In the video above, Sheila Jones, an Environmental Education Specialist, discusses the critical topic of the One Water concept and the urgent need to conserve this precious resource. Sheila highlights the interconnectedness of all water sources, emphasizing the importance of protecting and preserving them.
Learn more about Wake County's One Water Project by checking the frequently asked questions below!
What is One Water?
One Water is an approach that connects water resources to broader community goals. It aims to manage water resources as well as the local economy and public well-being. One Water involves many government agencies working together to plan and implement:
- Water infrastructure (water supply and waste treatment facilities, and stormwater and flood management projects)
- Policies and codes (such as those protecting public health and the environment)
- Program operations that administer community services
How is One Water different from traditional water management?
One Water starts with the recognition that all water is valuable. Clean and abundant water supports:
- healthy communities
- natural resources
- businesses
- agriculture
Water should be managed in a way that upholds these values. One Water also considers environmental, social, and economic benefits at the same time.
Why is Wake County developing a One Water Plan?
Clean water is not a given.
There are many challenges that increase water unpredictability. Wake County has the highest growth rate in the state. Population increases and a changing climate impact the quality and quantity of our water resources.
Wake County is developing a One Water Plan to address these challenges proactively. We’re connecting management activities to these broader community needs so that future generations have a clean and abundant water supply.
How can One Water help address the challenges posed by a rapidly growing population in Wake County?
Under the One Water approach, the County will coordinate many of its programs with local, regional, and national stakeholders. This includes each of the County’s 12 municipalities as well as state, federal, and non-profit organizations and private businesses. The coordination will look at programs such as:
- onsite wastewater
- groundwater wells
- stormwater and watershed management
- flood protection
- soil and water conservation
- health and human resources
- parks and recreation
- open space
- planning
- housing affordability
- community revitalization
The One Water Plan will include strategies developed collaboratively that are predicted to be successful in addressing impacts of growth. We’ll develop these strategies using a comprehensive assessment framework.
How are wastewater and stormwater valuable resources?
Stormwater and wastewater can be captured and reused for irrigation and other non-potable uses. These uses could include toilet flushing and industrial make-up water for boiler systems. Reusing water helps conserve valuable potable water resources that can then be used for drinking water, cooking, and cleaning.
How can I stay informed or participate in developing the One Water Plan?
The County is involving the public in its One Water process from the start. Help us refine the vision and goals for One Water in Wake County during the first phase of the two-year process. Later, provide input on proposed management strategies and help establish priorities for implementation.
Visit the Stay Engaged webpage to sign up for updates and invitations to feedback opportunities. We encourage you to visit the website periodically to learn about our progress.