CWWMG 2022/2023 Annual Report

Spider Lilies, Catawba River, Landsford Canal State Park, South Carolina

I am pleased to present the 2022/2023 annual report of the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CWWMG).

The Catawba-Wateree River Basin is an invaluable resource for our region, providing essential drinking water, electricity production, recreational opportunities, and fostering economic development. Recognizing its significance, we have placed utmost importance on the management of this resource to ensure its sustainability and availability. Over the past year, the CWWMG has worked diligently to fulfill our mission of balancing the water needs of all users while safeguarding the health of the river basin. I

am delighted to highlight the following key endeavors:

Continued work on the Integrated Water Resources Plan: Our group has dedicated considerable effort to advancing the Integrated Water Resources Plan, aiming to achieve a comprehensive and wellcoordinated approach to managing water resources in the basin.

assistance for various local initiatives aimed at preserving and protecting the Catawba River. This collaboration has fostered a sense of community and generated awareness about the importance of preserving and cherishing the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.

Supporting source water protection through land conservation grants: We have recognized the significance of source water protection and, as a result, have awarded grants for the conservation of lands to safeguard the quality and availability of the water sources within the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.

Continuing efforts to reduce water loss with our member organizations: Water loss reduction has been a priority for us, and our member organizations are working together to implement measures to minimize water loss throughout the basin. Through our collective efforts, we have achieved notable progress in conserving these waters.

Supporting local initiatives with the Catawba Riverkeeper: We have actively collaborated with the Catawba Riverkeeper to provide support and

In addition to our tangible achievements, we have also focused on outreach and education initiatives to increase public awareness. Our annual Water for All Summit and Citizens’ Water Academy have played a pivotal role in engaging and educating the

public about water management. As a testament to our commitment, the CWWMG was honored with an Education Award from the North Carolina Source Water Protection Collaborative earlier this year. Moving forward, our group will remain steadfast in our commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the management of this vital resource. We are resolute in ensuring that the Catawba-Wateree River Basin remains healthy and vibrant for generations to come.

Thank you for your unwavering support and continued interest in the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. Together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes and make a lasting impact on the preservation and stewardship of these waters.

Sincerely,

Chair Jimmy Bagley, PE

Achieving Balance in the Basin

In 2006, the Catawba-Wateree Water Supply Study was published by Duke Energy as part of the Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement (CRA) for the Catawba-Wateree Hydro Relicensing Project. It marked a significant milestone as the first comprehensive evaluation of future water needs in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. The study’s findings were striking, revealing that without changes to water resource management strategies, the basin’s available water supply could face water supply shortages by 2056, particularly during drought conditions.

In response to this urgent challenge, stakeholders involved in the Catawba-Wateree Hydro Project relicensing agreement negotiations recognized the need to work together on water resource protection and the idea for the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group (CWWMG) was born. In 2007, the CWWMG was incorporated as a nonprofit group of voluntary members to identify, encourage, fund and help to implement water resource improvements and conservation, and to improve water use efficiency. Since then, we have been dedicated to facilitating a regional approach to water resource management.

Our group recognizes that exceptional environmental stewardship and efficient water resource management strategies are essential to meet the future water supply needs of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. Therefore, we are currently working alongside our partners to continue our efforts in achieving a balanced approach within the basin.

Achieving balance in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin necessitates collaboration among stakeholders and a steadfast commitment to improving water resource management. By advocating for clean and accessible drinking water, safeguarding water quality, and preserving or enhancing water quantity, we can guarantee that future generations will have access to sustainable water resources. We have reached out to our network to gather their perspectives on what balance in the basin means to them. See their responses throughout this annual report.

Our Mission

The Mission of the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group 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 Vision

The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group envisions a future with a sustainable water source achieved through proactive planning, cutting edge research, and water shortage preparedness.

OUR MEMBERS

What does balance in the basin mean to you?

“Public/private entities and individuals exercising, voluntary and via mandate, appropriate restraint relative to development and lifestyle activities that will ensure the availability of a sufficient supply of high-quality water for designated uses.

“

Tony Wood

The CWWMG member organizations help to manage the water resources that support over two million residents in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group has 18 member organizations, which includes 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 CatawbaWateree Water Management Group meet regularly to better understand the water resource and water quality challenges facing the Catawba-Wateree River. CWWMG members work together to formulate and implement innovative strategies to help ensure a sustainable water future for the CatawbaWateree River.

