One Water in Action: American Rivers Leads the Way in North Carolina
Late last year on a chilly, rainy day, a diverse group of municipal water staff, elected officials, and environmental advocates braved the gloomy weather to gather at the Joint Forum on Falls Lake, hosted by the UNRBA and NC Department of Environmental Quality. The focus? Revisiting nutrient management rules to protect Falls Lake, a drinking water source and recreational gem for the Triangle region. Despite the complex and technical nature of the discussions and the driving rain outside, the room buzzed with energy. Over 70 attendees shared a common goal: build on the success of integrated water management in the Upper Neuse River Basin to advance One Water principles in the Neuse River and beyond.
What is One Water?
One Water is a holistic strategy for managing all water resources—surface water, groundwater, stormwater, and wastewater—as a single, interconnected system. This approach emphasizes collaboration among stakeholders, sustainable infrastructure, and equitable water access. Integrated Water Management (IWM) is the set of practices that turn One Water principles into action, balancing environmental sustainability, economic growth, and public health.
North Carolina’s Neuse and Cape Fear Rivers: Where and what to know
Stretching nearly 6,000 square miles, the Neuse River Basin connects North Carolina’s fast-growing Piedmont region to the state’s Coastal Plain before emptying into Pamlico Sound, a vital local fishery that supports both livelihoods and recreation. However, the basin is under pressure from nutrient pollution, algal blooms, and increased sedimentation—threats that endanger water quality and aquatic life.
The Upper Neuse River Basin, home to Falls Lake, supplies drinking water to much of the Raleigh metropolitan area but faces challenges from stormwater runoff, urban expansion, and nutrient overload. Without proactive management, these pressures could compromise the region’s ability to provide clean, reliable water for residents.
Similarly, the Jordan Lake watershed, primarily fed by the Haw River, is a crucial water resource for central North Carolina before flowing into the Cape Fear River and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. Yet, Jordan Lake struggles with excess nutrients, stormwater pollution, and sedimentation, making it imperative to adopt collaborative water management strategies to maintain its role as both a regional water supply and an ecological treasure.
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American Rivers: Driving Nationwide Change
American Rivers is a national leader in promoting One Water strategies. In North Carolina, we are championing policies that support green infrastructure, equitable water access, and climate resilience. By integrating science-based solutions and forward-thinking policy changes into regional water management efforts, American Rivers strengthens initiatives like JLOW and UNRBA, ensuring that communities throughout the Neuse and Cape Fear watersheds benefit from sustainable, collaborative water resource management.
JLOW exemplifies the One Water approach by bringing together local governments, industries, conservation groups, and residents to implement cost-effective, mutually beneficial water solutions. These efforts include climate-resilient infrastructure projects, stormwater management innovations, and ecosystem restoration initiatives. By fostering collaboration across jurisdictions, JLOW helps secure the region’s water future while positively impacting downstream communities, including those in the Cape Fear River Basin.
Similarly, UNRBA applies One Water strategies to address critical water challenges in the Upper Neuse River Basin. Through data-driven decision-making and multi-stakeholder partnerships, the association works to reduce nutrient pollution and mitigate stormwater impacts through an innovative joint investment-based compliance strategy that funds water quality projects with community benefits.
By embracing the One Water approach, North Carolina’s water leaders are creating a model for other regions across the country. These efforts not only safeguard vital water resources but also strengthen communities and economies.
One Water holds the key to solving our most pressing water challenges. By fostering collaboration and breaking down traditional management silos, we can ensure abundant, clean water for generations to come—one watershed at a time.
