Wake County Project Accelerator Case Study

Outreach Strategies to Enhance Well and Septic System Safety for Lower Income Communities

In Wake County, North Carolina, thousands of residents rely on private wells and septic systems for drinking water and wastewater treatment. When these systems fail or become contaminated, they can pose significant public health risks. Recognizing that the cost of testing, repairs, and replacements can be prohibitive for many households, Wake County launched a two-year Pilot Well and Septic Assistance Fund to provide financial assistance to low-income and elderly residents.

A key challenge was ensuring that the residents most in need were aware of the program and felt empowered to apply for assistance. To address this need, Wake County partnered with WaterNow through the Project Accelerator program to develop a targeted outreach and engagement strategy focusing on increasing awareness, building trust, and making it easier for community members to pursue participation, helping ensure that critical resources reached those who needed them most.