Water Wars

During the height of the 2007-2008 exceptional drought conditions in the Southeast, local media and government officials in the Triangle area of North Carolina began speculating on the use of Kerr Lake as a long term solution for their water problems. Indeed as Falls Lake in Raleigh began to dry up it was suggested that the process begin to do just that. The realization is that water has become the critical commodity of this century and the demand for it is beginning to outstrip the supply. As the dialog and discussions increased on this issue the Roanoke River Basin Association has been monitoring events closely and responding in kind to those who believe an Inter-Basin transfer of water from Kerr Lake to Raleigh is a viable solution for them. In one of a series of communications the RRBA raised a number of questions as an answer to those wanting to know why we care. The following are those questions:
Should We Care?

That this transfer would be a violation of Riparian Rights?
That when the entire Southeast is in extreme or exceptional drought with river flows at all time lows, the Roanoke Basin is effected as well?
That this spring we were in jeopardy of not having proper river flows to support fish spawning?
That reduced flows and unfavorable winds can drive salt wedges far enough up river causing industrial shut downs and the loss of jobs ?
That low Lake levels greatly impact tourism and recreation in an area that has great economic dependence on those activities?
That farming interests are also impacted by drought conditions, not just big cities?
That areas like the Triangle grow out of control with regards to proper infrastructure support and then look to solutions outside their own region, regardless of the effects?
That the areas generally being "tapped" are less economically endowed and more in need of critical resources such as water?
The RRBA believes the answer to all those questions is a resounding "yes" we care by the citizens of the Basin and the Association stands ready to take any actions necessary to protect the Basin.