Wake County is home to approximately 35 migrant housing units, which serve as seasonal residences for agricultural workers. Wake County’s Onsite Water Protection team helps ensure they meet essential health and safety standards.

As part of our responsibilities, the team conducts annual inspections of the well and septic systems at each site prior to seasonal occupancy. This includes collecting water samples for bacteriological testing through our certified water quality lab to ensure drinking water is safe and systems are functioning properly.

Under the Migrant Housing Act of North Carolina, migrant housing is defined as any facility, structure or property used as living quarters for individuals employed in seasonal or temporary agricultural work who must stay overnight away from their permanent residence.

The law requires that all migrant housing be inspected and prepared to host workers at least 45 days before their arrival.

Wake County’s role focuses specifically on well and septic inspections. All other permitting, regulatory, and housing safety requirements are overseen by the Agricultural Safety and Health Bureau within the Division of Occupational Safety and Health at the North Carolina Department of Labor. If any issues are identified during our inspections, property owners are required to make timely repairs, and follow-up inspections are conducted to confirm compliance.

Each migrant housing unit typically accommodates four to six workers, with a maximum of two individuals allowed per bedroom. Most workers reside in Wake County from January through late November, with inspections typically taking place by the end of November in preparation for the following season.

For more information, please contact Casey Fulghum at casey.fulghum@wake.gov or check NCDOL website.