Water is the lifeblood of Western North Carolina, sustaining everything from our mountain communities to our thriving agricultural heritage.
Our region depends on clean, abundant water for the apple orchards in Henderson County, the Christmas tree farms scattered across our mountains, and the craft breweries that have put places like Asheville on the map. The French Broad River, the Davidson River, and countless mountain streams not only provide drinking water for our towns and cities but also support the tourism industry that draws millions to experience our waterfalls, trout fishing, and whitewater rafting.
When droughts hit or water quality is compromised, our farmers struggle, local businesses suffer, and the natural beauty that defines our mountain identity is threatened. From the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Great Smoky Mountains, water shapes our landscape, powers our economy, and connects our communities, making its protection and sustainable management essential for preserving the Western North Carolina way of life for future generations.
Water basics
Stormwater
Stormwater includes any runoff that flows over impervious land (land that can't absorb water). This may include roads, sidewalks, and parking lots.
To prevent flooding, we manage stormwater with a drainage system known as a "Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System" or MS4 in North Carolina. Unlike home and residential sewage, stormwater is not processed through a water treatment plant. Instead, stormwater is directed to local waterways.
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Stormwater is normally created by heavy rainfall or snowmelt. When these events occur, stormwater transports harmful pollutants, chemicals, and waste present in urban areas into nearby streams. This can include pesticides, auto waste, pet waste, and excess yard waste. This is devastating for stream and ecosystem health.
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To prevent pollution from entering local streams through stormwater, citizens can:
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Bag and toss dog poop
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Properly dispose of yard waste
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Keep grass clippings in their yard, not blown into the street
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Use homemade cleaning products
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Avoid car fluid spills and properly dispose of liquids
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Use biodegradable soap for car washing
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Make sure all trash is bagged properly
Natural water sources
We live in the land of waterfalls. Transylvania County is impressively home to 250 waterfalls, 421 miles of fishable trout streams, and the headwaters of the world's third-oldest river - the French Broad.
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Additionally, these natural water sources are home to endangered organisms such as the Eastern Hellbender (a giant salamander), the Carolina Heelsplitter (a freshwater mussel), and the Cape Fear Shiner.
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Our region's incredible trout fishing attracts fly fishermen from all over the world. Trout thrive in Western North Carolina due to specific environmental conditions and the health of our streams.
Trout well-being is directly correlated to cold water temperatures, well-filtered habitats, a balanced flow of nutrients, unobstructed water systems, and undisturbed ecosystems. WNC routinely upholds these conditions. However, environmental events such as Hurricane Helene, increased development, and poorly regulated agricultural runoff can threaten the livelihood of Transylvania County's natural water sources.
To maintain stream health, citizens can:
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Participate in stream clean-ups
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Advocate for reduced development near waterways
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Support organic farms
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Preserve the natural flow and shape of rivers (don't move rocks!)
reservoirs
Courtesy of Tripadvisor
Reservoirs are man-made water sources primarily used for flood control, drinking water, and even hydroelectric power generation.
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Well-known reservoirs include Cascade Lake, Lake Toxaway, and Lake Summit, but the county includes over 30 separate dams. ​
​Maintaining water quality in reservoirs is just as important as reducing pollution present in stormwater or natural water sources. In fact, reservoirs are directly impacted by the flow of these other water sources.
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Since stormwater isn't sent to a water treatment plant, drainage systems commonly route stormwater to nearby reservoirs. So, the same water eventually used for drinking can be the same water exposed to harmful chemicals, waste, and dog poop collected in heavy rain events. This water is treated, but a minute presence of pesticides, nitrates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can occur.
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Everything is connected. Beginning with the water sources closest to our homes, jobs, and outings, we should be aware of litter's impact. Environmentally conscious individuals should:​
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​Educate others on the connection of water systems​
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Focus on individual effort to avoid stormwater contamination
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Volunteer with clean-up groups (or plan your own!)
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Resources
Our water resources are one of Western North Carolina's most precious assets.
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One year later: An event analysis and how we move forward.
RiverLink’s Watershed Resources program works to improve water quality in the French Broad River and its tributaries.
Simple Water Quality Protection Actions
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