North Carolina

Charlotte Water

City of Belmont

City of Gastonia, Two Rivers Utilities

City of Hickory

City of Lenoir

City of Morgantown

City of Mount Holly

City of Statesville

Lincoln County

Town of Granite Falls

Town of Mooresville

Town of Valdese

South Carolina

Chester Metropolitan District

City of Camden

City of Rock Hill

Lugoff-Elgin Water Authority

NC & SC Members

Catawba River Water Treatment Plant (Union County, NC and Lancaster County Water and Sewer District, SC)

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC

Secretary/Treasurer Ron Hargrove Charlotte Water, NC

Chair Jimmy Bagley, PE City of Rock Hill, SC

NC At-Large Director Allison Kraft, PE Town of Mooresville, NC

Vice-Chair Jeff Lineberger, PE Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC

SC At-Large Director Brad Bucy, PE

Lancaster County Water & Sewer District, SC

Our Advisory Committee is composed of nine to ten 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 members provide guidance and external perspectives about our Group’s general direction, governance, and strategic plans.

Vicki Taylor Environment (Chair)

Calvin Sawyer, PhD Academic/Research

Don Rayno, Retired Regulatory/State Government

Robert Long, CEcD Economic Development

Shirley Greene Residential Landowner of Project or River Frontage

Mitch Peele Agricultural/Forestry

Jason Wager, AICP, CEP Local Government

Keith Larick Agricultural/Forestry

Wesley Wightman, PE Industrial/Business

Tim Gestwicki Recreation

What does balance in the basin mean to you?

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The best opportunity is to educate the community on an integrated environment viewpoint: air, water, waste, land use, and impacts of personal actions.

Gordon Miller

STATE OF THE BASIN

About the River

The Catawba-Wateree River is a powerful, but not unlimited 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, and then continues southward eventually joining the Congaree River to form the Santee River near St. Matthews, SC. Together, the Catawba-Wateree River flows for 376 miles and includes a linked series of 11 reservoirs. Our Group serves the 5,680 square-mile Catawba-Wateree River Basin (Basin), which provides water for communities from Morganton, NC to Camden, SC and supplies water resources used for approximately one-fourth of Duke Energy’s power generation in the Carolinas.

As a vital natural resource, the Catawba-Wateree River provides drinking water for approximately two million people and supports generation of enough energy to power over four million homes. The Basin is also a biodiverse natural environment providing essential habitat for many species of animals and plants and many recreational opportunities for area residents and visitors.

11 interconnected reservoirs

5,680

376 square miles of watershed area

miles of river

The Catawba-Wateree River provides water resources for:

Public water supply

Direct water source for 17 Public Water Suppliers

Industry

Used by 12 hydropower stations

Industry

Used by nuclear & fossil-fueled power stations

Agriculture

Recreation

Rich diversity of plants and animals

Our River is not particularly big, but it works very hard. It is perhaps the hardest working river in the country.

Water is a finite resource and the water supply in the Catawba-Wateree River is limited. Therefore, it is imperative that we protect the natural environment and water resources in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin and implement water management strategies to help safeguard our water future.

The Catawba-Wateree River is the heart and soul of our region. It provides the water we use in our homes, on our farms, and in our factories, as well as the water resources we need to produce energy to power our lives.

State of the Basin

Recreational Amenities

The Catawba-Wateree River Basin provides area residents and visitors with a beautiful natural environment supporting a multitude of recreational activities. Each year, there are about 16 million recreational visits to the 11-lake system in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. In economic terms, the Catawba-Wateree River and lake system generates about $24 million in annual revenue for area businesses and directly supports about 1,700 jobs.

Our Group understands the importance of protecting the ecological integrity of the River Basin and promoting recreational opportunities, which is one reason why we put such a strong emphasis on monitoring and enhancing water quality throughout the River Basin. We want the CatawbaWateree River Basin to be a beautiful place for your family and ours to enjoy for many years to come!

Energy Demand

The Catawba-Wateree River helps to power our region.

The Catawba-Wateree River is home to about 25% of Duke Energy’s total generating capacity in the Carolinas. In 2021, Duke Energy’s 12 hydropower stations, two nuclear stations, two coal-fired stations, and one combustion turbine station produced enough electricity to power over four million homes.

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 are expected to 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.

