Overview:
North Carolina is experiencing rapid growth—in population, water
use, and land use change. Signs of stress, such as hotspots of water quality
degradation, failing sewer and water systems, and recent droughts, illustrate
the challenge of maintaining clean and abundant water for healthy growth
and ecosystems. Already many in our state are tackling these challenges,
but the question remains whether our water resources will withstand the
pressures of today’s type of growth.
Yet there are opportunities to incorporate the protection of water resources
into plans for North Carolina’s growth.
On March 1st, 2007, the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions
sponsored a one-day conference to provide a forum for stakeholders to discuss
creative ideas and practical solutions to our state’s water resource challenges.
It brought together state and national experts to consider the feasibility and
potential of new efforts to ensure clean water for generations to come.
Panels discussed innovations in the three strategic areas below. All presentations
from the conference can be found on this site, as well as a pre-conference paper
outlining the state of North Carolina’s water resources.
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Green Infrastructure: How can North Carolina improve its prioritization and protection of natural infrastructure to maintain good water quality, natural hydrology and water-dependent ecosystems?
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Valuing Water: How can we incorporate realistic pricing, efficiency and the value of ecosystem services into water management?
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Leverage Points: Are we making the most of the numerous federal, state, and local regulations that exist to manage water resources?
A post-conference report summarizing recommendations and themes from the conference will be posted in the near future. Please check back for more information.
The Nicholas Institute thanks the following organizations for their support
of this conference:
If you are interested in more information about this conference please contact Leslie Kleczek (leslie.kleczek@duke.edu) at 919-613-8746 or Eben Polk (eben.polk@duke.edu) at 919-613-8474.