WHITEVILLE, NC – Whiteville has joined a statewide network designed to protect one of the most overlooked parts of public safety: the systems that deliver clean water and carry wastewater away.
City officials confirmed that Whiteville is now a member of the N.C. Wastewater and Water Response Network, known as WaterWARN, a mutual‑aid partnership that allows utilities across North Carolina to share equipment, personnel, and technical support during emergencies.
Emergency Management Director and Fire Marshal Hal Lowder said the move strengthens the city’s ability to respond quickly when storms, flooding, equipment failures, or contamination events threaten the water system.
Lowder noted that water infrastructure is essential not only for drinking and sanitation but also for firefighting. “If a major disaster hits, we can request help immediately,” he said. “We don’t have to wait for a state or federal declaration.”
Through WaterWARN, participating cities and utilities list the resources they can provide — such as pumps, generators, operators, and vacuum trucks — and can request assistance through a single online system. Other members respond directly, allowing aid to move faster and with less red tape.
The network was strengthened after widespread damage from Hurricane Helene exposed gaps in how water‑system support was coordinated across the state. WaterWARN was created to streamline that process and ensure communities can help one another without bureaucratic delays.
Whiteville will also be able to send assistance to other towns when needed.
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