each entity and operate under a Shared Operations Agreement between NC AWWA and NC WEA.
Governance
NC One Water is governed by the NC AWWA and NC WEA Boards of Directors, working together through a Joint Steering Committee composed of members from both boards. Learn more about how members can join a workgroup or volunteer with us.
Our Strategic Plan
Engagement
Fostering active participation and meaningful connections within the One Water community across North Carolina.
Education
Delivering top-tier training, resources, and professional development to keep our members at the forefront of the industry.
Diversification
Promoting an inclusive environment that welcomes, supports, and empowers diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
Resiliency
Building robust, adaptable systems and practices to withstand future challenges and ensure sustainable water management.
Our History
1779
The first water system in NC is completed in Old Salem.
1808
The first iron water pipe in NC is installed at Old Salem.
1885–1890
The first sanitary sewage collection system in NC is built in Raleigh under the supervision of Col. J.L. Ludlow.
1893
The first Warren gravity (rapid sand) filters in NC are placed in service in Durham.
1902
The first sewage treatment plant in NC is constructed in Durham, designed by Col. J.L. Ludlow.
1921
The first meeting of the NC Section of AWWA is held in Greensboro at the O. Henry Hotel, with 47 in attendance.
1923
The first joint meeting between water and sewage associations occurs in New Bern, with 130 in attendance.
1924
The first Journal is published, containing the proceedings of the 3rd Meeting of NC AWWA and the first joint meeting with the Water Purification Association.
1926
The first activated sludge plant in NC is constructed in Gastonia.
1928
The first engine in America running on sewage sludge gas is installed in Charlotte.
1936
The first water main in Charlotte is cleaned, marking a milestone in distribution system maintenance.
1949
Charlotte becomes the first city in NC to add fluoride to prevent tooth decay. The first Sewage Works Operator School is held at UNC-Chapel Hill.
1950
The first Meter School in NC is held in Winston-Salem, and Charlotte adopts the first Municipal Sewer Use Ordinance (Pretreatment) in the state.
1951
NC AWWA/WPCA supports the first voluntary certification program for wastewater operators.
1957
The first Municipal Radioactive Monitoring Program in NC begins in Durham.
1961
The first galvanic membrane dissolved oxygen analyzer is developed at UNC-Chapel Hill, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering.
1962
The first experimental facility for saline water conversion to drinking water is constructed in Wrightsville Beach.
1964
Mandatory certification of waterworks operators is officially adopted in NC.
1976
Mandatory certification for wastewater operators is adopted.
1985
The Water Taste Test is inaugurated.
1986
The NC Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5S) is founded in Winston-Salem.
1987
The Tapping Contest is launched, with Asheville, Fayetteville, and Raleigh as the only winning cities in its inaugural year.
1993
The first large-scale alum recovery facility in the U.S. is built in Durham.
2002
The D.M. Williams Water Treatment Plant in Durham wins a Golden Leaf Award for Community Appearance, recognizing exemplary renovations while maintaining its historic nature.
2006–2007
NC AWWA member Terry Rolan serves as President of AWWA, the first person from NC in over 100 years to hold the position, since Charles H. Campbell in 1902.
2014
Terry Rolan receives the prestigious John M. Diven Medal for Outstanding Service to AWWA at ACE 2014, recognizing decades of leadership and service to the water industry.
2018
The first water plant in NC is approved for a filtration rate of 5 gpm/sf at Greenville Utilities Commission, advancing the state's treatment capabilities.
2019
The One Water Initiative is introduced to bridge all sectors of the water industry.
2021
The organization officially rebrands from NC AWWA-WEA to NC One Water.
2025
NC One Water hosts its first Women of Water networking and engagement events, fostering leadership and connection for women in the industry.
2026
The organization transitions to a unified governance structure, jointly managed by the NC AWWA and NC WEA Boards and a Joint Steering Committee.