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Save Our Lake Organization of Lake Norman,NC
P.O. Box 394
Terrell, NC 28682
Phone: 704-458-1163
saveourlake @ charter.net

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Save Our Lake Organization of Lake Norman Articles - Most Endangered River
by Rick Gaskins

The Catawba River Designated As America’s Most Endangered River

Each year, American Rivers, a national river advocacy organization, solicits nominations from thousands of river groups, environmental organizations, outdoor clubs, local governments, and taxpayer watchdogs for the America’s Most Endangered Rivers report. The report highlights the rivers facing the most uncertain futures and presents alternatives to proposals that would damage rivers, identifies those who make the crucial decisions, and points out opportunities for the public to take action on behalf of each listed river. This #1 designation is the first of its kind in the Carolinas.

While the entire region suffers from water mismanagement during historic drought and concerns over unregulated water supply, the outdated policies currently threatening the Catawba-Wateree River are especially egregious. Unless immediate changes are implemented, the river that provides drinking water for millions of people, pumps tens of millions of dollars into local economies, and is directly responsible for thousands of jobs could be irreparably damaged; and the communities that depend on it will suffer.
The population explosion in the Charlotte region has left decision makers in both North and South Carolina flummoxed when it comes to water policy. Neither state has anything that resembles a sustainable long term water plan. Conservation measures are only implemented after things get bad, not year round.

“We need a real water policy that relies on common sense thinking, not theft as its main component,” said Catawba Riverkeeper® David Merryman. “Thou shall not steal was one of the first lessons I learned growing up, apparently our leaders didn’t.”
Instead of stealing, both states need to support conservation, water efficiency, and smart growth. On a personal level, residents need to embrace water efficient appliances and fixtures in their daily lives, while local and state decision makers must help them make the switch. Across the country, local leaders are showing leadership by offering such products at discounted rates, and in some cases for free. Development practices making these features mandatory in new construction must be adopted, as should smart stormwater management techniques and tiered water rates that reward those who use less water, while punishing those who chose to waste it.

Each year at least 10 million people flock to the Catawba-Wateree to enjoy a variety of recreationally based industries including boating, camping, hiking and fishing. Those millions of tourists leave almost 100 million dollars behind, helping drive local economies throughout the region. This recreation economy supports thousands of jobs. Meanwhile, the river helps power both states through 11 hydropower plants, 4 coal plants, and 2 nuclear power facilities. Decreased water flows could force these facilities to be taken off line. Several paper plants, textile factories and chemical facilities also depend on the river the water to keep their businesses afloat. No water for the river means no water for the businesses and eventually no jobs for the people.

“Thousands of people depend daily on the Catawba-Wateree to put food on their table, and money in their bank accounts,” added Merryman. “If we just keep putting more straws into the river instead of actually changing our water habits, what’s going to happen when we eventually suck the river dry?”

For more information about the Most Endangered Rivers Designation, click on the following link: American Rivers Most Endangered Rivers List. To take action, go to: https://secure2.convio.net/amr/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1019 .

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Save Our Lake Organization    P.O. Box 394 Terrell, NC  28682   Phone:  704-458-1163    Email:   saveourlake @ charter.net
 
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