Water resource study will provide
information for NC leaders
The N. C. Rural Economic Development Center recently announced a $2
million study that will update and analyze water resources information
throughout the state. Hobbs, Upchurch & Associates was selected as one of two
firms in the state to gather and map specific information for the project. Data
gathered will include information on drinking water resources, wastewater
collection and treatment, storm water, and hazard mitigation. HUA will gather
data for approximately 50 of the 100 counties in North Carolina.
The objective of the study is to provide information to state leaders so that
policy can be implemented to create job growth, protect the environment, and
preserve the quality of life in North Carolina. According to the N.C. Rural
Economic Development Center, approximately 25% of public water systems in North
Carolina expect to be near the limit of their water supply by 2010. Information
gathered in the study will be analyzed on the basis of the following economic
sectors: agriculture, residential, commercial, industrial, power generation,
and emergency preparedness.
HUA will be gathering data in response to the following questions which were
developed by the NC Rural Center as the basis for the study:
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What are the current capital improvement needs for water and sanitary sewer in
North Carolina?
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Where were the 1998 Clean Water Bond Act funds invested?
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Where were the improvements made?
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What were the results?
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What are the current capital improvement needs for storm water infrastructure
in North Carolina?
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Which local governments must comply with Phase I and Phase II requirements?
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Where have investments been made thus far?
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What portions of the infrastructure are regulated and by whom?
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What portion has been permitted and by whom?
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What is the condition of the existing infrastructure?
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Where are our water resources in North Carolina? How much supply is available
from these resources? How much water do we use now and at various intervals
looking forward?
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How have new federal and state regulations affected the capital needs for
water, wastewater, and storm sewer services?
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What are the current operation and maintenance costs associated with water and
wastewater service? Are providers accounting appropriately for the costs?
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What are the non-consumptive uses of water in North Carolina now and looking
forward?
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Where are there water quality constraints on consumption and how are these
accounted for in doing business in North Carolina?
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Where are there water quantity constraints on consumption and how are these
accounted for in doing business in North Carolina?
Hobbs, Upchurch & Associates is pleased to be an important part of this
statewide initiative. The study is expected to be completed in 2005 and will
also involve extensive public outreach meetings as well as a statewide water
leadership conference.
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