CWWMG 2019-2020 Annual Report

Message from Our Chairman Page ii

State of the Basin Page 8

2020/2021

ANNUAL REPORT

CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY

Featured Projects Page 16

Community Engagement Page 22

Our Financials Page 32

Message from Our Chairman 2020 was a year to embrace change and pivot toward new ways for the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CWWMG) to stay connected with our community. Through socially-distanced Member meetings and virtual community involvement efforts, the Group got to work on new ways to engage all those who rely on the CatawbaWateree River Basin for their day-to-day lives.

The CWWMG also worked to revise the Group’s bylaws. One update was a downstream extension of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin by about 76 river miles to the mouth of the Wateree River. This addition increases the area of the basin to approximately 5,680 square miles, expanding the scope of work for the CWWMG and growing the number of potential new opportunities for membership.

A key focus for the CWWMG this year was to initiate work on the first update to the Water Supply Master Plan by developing a vision, plan, and scope for the WSMP update. As a result of these initial activities, the WSMP has been rebranded as the Catawba-Wateree Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP), to better represent our approach to long-term planning.

Potential membership in the CWWMG was expanded by adding three new member categories of Mainstem, Utility, and Associate.

Current member organizations automatically become Mainstem WMG Members. Water utilities, including private ones, that operate a distribution-only system in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin or that use the River to serve customers outside of the River Basin may become Utility WMG Members. Commercial entities that own a raw water intake within the River Basin may become Associate WMG Members. Finally, new member organizations must be nominated by an existing CWWMG Member organization and approved by a supermajority decision of the CWWMG. The Small WMG Member type included in the original bylaws was deleted.

To chart the strategic direction for the IWRP, the Group hosted four workshops in October 2020 with over 70 participants and gathered over 150 ideas. Participants identified six categories for future study, including: Communication & Education, Implementation & Evaluation Mechanisms, Water Quality, Collaboration & Consistency, Water Quantity & Availability, and Realistic Planning for Future Growth.

On January 26, 2021, the Group welcomed over 80 participants to further discuss the future of water resources in our region. During the breakout sessions, workshop participants shared over 160 initiatives with the potential to enhance our Basin’s shared water supply.

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The protocol for determining membership dues was revised both in process and timing. Under the revised bylaws, the dues target revenue amount and allocations may only be changed on a five-year interval.

The dues allocation for Mainstem WMG Members is based on average water withdrawals over a five-year period instead of one-year. The original bylaws attempt to implement a dues surcharge for inter-basin transfer was ineffective and has been deleted. Utility WMG Member dues will be 80% of the lowest dues assessment to a Mainstem WMG Member. Associate WMG Member dues will be 120% of the lowest dues assessment to a Mainstem WMG Member.

Contents Our Group is committed to ensuring a sustainable water future for the Catawba-Wateree River, and we know we must all work together to implement safe, smart, and forward-thinking solutions. The Catawba-Wateree River is more than just a water resource—it’s an essential natural habitat and beloved recreational amenity. We want to acknowledge and thank everyone who works tirelessly to safeguard our shared water supply and preserve the natural environment of the CatawbaWateree River Basin.

Message from Our Chairman

ii

Our Story

02

Our Members

03

Our Board Advisory Committee State of the Basin

08

About the Catawba-Wateree River Basin Recreational Activities Water Demand

13

Water Usage Energy Demand Featured Projects Chair Jimmy Bagley, PE

16

Integrated Water Resources Master Plan Water Quantity Water Quality Climate Change Population Growth Community Engagement

22

2021 Citizens’ Water Academy Catawba Riversweep Carolina Waterfalls Documentary Our Financials

32

Our Story In 2006, Duke Energy published the CatawbaWateree Relicensing Project Water Supply Study, which was the first basin-wide evaluation of future water needs in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. The results of this 2006 Water Supply Study were startling—without changes to water resource management strategies, over the next 50 years future water demands would approach or exceed the Catawba-Wateree River Basin’s available water supply during drought conditions.

In other words, during the next 50 years, we could face water supply shortages in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin unless we work together to develop and adopt more efficient and sustainable regional approaches to water resource management. So that’s exactly what the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group has done!

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Our Vision The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 2007 and has since worked diligently to coordinate a regional approach to water resource management to extend and enhance the water supply in the Catawba-Wateree River. By bringing together water utilities from North Carolina and South Carolina as well as Duke Energy, the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group strives to find innovative water resource management strategies to extend our shared water supply and protect the ecological integrity of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.

