North Carolina's thirst for water is only going to grow

Planning to meet future demand is focus of May 22 WaterVision conference

The recent record-setting drought focused a lot of attention on water and water resources in North Carolina. A surprisingly wet winter may have eased the pressure somewhat, but it has not eliminated the need for a comprehensive review of our water resources.

With our state in the midst of a population explosion that will see another 3 million citizens calling North Carolina home over the next 25 years, water security issues will not go away. Citizens need water to survive, businesses need water to thrive, and developers need access to water to build.

Managing this precious resource is a shared responsibility for all levels of government, but local governments are perhaps best positioned to ensure the sustainability of our water resources into the future.

Water supplies do not follow natural boundaries. Many counties and cities rely on sources of water that are in neighboring counties or, in some instances, are several counties away – or maybe even in another state. Growth in one county may impact the water supply for many other cities and counties. As a result, it is imperative that regional approaches to water supply issues are developed.

The School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the NCACC and the N.C. League of Municipalities are co-sponsoring a one-day mini-conference, “WaterVision: The Future of Water Resources in North Carolina,” on May 22 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center in Durham County.

This mini-conference, offered through the Local Elected Leaders Academy, will present a “big picture” perspective on water resources in North Carolina and throughout the Southeast. This conference will provide local elected officials an understanding of water resource issues and a good sense of what can and should be done by local governments.

As elected leaders for our communities, we must think in terms of the legacy we will leave for our children and grandchildren. The decisions we make now will greatly impact the quality of life we are able to provide for future generations. Investments we make now will pay dividends for generations to come.

Water is an issue that requires strong, visionary leadership and regional collaboration. For the past several years, the Association has been working to strengthen our relationship with our state and municipal partners. It is time for all of us to come together and to work cooperatively on this issue.

Water is a precious natural resource, something we cannot take for granted. The WaterVision conference will serve as a catalyst for inquiry and action around creating a more a resilient water allocation system for North Carolina, with the focus on what local government leaders can do.