WakeUP Wake County

Water

Are our water systems healthy and sustainable?

The majority of Wake County residents get their drinking water from Falls Lake or Jordan Lake, two major man-made reservoirs which provide flood control, recreation, wildlife habitat, as well as drinking water. These reservoirs are part of the Neuse River and Cape Fear River basins, respectively. As stewards of the environment and citizens concerned about growing sustainably, WakeUP takes a holistic view of our drinking water resources and advocates for healthy whole water systems, from streams and rivers to lakes and stormwater. WakeUP believes that if we keep our water systems balanced and functioning properly we can manage flooding, protect the environment and ensure safe and clean drinking water sources for future generations.

Integrated Water Management

In the winter of 2007-08, eastern Wake County, including Raleigh, nearly ran out of water. Due to the geography and geology of the Piedmont region we have low water resilience, yet we continue to grow rapidly – adding 64 people every day.  Man-made reservoirs like Falls and Jordan rely largely on local rainfall to maintain adequate lake levels and to provide sufficient river flows downstream. Both lakes are polluted and are filling up with sediment as a result of development, agriculture and more. Unless forward-thinking policies are adopted, demand for drinking water in Raleigh and Eastern Wake County will exceed supply by 2060, given projected growth (Raleigh Water Resource Assessment 2014).

An integrated approach can help us sustain this most precious resource: clean water. WakeUP advocates for long-term water supply planning, green stormwater managementwater conservation, protection of natural water systems and restoration of degraded urban streams. All play a role in creating a water system that provides for Wake County’s growth while keeping nature in balance.

Read more about water quality and supply here.