Our Group recognizes that without excellent environmental stewardship and efficient water resource management strategies, the Catawba-Wateree River Basin may not be able to meet anticipated future water supply needs.

We envision a future with a sustainable water source achieved through proactive planning, cuttingedge research, and water shortage preparedness.

Our Mission The mission of the CWWMG is to identify, fund, and manage projects that will help preserve, extend, and enhance the capabilities of the Catawba-Wateree River to provide water resources for human needs while maintaining the ecological integrity of the waterway.

OUR MEMBERS

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Our Members The CWWMG member organizations help to manage the water resources that support over two million residents in the CatawbaWateree River Basin. We have 18 member organizations, including the 17 public water utilities in North Carolina and South Carolina that operate water intakes along the Catawba-Wateree River and Duke Energy Carolinas.

Members of the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group meet regularly to better understand the water resource and water quality challenges that face the Catawba-Wateree River. CWWMG members work together to formulate innovative strategies, commission cutting-edge research, and collaborate on proactive planning projects to help ensure a sustainable water future for the Catawba-Wateree River.

North Carolina Members

South Carolina Members

Charlotte Water

Chester Metropolitan District

City of Belmont

City of Camden

City of Gastonia: Two Rivers Utilities

City of Rock Hill

City of Hickory

Lugoff-Elgin Water Authority

City of Lenoir City of Morganton City of Mount Holly

NC & SC Members

City of Statesville

Catawba River Water Treatment Plant

Lincoln County

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC

Town of Granite Falls Town of Mooresville Town of Valdese

44

Lenoir Lake Rhodhiss

Lake Hickory

Lookout Shoals Lake

Lake James Statesville

Granite Falls Morganton Hickory

Valdese

Mooresville Lake Norman

Lincoln Co.

NORTH CAROLINA

Mountain Island Lake Gastonia, Two Rivers Utilities

Mount Holly

Long View

Charlotte Water Duke Energy

SOUTH CAROLINA Area of detail

North Carolina South Carolina

Map Legend Catawba-Wateree River Basin Main Riverine System State Border

Belmont

Lake Wylie

Union Co.

Rock Hill

Lancaster Co. Chester Water and Sewer District Metropolitan District Chester Co.

Cedar Creek Reservoir

Fishing Creek Reservoir

Great Falls Reservoir Lake Wateree

Lugoff-Elgin Water Authority Camden

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Our Board

Vice Chair

Jeff Lineberger, PE

City of Rock Hill, SC

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC

SC At-Large Director

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Secretary & Treasurer

Chair

Jimmy Bagely, PE

Brad Boris City of Morganton, NC

NC At-Large Director

Ray Peterson, PE

Allison Kraft, PE

City of Camden, SC

Town of Mooresville, NC

Our Advisory Committee Our Advisory Committee is composed of eight committee members with varying backgrounds and expertise in the water resource management industry. To ensure continual alignment with our mission and vision, the Advisory Committee provides guidance and external perspectives about our Group’s general direction, governance, and strategic plans.

Environmental

Vicki Taylor (Chair)

Economic Development

Regulatory/State Government

Jeff Burgess

Don Rayno

Project Residential Landowner of Project or River Frontage

Shirley Greene

Academic/Research

Recreation

Jeff Allen, PhD

Tim Gestwicki

Agricultural/ Forestry

Agricultural/ Forestry

Mitch Peale (Primary)

Keith Larick (Alternative)

Local Government

Jason Wager, AICP, CEP

Industrial

Mike Teague 7

STATE OF THE BASIN 8

About the CatawbaWateree River Basin The Catawba-Wateree River is a powerful, but limited natural resource that supports and connects communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. The Catawba River begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains and flows southeast before becoming the Wateree River within Lake Wateree.

It continues south, eventually joining the Congaree River to form the Santee River near St. Matthews, SC. Together, the Catawba-Wateree River flows for over 300 miles and includes a linked series of 11 reservoirs. Our Group serves the 5,680 square-mile Catawba-Wateree River Basin, which provides water for communities from Morganton, NC to Camden, SC. Approximately two million people rely on the river as a primary source for drinking water, wastewater, industrial operations, agriculture, power utilities, and even recreational amenities. A true force of nature, the Catawba-Wateree River helps to power our region and is home to about 25% of Duke Energy’s total generating capacity in the Carolinas. The Catawba-Wateree River Basin is also a biodiverse natural environment that is an essential habitat for many animals and plants.

