From the mountains to the coast, extreme weather events, like Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Chantal, are reshaping North Carolina’s water systems. Additionally, rapid population growth, labor shortages and aging infrastructure are also placing immense pressure on the state’s water landscape. The American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2026 Report Card for North Carolina’s Infrastructure underscores these challenges, grading drinking water at a C+, stormwater at a C-, and a D+ for dams and wastewater.

To continue the momentum from the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Water, we are kicking off to a special series of The Connector podcast–Water Wednesdays. In this episode, IEI Policy and Program Manager Jessica Solis Aguilar sits down with three guests: North Carolina Coastal Federation Coastal Management Program Director Kerri Allen, GROW NC Deputy Director for Engagement Scott Elliott and Haw River Assembly Executive Director Emily Sutton. Together, they dive deeper into these challenges, sharing insights on how practitioners and local leaders can prepare our water systems for a more resilient future.

The Connector podcast explores connections being made across sectors, regions and perspectives, resulting in a more vibrant and prosperous North Carolina. To learn more about the Institute for Emerging Issues, visit emergingissues.org.