Volume 9.2 Water Resources (1983)

Water resource problems are diverse and widespread. Headlines like “Leaking Tanks Threaten Groundwater”, “Sedimentation Prompts Watershed Controls”, and “Safe Transport of Toxics Urged” punctuate a growing citizen awareness. In addition to these quality concerns, population growth in the Southeast has resulted in water quantity demand increases — not just for drinking water supply, but also for uses such as irrigation and cooling in electricity production. Lack of reservoir sites can limit water supply options, and the cost of delay in securing water of adequate quantity or quality can further constrain development. These issues are closely related to other concerns shared by planners. The range of articles presented in this special issue provides an understanding of the breadth of the planning interests (economic development, land use, energy, etc) that overlap with water issues.

Editors: Jane Hegenbarth and Susan Jones

A digital version of this issue is available here.

Managing Water Resources: Lessons from Florida and Georgia

James Kundell

A University of Georgia professor overviews federal involvement in water allocation and compares comprehensive water management policies in Florida with integrated water management policies in Georgia.

Salem Lake Watershed: A Community Asset and Responsibility

Julie Shambaugh

A former planning commissioner highlights water supply, pollution, and protection measures in the Salem Lake watershed of North Carolina.

Growing Water Demand: A Concern for Piedmont & Mountain Regions

Karen Allenstein

The author discusses groundwater characteristics, availability, and difficulties in capturing groundwater for growth.

Urban Waterfronts Awash With Controversy

Douglas Wrenn

The author characterizes several common waterfront development issues, including regulations & permits, appropriate waterfront usage, public access, and citizen participation.

North Carolina in Ruins? The State’s Role in Financing Local Infrastructure

William Drummond and Kathleen Heady

This paper explores capital investment needs and projected revenues to meet North Carolina’s infrastructure needs before and after the enactment of a ½% sales tax. Water supply and school funding is pinpointed.

Carolina Blue: Preserving State Water Resources

Todd Miller

A nonprofit advocate discusses the lack of measurement standards for the effects of land use changes on water quality in North Carolina.

What Are We Gonna Do With Those Package Plants?

Sue Snaman

The author discusses public management of private wastewater systems. Regulatory options, institutional arrangements, and use of penalties are discussed. Wake County, North Carolina is cited as an example.

An Electric Southeast: Implications for Water Resource Planning

Jackie Dingfelder

This paper explores energy – environmental linkages in water resource planning and the potential for increased hydroelectric use at a small scale in North Carolina from a water resources planning perspective.