Threats to Falls Lake Water Supply

Falls Lake, the drinking water supply for residents of Raleigh and eastern Wake County, has been declared "impaired" by the State, due to polluted runoff and wastewater discharged upstream. High levels of pollution and an overabundance of nutrients have resulted in toxic algal blooms and chemical conditions in the lake. Without improvements to current wastewater treatment and stormwater practices, the lake will remain impaired. Efforts are underway to clean up the lake, but they are happening very slowly. The NC Department of Water Quality (DWQ) was supposed to develop a nutrient management strategy and rules to clean up Falls Lake by July this year, but the State is not on track to meet the deadline and has asked for a two-and-a-half year extension. On top of that, it could take several more years to implement the rules after they are developed, just like it has for Jordan Lake. In the meantime, the conditions in Falls Lake are getting worse, and Raleigh's Public Utility must use more and more chemicals to make the water fit to drink. WakeUP Wake County is working with city and state officials, advocating for only a one-year extension for DWQ to develop the rules, rather than the two-and-a-half years requested. We also are working with members of the General Assembly to create incentives for municipalities and developers to improve stormwater management and protections for the Lake in the interim, while the rules are being developed. It is imperative that we encourage action now to avoid further deterioration of our drinking water supply. Click here to read the News & Observer's coverage of the Falls Lake issue.