A technical study examining 11 governance structures available to North Carolina local governments for water and wastewater utilities. Each model is presented with its legal basis, examples, pros and cons.
This document is a governance models review from the North Carolina Water and Wastewater Regionalization Study. It is intended for local government officials, utility managers, and regional planners evaluating options for water and wastewater service delivery.
The study opens with a comparative summary table of 11 governance structures. The table compares each model's taxing authority, governing board type, and primary benefit. Models range from County Public Enterprises to Local Act Entities.
The first four models are detailed individually. County Public Enterprises operate under G.S. Chapter 153A, Article 15 with the Board of County Commissioners as governing body. Examples include Brunswick County and Burke County Water System. Municipal Public Enterprises operate under G.S. Chapter 160A, Article 16 with city councils or boards of aldermen. Examples include Charlotte Water and Raleigh Water.
Sanitary Districts are independent political subdivisions under G.S. Chapter 130A, Article 2. Examples include First Craven Sanitary District and Maggie Valley Sanitary District. County Water and Sewer Districts are special-purpose tax districts under G.S. Chapter 162A, Article 6, created by county commissioners. Pender County Water and Sewer District is provided as an example with its six sub-districts.
Water and Sewer Authorities are independent corporate bodies created under G.S. Chapter 162A, Article 1. Examples include Orange Water and Sewer Authority and Cape Fear Public Utility Authority. Metropolitan Water Districts under G.S. Chapter 162A, Article 4 are designed for regional drinking water systems. Seagrove Ulah Metro Water District is cited as an example formed in 1987.
Metropolitan Sewerage Districts under G.S. Chapter 162A, Article 5 handle wastewater. Examples include Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County. Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Districts under Article 5A allow unified regional oversight but currently have no examples in North Carolina. The final model covers ownership or operational transfer to another local government, with the Charlotte Water and Union County Water partnership as an example.