These predictions for a more variable climate guide water resources planning. That is why our Water Supply Master Plan Update is specifically focusing on long-term planning to embrace uncertainty about the future, including climate uncertainty. In the update, now called the Integrated Water Resources Plan, we will identify proactive water resources management strategies with the greatest chance of helping our members mitigate future vulnerabilities, including those caused by climate variability.

Climate Change Fast Fact

The future is expected to gradually get warmer at a rate of about 0.6⁰F/ decade. It doesn’t sound like much but with nearly 80,000 acres of lakes, those hotter temperatures are expected to increase annual lake evaporation by about 11% by 2065.

Impaired Waters

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines impaired waterbodies as those failing to meet water quality standards due to various pollutants, including excessive nutrients, sedimentation, and toxic substances. To identify impaired waters in North and South Carolina, the EPA maintains the “303(d) List,” which outlines waterbodies that do not meet designated uses, such as fishing, swimming, or drinking water supply, as mandated by the Clean Water Act’s Section 303(d).

Within the Catawba-Wateree region, several waterbodies have a spot on the 303(d) List. These impaired waters encompass streams, lakes, and watersheds that have been adversely affected by pollution from industrial discharges, stormwater runoff, and agricultural activities. The inclusion of these waterbodies on the list serves as a call to action, highlighting the need for protection and restoration efforts to improve water quality and ecological health.

Catawba-Wateree River Impaired Waters

North Carolina: 2022 303d list; South Carolina: 2018 303d list

State of the Basin

Water Demand

The Catawba-Wateree River Basin is the main source of drinking water for approximately two million people in our region. The population in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin is steadily growing and has increased by about 10 percent since the 2010 census. By 2075, the overall water demand in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin is expected to increase by approximately 57%.

Projected Net Water Withdrawal

As part of our new Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP), we are updating water demand projections to provide reliable water withdrawal and return forecasts for the CatawbaWateree River Basin. These new projections extend to the year 2075, expand the Basin boundary, and account for a range of potential variations such as droughts and heavy rain that can impact water usage.

The 50th percentile forecast represents the most likely future net withdrawals, with a 90 percent chance that the longterm flow withdrawal trend will be somewhere in between the two extremes. These ranges provide a valuable perspective on the potential impacts of reliably meeting future treatment capacity needs.

The net withdrawal range of uncertainty was reassessed based on updated 2021-2022 demand profiles

Beginning in 2021, water use below Lake Wateree to the confluence of the Congaree River is included in the Basin.

We are working together and planning ahead to ensure a bright future for the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. Here are a few key initiatives the CWWMG and its members are currently working on or involved with:

A Bright Future for Our Basin State of the Basin

What does balance in the basin mean to you?

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Not allowing one priority – human use – to outweigh other elements of sustainability. Understanding the importance of preserving our natural resources and waterways.

Ashton Walker

OUR WORK

Integrated Water Resources Plan

Practical Solutions for a Sustainable Future

In 2006, we realized that during drought conditions, communities in the Catawba- Wateree River Basin could possibly face water shortages within the next 50 years. Without significant efforts to more efficiently manage our water resources, 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 publication of a basin-wide Water Supply Master Plan (WSMP). The CWWMG is committed to regularly updating the plan as part of on-going water resource planning and in compliance with the 10-year update provision required by the 2010 Settlement Agreement for South Carolina v. North Carolina (U. S. Supreme Court, Original Case No. 138)

In 2021, the CWWMG began updating the WSMP and rebranded the effort as the Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP) to better represent the CWWMG’s comprehensive approach to long-term planning considering water supply, water demand, water quality, and source water protection. The project team includes nationally-renowned water resource experts who will work over the next few years to update and expand on the work included in the original plan.

Year 1: 2021

The approach for the IWRP is to embrace uncertainty about the future to facilitate a robust planning process for future unknown risks and conditions. Year 1 of the IWRP focused on developing a IWRP Steering Committee to help guide IWRP, updating water use projections for the entire Catawba-Wateree River Basin boundary to 2075, identifying water quality priorities, and establishing key scenarios for future evaluations including various plausible futures for the Basin that combine climate variability, changes in land use and water regulations, and varying water demand scenarios.

Year 2: 2022

The IWRP included a deeper dive on water quality issues, developing an updated dataset for inflows to the Basin over time, and updating the WaterFALL hydrologic model. Regulatory and community engagement is an integral part of the IWRP. The project team is actively engaging a Stakeholder Advisory Team of regulators and community stakeholders to gain insights on the needs of different water users and influencers throughout the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.

