Roughly half of North Carolinians get their drinking water from rivers and lakes. North Carolina's biologically rich rivers, streams, and reservoirs are home to nearly 200 native species of fish. Many of these lakes also provide economically important recreational benefits for North Carolina citizens. 

Jordan Lake, the main drinking water reservoir for many people, is already polluted, and the state's cleanup plan is at least eight years behind schedule. Runoff from roads, rooftops, forests, and farms carries pollution into Jordan Lake every time it rains. Futhermore, treated sewage wastewater from many communities goes into the lake.  Nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorous are of particular concern; these can cause excessive algal growth, which depletes the oxygen supply in the lake and can caue fish kills. 

If we don't take action soon, we risk working this lake to death, and jeopardizing the quality of life in our communities.

In 2005, the NC General Assembly passed S981, Drinking Water Reservoir Protection Act. This law (S.L. 2005-190)  directed the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) to develop rules to curb all sources of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution entering Jordan Lake (and Falls Lake); sources include new development, existing development, wastewater treatment plants, and agriculture. 

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After many delays, the Jordan Lake rules were sent out for public comment in fall 2007.  The public comment period ended in September, 2007 and the Environmental Management Commission adopted the rules in May, 2008. The rules are before the Rules Review Commission, and if the RRC approves the rules in the fall, they will be eligible for legislative review in the 2009 session.

For more  information on the Jordan Lake Clean Up Rules click here.

Links

Jordan Lake: Clean It Up! website.

Haw River Assembly "State of the Lake Report" Sept. 28, 2006. (pdf document)

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources website on Jordan Lake rules.

Jordan Lake Nutrient Management Strategy (pdf document)

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