Aquifer Protection Section

Groundwater Planning Unit

Attention:  The Groundwater Planning Unit has moved from its previous location on Capital Boulevard into the 6th floor of the Archdale Building located at 512 N. Salisbury Street in downtown Raleigh.  Our mailing address will remain the same (1636 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1636).  If you need to visit APS staff or review files, please call or email in advance to ensure availability.  Please check the APS Staff Directory for updated telephone numbers.

Our Mission

To support and improve North Carolina's groundwater protection program by identifying needs, applying science to assess the effectiveness of regulations and build knowledge of groundwater quality, and increasing awareness of groundwater quality concerns.

Our Responsibilities

• Provide science support to regulatory programs and the DWQ classifications and standards program
• Generate data and knowledge needed to understand and manage the state's groundwater quality
• Utilize existing data to build knowledge and understanding of the state's groundwater quality

Identify Needs and Build Resources in Order to Support an Effective Groundwater Protection Program

• Facilitate the development of DENR groundwater databases for all groundwater data collected from all DENR programs
• Establish a statewide groundwater sciences program to support evaluation and protection of groundwater resources

Develop More Effective Regulatory Practices

• Assess the effectiveness of regulations and make recommendations for regulatory changes when necessary
• Build understanding of the groundwater resource
• Interact with and provide technical assistance to other agencies or programs Promote awareness of the resource.
• Help develop appropriate groundwater classifications and promote awareness of groundwater quality.
• Publish the results of scientific studies/resource assessment