Year 3: 2023

The main focus is finalizing model updates and conducting comprehensive evaluations pertaining to water quantity and quality. The project team is utilizing advanced tools and methodologies to model and assess the availability and quality of water throughout the Basin. The objective is to gain insights into how these factors might vary over the next 50 years, taking into consideration the impact of changing weather patterns, population dynamics, and evolving land use practices.

To ensure a more accurate representation of the current conditions in the Basin, the project team is actively updating the CHEOPS reservoir model. This update incorporates the latest information on lake sizes, volumes, and flow rates, particularly in relation to the installation of new hydropower generator equipment. By incorporating these new data points, the model will provide a more precise depiction of the current state of the Basin.

The Stakeholder Advisory Team provides valuable insight and perspectives on the IWRP development from non-member organizations and interest groups. Additionally, a strategic marketing plan is being developed to increase public awareness and promote the adoption of the IWRP and its recommendations. The IWRP aims to effectively communicate the significance of the Plan and its benefits, encouraging broad acceptance and implementation of proposed strategies.

Protecting Water by Protecting Lands

Protecting source water in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin is crucial for ensuring high-quality drinking water. The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group has been actively working to safeguard our Basin’s source water by implementing strategic conservation measures. Our focus has been on preserving natural lands in the region to enhance the protection of source water.

Source water, including rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater, serves as the primary water supply for both public drinking water systems and private wells. By safeguarding these sources, we can mitigate contamination risks, stabilize water flows, and maintain groundwater levels.

According to the American Water Works Association, source water protection is a critical defense against drinking water contamination. It is also a cost-effective approach to maintaining and improving the quality and quantity of both source water and drinking water supplies.

Through our ongoing efforts, we are committed to strengthening our source water protection program and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin’s water resources. By prioritizing the conservation of natural lands, we are taking proactive steps to secure a reliable and safe water supply for our communities.

What does balance in the basin mean to you?

““Educating future generations about the importance of working together towards a common goal and making sure they understand the consequences when we don’t collaborate.

Anonymous

Catawba River in autumn

2022-2023 Source Water Protection Grants

Johns River Headwaters Conservation Project

CWWMG provided a $40,000 grant to Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina to support acquisition of 332 acres of undeveloped, forested land in the headwaters of the Catawba River Basin. The property includes the source of the Johns River (Catawba Basin) and will protect the Blowing Rock Cliffs NC Natural Area.

Wilson Creek National and Wild Scenic River

CWWMG provided a $40,000 grant to the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina to support the acquisition of 93 acres comprising 1.5 miles along Wilson Creek. Wilson Creek is a direct tributary of the Johns River in the headwaters of the Catawba River Basin. The project includes permanent protection of riparian buffers, water quality, instream aquatic habitat, and terrestrial habitat.

Conservation Prioritization Tool for Source Water Protection

The Source Water Protection Tool developed by RTI International is free online and accessible to anyone for planning purposes. Users can overlay priority catchments on existing land use plans or districts and can customize their analyses to focus on the priorities or water supply concerns specific to their areas. For example, the tool can focus on sediment loading, “flashiness” or increased runoff, base flow, recreation, and land value impacts to help planners and policy makers make critical decisions for future growth patterns in their jurisdictions. These choices will not only affect their water supply, but that of others throughout the watershed for years to come.

To access this interactive online tool, go to Catawba Lands Map for Conservation Prioritization for Source Water Protection at: catawbalands.org/cwi

Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group; CatawbaWateree Initiative; RTI International. (2021, June 23).

Conservation Prioritization Tool for Source Water Protection: Quantifying the Potential Benefits of Land Conservation on Water Supply to Optimize Return on Investments.

COMMUNITY

What does balance in the basin mean to you?

““To me, balance in the basin means that the right people, at the right time, have committed to ensuring that our communities are able to enjoy and preserve the Catawba River basin for both the present and the future.

Leanne Clyburn

2023 Citizens’ Water Academy

Preparing Participants for Informed Water Resource Management

The CWWMG Citizens’ Water Academy is a comprehensive program designed to educate and empower participants to make informed decisions about the management, regulation, and operation of critical water resources and infrastructure. The 2023 academy occurred from January to March in nine in-person, hybrid, and/ or virtual sessions.