Industrial uses like manufacturing

The CatawbaWateree River provides water resources for:

Public water systems bringing water to our homes, schools, and workplaces Multiple recreation opportunities like fishing, boating and swimming

Diverse animal and plant species dependent on a healthy ecosystem

Power utilities producing energy to power our lives, homes, and businesses Agricultural activities like irrigation and farming.

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The Catawba-Wateree River at a Glance Although this natural reserve of water is plentiful, it is not unlimited. It is imperative that we protect the natural environment and water resources in the CatawbaWateree River Basin and implement water management strategies that will help to safeguard our water future.

About the River

300

miles of river

5,680

square miles of watershed area 10

11

interconnected reservoirs

River's Water Resources

13

powers over

4 million homes

hydropower stations

2

nuclear stations

1

combustion turbine station

is a direct water source for

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Public Water Suppliers 11

Recreational Amenities The Catawba-Wateree River Basin provides area residents and visitors with a beautiful natural environment that can be utilized for a multitude of recreational activities.

Our Group understands the importance of protecting the ecological integrity of the River Basin and promoting recreational opportunities, which is one reason we have placed such a strong emphasis on monitoring and enhancing water quality.

We want the Catawba-Wateree River Basin to be a beautiful place for your family and ours to enjoy for years to come.

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Each year, there are about 16 million recreational visits

to the 11-lake system in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.

the Catawba-Wateree River and lake system generates about $24 million in annual revenue for area businesses

and directly supports about 1,700 jobs.

WATER DEMAND

Water Demand

Water Usage Projected vs Actual Net Withdrawal Our net water usage has remained approximately level over the long-term and decreased over the past five years. This trend contrasts with the increase projected in our Water Supply Master Plan. This difference in trend is impacted by factors such as increased water use efficiencies and recent years of high rainfall. Into the future, increased population growth and regional development will elevate increased water demand on this vital resource.

Energy Demand The Catawba-Wateree River helps to power our region.

The River is home to about 25% of Duke Energy’s total generating capacity in the Carolinas. In 2019, Duke Energy’s 13 hydropower stations, two nuclear stations, two coal-fired stations and one combustion turbine station produced enough electricity to power over four million homes.

Projected vs. Actual Net Withdrawal KEY Actual Net Water Withdrawal 2014 Water Supply Master Plan Net Water Withdrawal Projection 500 450 400

NET WATER WITHDRAWAL (Million Gallons per Day)

More than two million people currently live in and around the Catawba-Wateree River Basin with many parts experiencing rapid growth and development. In fact, the population in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin has increased by about 11% since the 2010 census. By 2065, the overall water demand in the basin is expected to increase by about 103%.

Given the projected growth in the area, it’s more important now than ever to utilize long-term strategic planning and ensure this precious resource can meet future demands.

350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2000

2010

2020

2030

YEAR

2040

2050

2065

2020: 2020

2065

Net Water Withdrawn from Basin: 175 million gallons per day = 1M Gallons

4

77

36

58

Industrial

Agricultural/Irrigation

Public Water Suppliers

Power

Source: CW-DMAG (2020 June) Catawba-Wateree Annual Water Use

Source: CW-DMAG (2020 June, published 2021 June) Catawba-Wateree Annual Water Use

Source: HDR; McKim & Creed. (2014). Catawba-Wateree River Basin Water Supply Master Plan.

Charlotte: Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group.

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FEATURED PROJECTS 16

How We’re Planning for the Future of the Basin

In 2006, we observed that during drought conditions, communities in the CatawbaWateree River Basin could face water shortages within the next 50 years. Without significant efforts to manage our water resources more efficiently, communities could see a time when there is not enough water flowing in the Catawba-Wateree River to support our region’s growing population and economy.

Since 2007, the CWWMG has been working with our regional partners to plan for and implement sustainable water resource management strategies. In 2014, this work culminated in a publication of the basin-wide Water Supply Master Plan (WSMP). The CWWMG is committed to regularly updating the plan as part of ongoing water resource planning and in compliance with the 10year update provision required by the 2010 settlement agreement for a US Supreme Court case between North and South Carolina.

