Field Notes · Water & Funding
Saving the rain: how CCAP can help Johnston County conserve water
Did you know North Carolina has funding available to help communities conserve water? One of the best opportunities is the Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) — and it's built for exactly the kind of practical, voluntary conservation this campaign is about.
Rain barrel or cistern — what's the difference?
Rainwater harvesting starts with a simple choice about scale. Both approaches catch water that would otherwise pour off your roof and down the street.
Rain barrel
Holds about 40–100 gallons
- Collects water from one downspout
- Great for gardens and landscaping
- Easy, low-cost DIY option
Cistern
Stores 200–10,000+ gallons
- Can connect to multiple downspouts
- Provides water during droughts
- Ideal for irrigation and long-term conservation
Why does it matter?
Every gallon of rainwater captured is a gallon that doesn't:
- Rush into our streams
- Contribute to flooding
- Increase stormwater runoff
- Need to come from our drinking water supply
It's a win for homeowners and the environment.
CCAP can help fund conservation projects
CCAP is a state cost-share program aimed at communities — yards, neighborhoods, schools, and small properties, not just farms. Eligible practices may include:
- Cisterns
- Rain gardens
- Permeable pavement
- Stormwater improvements
- Other conservation practices
cost-share assistance is available for many projects, depending on eligibility and available funding. That turns a "someday" project into one a family can actually afford this year.
Johnston County has an opportunity
Here's the part that should get your attention: Johnston County does not currently have a homeowner rainwater harvesting incentive program.
Imagine a program that helps homeowners install rain barrels or cisterns — while reducing flooding, conserving water, and protecting our rivers. The funding framework already exists at the state level. What's needed is a local board that goes and gets it.
This is the kind of conservation we should be pursuing
By seeking available state and federal grants, Johnston County can invest in practical solutions that protect natural resources, conserve water, help homeowners, support agriculture, and improve water quality — the same priorities at the heart of this campaign's plan.
Conservation isn't just about protecting what we have today — it's about preparing for tomorrow.
Take this with you
- Download the one-pager deck (PDF) — the six-slide version of this post, ready to print or share
- PowerPoint version (PPTX) — for presenting at a community or HOA meeting
- Social graphic (PNG) — post it, tag the campaign, spread the word