The EPA has given UNC $500,000 to assist communities addressing water infrastructure challenges.

UNC will partner with the University of New Mexico to jointly manage the WaterCARE project, which will help 10 communities across the country develop finance strategies for long-term water infrastructure support.

“Communities depend on adequate drinking water and wastewater services to survive and thrive, and the EPA is committed to providing financial guidance to help them invest in the necessary water infrastructure,” said EPA administrator Gina McCarthy.

The communities selected to receive WaterCARE assistance are: Buchanan County, Virginia; the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, Montana; Gatesville, Texas; Haines Borough, Alaska; the Hoopa Valley Tribe, California; Johnston, Iowa; Lawrence, Massachusetts; Selma, Alabama; the Township of South Orange Village, New Jersey; and Youngstown, Ohio.

UNC and its partners will meet one-on-one with each community to collaborate and develop a financial strategy to help the communities meet their goals regarding clean water.

The issue of clean drinking water has come into the spotlight after Flint, Michigan changed it’s drinking water supply in 2014.

The corrosive water from the Flint River has caused lead to leach from the pipes carrying the water, causing a major public health concern.

“The need for resilient and sustainable infrastructure becomes more important as water resources are strained by the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, drought, storms and sea level rise,” McCarthy said.

Related Stories
‹
UNC Lacrosse: Women Romp Past Florida State, Men Outlast No. 19 Penn
The top-ranked UNC men’s and women’s lacrosse teams were both in action Friday evening, and both earned wins to continue their unbeaten starts to 2026. On the women’s side, the Tar Heels hosted Florida State at Dorrance Field in the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Carolina wasted no time getting off to a hot […]
UPDATE: R.J. Davis' Jersey Ceremony Scheduled for March 3 Game vs. Clemson
Davis’ jersey ceremony, originally scheduled for Feb. 23 and then postponed due to a severe winter storm in the northeast, is now scheduled for halftime of UNC’s game vs. Clemson at the Smith Center Tuesday, March 3. Tip-off with the Tigers is scheduled for 7 p.m. 🚨 RJ’s ceremony moved to Tuesday 🚨 The […]
UNC Women's Basketball vs. Duke (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off Time
UNC will wrap up the regular season Sunday when it hosts No. 12 Duke at Carmichael Arena. The Tar Heels are looking to avenge a 72-68 loss to the Blue Devils in Durham on Feb. 15. If you aren’t attending the game in person, here’s how you can follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those […]
UNC Women's Basketball Beats Virginia, Clinches ACC Tournament Double Bye
UNC made a program-record 16 three-pointers and shot 58 percent from the field in an 82-70 win at Virginia Thursday night. The victory clinches a double bye to the quarterfinal round of next week’s ACC Tournament for Carolina. It’s just the second time the Tar Heels have earned a double bye under head coach Courtney […]
UNC Men's Basketball vs. Virginia Tech (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off Time
UNC will be back in action at the Smith Center Saturday night when the Tar Heels host Virginia Tech. Carolina has won nine consecutive home games against the Hokies. If you aren’t attending the game in person, here’s how you can follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to listen on the radio can […]
Chansky's Notebook: Free Throw Follies
UNC is still riding high after its win against Louisville, but one glaring flaw could be its downfall: free throw shooting.
On Air Today: 'An Empty Fullness' with UNC's Adam Versényi
Aaron welcomes UNC's Adam Versényi, who just debuted a one-man show about his experience helping his mother with a medically-assisted death.
UNC Baseball Wins Midweek Matchups vs. North Carolina A&T, VCU
The Diamond Heels had no trouble in a pair of midweek games against North Carolina A&T and VCU. Carolina outscored the opposition 22-4 on its way to wins in both matchups at Boshamer Stadium. Tuesday against the Aggies, George Mason transfer Owen Hull had the best game of his young UNC career with three hits […]
Chansky's Notebook: Mack is Back (Again)
Mack Brown's midcourt ceremony at the Smith Center Monday night was a satisfying end to what had been an awkward UNC football saga.
'This is a Loud Voice': Former UNC Trustee Discusses Push to 'Renovate, Don't Relocate' Dean Smith Center
There are many contentious issues currently being discussed on the UNC campus. But perhaps none are more contentious than the state of the Dean Smith Center and its future. Decision-makers at UNC have reportedly been pushing for a new basketball arena on a parcel of land known as Carolina North, located on the former Horace […]
›