The CWWMG has initiated work on the first update to the WSMP. In addition to revisions to water quantity data and projections for water use through hydrologic modeling, this update will represent a holistic focus of long-term

planning for water quantity and quality for multiple uses of water resources throughout the Basin. The CWWMG will expand its definition of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin to include approximately 76 additional river miles downstream to the confluence of the Wateree and Congaree Rivers.

An initial step in this effort was to develop a vision, plan, and scope for the WSMP update.

As a result, the WSMP has been rebranded as the Catawba-Wateree Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP) to better represent our approach to long-term planning.

The mission of the IWRP is a holistic and integrated focus of long-term planning for water quantity and quality for multiple uses of the water resources throughout the Basin.

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The group hosted four workshops in October 2020 with over 70 participants who provided over 150 ideas to identify the strategic direction for the plan. Participants identified six categories for future study:

Communication & Education

Collaboration & Consistency

Implementation & Evaluation Mechanisms

Water Quantity & Availability

Water Quality

Realistic Planning for Future Growth

On January 26, 2021, the Group held a virtual workshop attended by over 80 participants to further discuss the future of water resources in our region. During the breakout sessions, workshop participants shared over 160 initiatives focused on protecting and enhancing our Basin’s shared water supply.

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Water Quantity

Water Quality

The water quantity, or available water resources, in the Catawba-Wateree River fluctuates depending on local weather events such as heavy rainfall or drought. Therefore, it is essential to implement water resource management strategies to help ensure there is enough available water supply in the CatawbaWateree River to provide water resources to regular users throughout the calendar year. The changing precipitation patterns caused by climate change have made water quantities less predictable and emphasize the importance of working as a region to utilize sustainable water resource management practices.

The Catawba-Wateree River supports public water supply systems, recreational uses, and serves as a habitat for plants and animals.

Ensuring the quality of water in the CatawbaWateree River is suitable for these purposes is a central focus and high priority for our Group.

As part of IWRP, the CWWMG will identify a series of future water resources planning scenarios to be considered for model updates and detailed evaluation. These future planning scenarios will enable the CWWMG to evaluate future “what-if” scenarios and their impact on water resources in the region.

In the Plan update, our Group will identify water quality priorities with the guidance of key stakeholder input. Because water quality assessments can range from the qualitative and simple to the quantitative and complex, we must work together to determine both water quality constituent and parameter priorities.

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Climate Change Climate change is expected to have a sustained and significant impact on the Earth’s natural resources, especially water resources. Climate scientists predict the ongoing rise of average global surface temperatures will lead to the intensification of the global hydrological cycle, which will cause changes in precipitation patterns and increase the rates of evaporation. These predicted changes in precipitation patterns would lead to more intense and frequent weather extremes. This means that flooding and drought events are likely to become more severe and more frequent in river basins like the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.

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These predictions of a more variable climate guide water resources planning. That is why our Integrated Water Resources Plan update is specifically focusing on long-term planning to embrace uncertainty about the future.

In the Integrated Water Resources Plan, we will identify proactive water resources management strategies with the greatest chance of helping our communities mitigate future vulnerabilities, including those caused by climate variability.

3

Liu, J., Zhang, C., Kou, L., & Zhou, Q. (2017). Effects of Climate and Land Use Changes on Water Resources in the Taoer River.

Advances in Meteorology.

Population Growth The projected exponential population growth in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin means it is more important now than ever to utilize long-term strategic planning to manage water resource usage.

Planning for how to provide water resources for our region’s future populations is an important part of the IWRP. Our project team will carefully look at how our region’s growing population could impact our available water supply and water quality through runoff. Then the team will identify management strategies to extend our water supply to meet future demands.

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 22

2021 Citizens’ Water Academy The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group presents an annual Citizens’ Water Academy (CWA) to provide a sound and broad background in water resource management for current and future leaders and influencers in our region.

The CWA helps participants understand the importance and complexity of professional, responsible water resource management.

Many of the uses of the Catawba-Wateree River system are competing for the limited water, land, funding, and management resources available. The CWA emphasizes the collaboration that exists between the numerous parties with interests and influence related to these competing uses.

Collaboration is critical to ensure the Catawba-Wateree River system can continue to provide drinking water, power generation, recreation amenities, and support for a thriving regional economy while maintaining excellent ecological health.

The 2021 CWA was especially challenging to deliver safely during the pandemic. The format was changed from half-day, in-person sessions for 12 to 15 invited participants to a series of 16, one-hour virtual sessions open to all interested parties. With the pandemic format, more than 160 individuals participated in the CWA. Unfortunately, the pandemic prevented the networking and facility tours that have been a hallmark of past CWA gatherings.

