The Future of Water in North Carolina: Strategies for Sustaining Abundant and Clean Water

North Carolina is experiencing rapid growth—in population, water use, and land use change. Signs of stress, such as hotspots of water quality degradation, failing sewer and water systems, and recent droughts, illustrate the challenge of maintaining clean and abundant water for healthy growth and ecosystems. Already many in our state are tackling these challenges, but the question remains whether our water resources will withstand the pressures of today’s type of growth. Yet there are opportunities to incorporate the protection of water resources into plans for North Carolina’s growth.

On March 1st, 2007, the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions sponsored a one-day conference to provide a forum for stakeholders to discuss creative ideas and practical solutions to our state’s water resource challenges. It brought together state and national experts to consider the feasibility and potential of new efforts to ensure clean water for generations to come.

Panels discussed innovations in the three strategic areas below. All presentations from the conference can be found on this site, as well as a pre-conference paper outlining the state of North Carolina’s water resources. 

• Green Infrastructure: How can North Carolina improve its prioritization and protection of natural infrastructure to maintain good water quality, natural hydrology and water-dependent ecosystems?

• Valuing Water: How can we incorporate realistic pricing, efficiency and the value of ecosystem services into water management?

• Leverage Points: Are we making the most of the numerous federal, state, and local regulations that exist to manage water resources?

A post-conference report summarizing recommendations and themes from the conference will be posted in the near future. Please check back for more information.