or 8.1% of the state of North Carolina. It is the eighth
largest river system in the state and contains 3,042 miles of streams.The Catawba River basin, which is in the southwestern region of
the state, encompasses 3,305 square miles or 8.1% of the state of North Carolina. It is the eighth
largest river system in the state and contains 3,042 miles of streams.
The headwaters of the Catawba River originate in the steep terrain of the mountains. These headwater streams are classified as trout waters and the water quality is generally good to excellent. The Linville River, a headwater stream, is one of four rivers in the state designated by the General Assembly as a state Scenic River.
The main channel of the stream is impounded by a series of seven hydropower reservoirs that start at Lake James (in the mountains) and runs to Lake Wylie (which straddles the South Carolina border). These reservoirs provide recreation and serve as water resource supplies.
Part or all of 14 counties comprise the Catawba River Basin: Alexander, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Union, Watauga, and Wilkes. This river basin, located in the west central portion of the state, is the second most densely populated region, containing 1,033,347 people.
Sixteen percent, of the approximately 3,100 miles of stream are impaired, primarily by polluted runoff. The sources of this polluted runoff come form agricultural activities, construction, and stormwater. The primary pollutant is sediment, although there is concern about nutrients, fecal coliform, and heavy metals.
Several of the reservoirs in the Catawba River Basin are threatened, primarily from nutrient runoff from urban areas and wastewater treatment plants. Lake Wylie, for example, has violated water quality standards for chlorophyll a - meaning that excess levels of algae have been found in the reservoirs.
The two projects specifically located in this river basin focus on monitoring water quality from agricultural activities and implementing practices that protect water quality. A regional Christmas tree project has been highly successful at helping farmers reduce soil erosion and pesticides.