The academy provides reliable information and tangible takeaways for innovative and sustainable water planning, management, and development. The program includes presentations from subject matter experts and water advocates who examine the past, present, and future of water resource management.

2023 Citizens’ Water Academy at Quest Nature Center, Huntersville, NC

2023 Academy Graduates

The attendees of the academy were a diverse group of individuals with different backgrounds and experiences. The program is open to anyone interested in learning more about water resource management. Graduates wee recognized at the Annual Water for All Summit. Attendees included:

• Local government officials

• Environmental advocates

• Business leaders

• Community members

Brian Couture Theorem Geo Associates Engineering, PLLC

Christy Churchill Duke Energy

Daniel Burbes Charlotte Water

Derek Dixon Charlotte Water

Forest Shepherd North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

Jeff Church City of Lenoir

Jennifer Corbett Union County Water

John Eddins Theorem Geo Associates Engineering, PLLC

Katrina Robinson Charlotte Water

Keri Cantrell Charlotte Water

Kevin Frank Lake Norman Marine Commission

Michelle Landreth Charlotte Water

Paul Keener Duke Energy

Phyllis Sweezy Phyllis M Sweezy Agency

Rachel Rosenstein Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation

Roy Sweezy Phyllis M Sweezy Agency

Ryan Carter Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation

Tetiana Zolotukhina Citizen

Wendy Cauthen Keep Belmont Beautiful and Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation

Janae Davis American Rivers

Will Cauthen Veolia Advanced Solutions

Water for All Summit 2023

The Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group successfully held the 2023 Annual Water for All Summit on March 29, 2023, at the Hickory Metro Convention Center in Hickory, North Carolina. Using a theme of “Balancing the Basin,” the summit provided a platform for meaningful discussions and insights on various crucial topics related to water management.

The event encompassed a range of subjects, including water quality, source water protection, community engagement built on trust, regional economic impacts, and perspectives on water management from both cities and counties. By addressing these topics, the summit aimed to foster a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding water resources in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.

The gathering brought together stakeholders, experts, and policymakers from diverse backgrounds, encouraging the exchange of ideas and experiences. Participants actively engaged in panel discussions, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and partnerships to drive effective water management practices.

The 2023 Annual Water for All Summit served as a catalyst for promoting sustainable approaches to water resource management in the region. The insights gained from the summit will undoubtedly inform future initiatives undertaken by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group, furthering their mission to ensure equitable access to clean water for all residents in the basin.

Water Quality: Who Bears the Burden?

Paul Calamita [A] and Tom Gallo [B] presented on water quality, emphasizing the direct link between the health of the River Basin and the well-being of residents, the economy, and overall quality of life. The presentation shed light on impaired waterbodies, the major contributors to waterbody impairments, strategies to remove them from the 303(d) list, the potential consequences of inaction, and the groups that bear the greatest burden of water quality issues.

Protecting the Source: A Call to Action

The source water protection presentation featured Jennifer Heymann [F], Brad Whitman [C], Danny Edwards [D], and Andrew Kota [E]. They emphasized the importance of safeguarding bodies of water, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs, which provide water for public drinking-water use and private wells. Protecting these sources and watersheds from contamination reduces the risk of harmful germs or pollutants in the water and lowers the cost of drinking water treatment processes.

E F

Building Trusting Relationships as the Core of Community Engagement

Katherine Baer [G] from the River Network led the presentation on building trusting relationships as the core of community engagement. The session highlighted the significance of local decision-making in water infrastructure investment and the need for collaboration between community groups and water utilities. Baer shared insights from successful water utilitycommunity partnerships across the country and discussed foundational practices for creating authentic and trusting relationships. The presentation emphasized the importance of public trust in sustainable water management and provided actionable steps for participants to consider in their operations and planning.

Regional Economic Impact

Dr. Adrienne Hua [H] presented on the regional economic impacts of the Catawba River. The presentation emphasized the river’s crucial role in supporting human needs and the local economy. With population growth on the rise in the Carolinas, Hua explored the establishment of the “value of water” for residential water supply, industry, commerce, and agriculture. The presentation underscored the importance of responsible growth and source water protection in ensuring sustainable economic development.

January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022

Income

Member Dues: $700,000

Other: $15,598

Costs & Expenses

Projects: $804,452

Other: $91,215

TOTAL: $715,598

TOTAL: $895,667