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Abstract Millions of North Carolina (NC) residents rely on private wells as their primary drinking water source, which are not subjected to the same frequency and extent of testing as state and federally regulated public water systems. In Sampson County, NC, a key county in Eastern NC for industrial animal agriculture, waste disposal, and biomass production, surface and groundwater that feed private wells may be particularly susceptible to contamination. To better understand the barriers and promoters of accessing safe drinking water in this region, we conducted interviews with 23 residents, technical experts, non-profit advocates, researchers, utilities staff, and local and state government affiliates. Employing rapid qualitative analysis, several key themes were identified across participants regarding their perception of what constitutes safe, high-quality drinking water, and the barriers and promoters to achieving it. As barriers, participants reflected on financial barriers, proximity to hazards, discrimination, mistrust in government agencies and industries, knowledge and informational gaps, and procedural and administrative barriers. Effective promoters highlighted by participants included effective staff and partnerships, community-engaged research and education, and proactive management of resources. Responses across participant groups reflect the complexities of decision-making processes involved for maintaining private and public water infrastructure. Additionally, changes in federal and state funding priorities may impede or facilitate action. However, enhanced understanding of drinking water challenges and taking action on effective strategies can support expansion of public water services for residents who wish to connect and increase access to affordable well water testing, maintenance, and remediation resources for private well users. This pilot study demonstrates the importance of engaging multiple interest holders for developing sustainable and affordable community-centered approaches to improve drinking water quality for rural residents.
Savelli et al. (2026) studied this question.