The 2021 CWA sessions covered a wide range of topics. For each session, subject matter experts shared their knowledge and experience with the group. Even though the sessions were virtual, participants were encouraged to interact, ask questions, and offer their input. Some of the topics addressed included:

• History of the role the Catawba-Wateree River played in the settling and development of the region • Duke Energy’s roles and responsibilities in managing the Catawba-Wateree River • Rules and regulations related to water resource management • How the Catawba-Wateree River system produces electrical energy for the region • The Catawba-Wateree River as a drinking water source • Water and wastewater treatment • Stormwater management impacts and challenges • Impacts of land use on water quality • The Catawba-Wateree River’s influence on real estate • How the Catawba-Wateree River continues to change nearby towns • Recreation related to the Catawba-Wateree River

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Looking ahead, future CWAs will certainly be heavily influenced by the lessons learned during this pandemic year. Planning for 2022 includes consideration of a hybrid CWA that continues to allow participation by a large number of interested individuals while safely providing for building professional relationships and networking in smaller groups.

Facility tours for large groups are challenging but experiencing the sights and sounds of the infrastructure supporting our region is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many and can create new understandings and impressions. With the support of facility owners and operators, the CWA planners will work to incorporate tours safely if possible.

Many thanks to the participants, presenters, and support staff who made the 2021 CWA such a great success.

2021 Graduates The following graduates attended 12 or more sessions and received a certificate of completion.

Cleopatra Allen | State President, Four Corners International Mission, Inc of SC Cory Anderson | Senior Engineer, Stantec Keith Bamberger | Information and Communication Specialist, NC Department of Environmental Quality 24

A. W. Bill Beers | Commissioner (York County), Lake Wylie Marine Commission

Todd Bell | President, Lake James Environmental Association

Natalie Curry | Water Treatment Plant Supervisor, City of Kannapolis - WTP

Jennifer Bennett | Recreation Project Manager, Duke Energy

Rhonda Darity | Permit Clerk, Kershaw County Planning & Zoning

Sean Bloom | GIS Director and Biologist, Catawba Lands Conservancy

Joanne Deyo | Future Board Member, Lake James Environmental Association

John Bradley | Lake Services Rep, Duke Energy

Laura Domingo | Environmental Educator, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation

Cayce Brennan | Lake Services Rep, Duke Energy

Ellen Dowling | Environmental Educator, City of Monroe

David Broom | Town Manager, Town of Fort Mill

Bryan Duckworth | Public Works Director, Town of Maiden

Ed Bruce | Lead Engineer, Duke Energy

Ed Duffy | Consultant, Duffy and Associates

William Carroll | Public Works Director, City of Belmont

Danny Edwards | Environmental Program Consultant, North Carolina Public Water Supply Section

Jason Cathey | Natural Resources Administrator, Gaston Natural Resources Christy Clark

Amanda Farris | Program Manager, Carolinas Integrated Sciences & Assessments

Jennifer Clark | Communications and Marketing Manager, Catawba Lands Conservancy

Gerald Faulkner | Manager of WTP Operations, City of Kannapolis

Angela Cook | Executive Assistant to County Supervisor, Chester County

John Gerke | Asst Ex Director, Lake Norman Marine Commission

Rebecca Coppa | Sediment Education Specialist, NCDEQ

Scott Harder | Hydrology Section Chief, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Vanessa Covington Kim Crawford | Lead Communications Specialist, Duke Energy

Phil Fragapane | Sr. Engineer, Duke Energy

Ron Hargrove | Deputy Utilities Director, Charlotte Water

Abby Haselton | NRC, Wake SWCD Jerry Hatton | City Engineer, City of Belmont, NC Julianna Hawley | Environmental Specialist, Mecklenburg County Ritchie Haynes | City Manager, City of Lincolnton Sarah Helms | Sr. Administrative Assistant, Duke Energy Erin Hines | Environmental Educator, Gaston County Natural Resources Department John Hoben | Scientist and Research Coordinator, East Carolina University Rhonda Hutson | Laboratory QAO, Charlotte Water Stacey Johnson | Chemistry Instructor, Western Piedmont Community College Scott Jolley | Project Manager, Duke Energy Brad Keaton | Chief Dam Safety Engineer, Duke Energy Randy Kelley | Chairman, Water Watch of Lake Wateree Association Gina Kimble | Laboratory Supervisor, Charlotte Water Christopher King | Counsel, Duke Energy Joseph Kluttz | Lake Services Rep., Duke Energy

