The WaDE Program goals are:

1. To identify and eliminate straight pipes and failing septic systems primarily in public water supply watersheds, recreational watersheds and along waterways listed by the N.C. Division of Water Quality as impaired by high counts of indicator bacteria (coliform bacteria);
2. To assist counties in identifying and correcting wastewater problem areas of their counties;
3. To educate the general public, special interest groups and government officials of the need for proper on-site wastewater disposal; and
4. To provide financial assistance to low-income homeowners in need of septic system repairs whenever possible.

The WaDE Program's directive is to focus on the waterways in the western part of the state. Currently, WaDE offers services to 24 western counties.

The WaDE Program aligns its goals to match the strategic goals of the N.C. General Assembly, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Division of Environmental Health. The WaDE Program associates itself with state strategic goals that are related to preserving the environment, protecting water resources, providing education to the public and supporting economic sustainability.

Internally, the WaDE Program strives to foster collaborative relationships with other water resources stakeholders at the federal, state, regional and local levels in order to provide a comprehensive program. The WaDE Program maintains associations with the Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Water Quality, Public Water Supply Section, county health departments, county soil and water conservation districts, and other local groups and agencies interested in protecting the water resources. The WaDE Program also collaborates with regional councils of government and local community action agencies to provide financial assistance to low-income homeowners identified during WaDE-sponsored door-to-door wastewater surveys.