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Molly Koester | Outdoor Recreation Programmer, City of Rock Hill Elizabeth Kountis | Senior Environmental Specialist, NCDEQ-DWR Amanda Lasley | Park Ranger, NC State ParksSouth Mountains State Park Jeff Lineberger | Water Strategy Director | Duke energy Morgan Long | Education Coordinator, Catawba Riverkeeper Daniel Mallett | Environmental Manager, NewIndy Containerboard Thomas Mann | Project Manager, Union County Public Works Katelin McArdle | Nonprofit, CCL Amy McCaskill | Director of Business Operations, Union County Public Works Sean McGuire | GIS Specialist, NC DEQ, Division of Water Resources, Public Water Supply Section Susan Meadows | Environmental Specialist II, NCDEQ Ariana Mercer | GIS Analyst, Union County Public Works

Department of Natural Resources Robin Nicholson | Govt' and Community Relations District Manager, Duke Energy Irene Okioga | Senior Engineering Project Manager, Charlotte Water Rosie Pindilli | WQ Manager, Charlotte Water Andrew Pitner | Assistant Regional Supervisor, State of NC DEQ Leslie Pomaville | Lake Services Rep, Duke Energy Don Rayno | CWWMG Advisory Committee, Retired Bill Recher | Associate Engineer, Union County Laine Roberts | Public Education Coordinator, City Of Greensboro Will Ruark | Catawba Lands Conservancy Neelufa Sarwar | Water Resource Engineer, NCDEQ-DWR Wesley Sawyer | President, OWC POA

Jody Steele | Steering Committee Member, Lifelong Learning @ Rock Hill Tami Styer | Licensing PM, Catawba-Wateree Hydro Project, Duke Energy Jeffrey Talbott | Environmental Program Consultant, NC DEQ Zachary Tarlton | Service Area Budget Supervisor, Union County Public Works Fred Tarver | Program Consultant (Instream Flow Program), NCDEQ - Div of Water Resources Vicki Taylor | Executive Coordinator, Catawba Wateree Initiative Ashley Terrell | Customer Service Manager, Union County Public Works Adriene Weaver | Environmental Specialist, NCDEQ-DWR

Amy Schmidt

Martha Wegner | Govt' and Community Relations District Manager, Duke Energy

David Scott | Catawba County Commissioner, Lake Norman Marine Commission

Chip Whitfield | Vice President, Lake James Environmental Association

Ted Sherrod | Engineer, AECOM

Will Wier | Natural Resources Engineer, Gaston County Natural Resources Department

Michael "Dr Mike" Miltich | Commissioner, Town of Cornelius

Alex Sitar | Associate Engineer, Union County

Priyanka More | Hydrologist II, South Carolina

Robert Sowah | Environmental Analyst, Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services

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Joy Sparks | Finance Officer, Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority

Ryan Snitker | Project Manager, Duke Energy

Sarah Williams Sharon Wilson | Catawba Lands Conservancy Aaron Winans | WWTP Operator, Union County Pubic Works

Water for All Summit 2021 The Hardest Working River While the Catawba-Wateree River is certainly not the largest, it is one of the hardest working rivers in America, providing water resources for millions of people.

Day One We kicked off day one with a year-inreview presentation from CWWMG Chair, Jimmy Bagley. Jimmy discussed three key projects that the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group has been working on this year: The Integrated Water Resources Plan, the RTI Water Research Foundation Study, and the Water Loss Management Audit.

The focus of the first day was “Competing Priorities.” We ask a lot of the Catawba-Wateree River. With so many uses, it’s no surprise there are competing priorities related to water resource management.

The first panel focused on competing priorities related to lake levels. Thank you to panelists Radford Thomas (Director of Public Utilities for the City of Lenoir), John Searby (Executive Director for The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation), Tami Styer (CatawbaWateree Licensing Project Manager for Duke Energy), Shirley Greene (Vice Chair of the Fairfield County Council), and Tim Gestwicki (Executive Officer of the NC Wildlife Federation).

The second panel focused on competing priorities related to water quality. Thank you to panelists Dr. Mike Marcus (Bureau Chief of Water for the S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control), Bill Holman (NC State Director for The Conservation Fund), Mike Vaughn (Councilman on Chester County Council), Zach Hall (Director of Environmental Science for Duke Energy), and Randy Kelley (Chairman of the Water Watch of Lake Wateree Association).

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Day Two Day two of our Summit focused on the connection between water and public health.

Dr. Sean Norman, Director of the University of South Carolina’s Molecular Microbial Ecology Lab, presented about his recent work using wastewater sampling and monitoring to track COVID-19 abundance in communities. The keynote speaker was Dr. Peter Grevatt, Chief Executive Officer for the Water Research Foundation. Dr. Grevatt discussed emerging contaminants in wastewater, innovative technologies to remove them, and the challenges they present for storage and disposal.

“I learned so much about issues that affect the cost, quality and availability of clean, safe water for drinking and recreation that I never ever thought about before. It gave me a better appreciation of what is being done to keep me and my family safe.”

Bill Beers, Lake Wylie Marine Commission

Thank you to all our panelists, speakers, and attendees.

We look forward to seeing you all at next year’s

#WaterForAll Annual Summit.

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Catawba Riversweep As a 2020 Presenting Sponsor for the Catawba Riversweep, the CWWMG continues to be a major partner for connecting the community. This important community cleanup event is essential to the environmental health of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.

This unique community engagement event is organized and led by the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Charlotte, NC, that was founded in 1997 and is dedicated to the preservation and protection of the waters of the Catawba-Wateree River.

Catawba Riversweep began in 2002 with a dedicated group of volunteers on Lake Wylie. Since then, dozens of other groups have followed in their footsteps holding their own community river cleanup events. On October 3, these organizations came together for one day to clean up the trash and debris found throughout the river, lakes, creeks, and streams.

This annual event resulted in 1,400 volunteers cleaning up 40 sites and removing more than 60,000 pounds of trash from the waterways in one single day over the years.

2020 Riversweep by the numbers:

1,400+ 40+

registered volunteers locations from Lake James to Lake Wateree

Every site was unique in size, type of activities (i.e., land, boat, kayak), and amenities.

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The Catawba Riversweep is a collective effort from non-profit, governmental and for-profit organizations from 26 counties across North and South Carolina.

Sponsors: Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group

CLT Toolbank Recover Brands

Community Partners: Lake Wylie Marine Commission Lake Wateree Association

Lake James Environmental Association

Other Involvement: City of Rock Hill

Palmetto Pride

City of Hickory

Anne Springs Close Greenway

Town of Cramerton

Carolina Thread Trail

Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater

Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful

Individual members of the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group

Keep Gaston Beautiful Keep McDowell Beautiful 30

Learn more at catawbariversweep.org

Carolina Waterfalls Documentary The Carolina Waterfalls documentary took the viewers on an exploration of the magic, beauty and reasons why people are drawn to North Carolina's many waterfalls.

Featured on PBS, it shared the stories, locations and most of all the love so many have for these majestic monuments of Mother Nature.

CWWMG contribution WTVI PBS Waterfalls Documentary Sponsorship $10,000

Learn more at pbs.org

"Explore the magic, beauty and reasons why people are drawn to North Carolina's many waterfalls.

We share the stories, locations and most of all the love so many have for these majestic monuments of Mother Nature."

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OUR FINANCIALS

January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020

Since its inception in 2007, the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group has invested over $6 million in projects that aim to advance solutions to our region’s most pressing water challenges.

Income

Costs & Expenses

Member Dues: $700,000 Other: $6,292

Projects: $503,633 Other: $89,115 15

PROJECTS Water Loss Management Project (Phase 5b): $83,765

Catawba Consulting Support Services: $17,039

Strategic Communications Project: $122,884

Catawba Riversweep Sponsorship $10,000

Water Supply Master Plan PH3 Water Quality: $75,496

WTVI PBS Waterfalls Documentary Sponsorship: $10,000

Water Supply Master Plan Update: $29,449 USGS Groundwater Well O&M: $141,000

Foothills Conservancy Conservation Acquisition Grant $14,000

OTHER CWWMG Administration: $80,617 Memorial Donation to Greer Family: $250

CWWMG Branded Portfolios: $1,362 US Post Office Box: $148

Insurance: $1,984

TOTAL: $706,292

TOTAL: $592,748

Legal and Other Professional Services: $4,754

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