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Regional officials warn proposed Charlotte water transfer could affect Burke County water supplies
Summary
Western Piedmont Council of Governments gave the Burke County Board of Commissioners an overview of pending interbasin transfer requests, including a large modification request by Charlotte Water; the county joined regional coordination and approved accepting the report 5-0.
Anthony Starr, senior planner with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, told the Burke County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 17 that Charlotte Water has filed a notice of intent to modify its interbasin transfer (IBT) certificate and is considering a multi‑decade expansion that could substantially increase net transfers out of the Catawba River Basin.
Starr said under North Carolina law the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) issues IBT certificates and that the EMC must weigh reasonableness, alternatives and detrimental effects before approving transfers. He said Charlotte’s current certificate allows 33 million gallons per day and that Charlotte is still determining the exact additional amount it will request but that presentations indicate it could seek another roughly 30–33 million gallons per day for 30 years. “We are not opposed to Charlotte growing. We just don't want that growth to occur at the expense of our region,” Starr said.
The report reviewed the Catawba River Basin’s geography, current permitted transfers and the regulatory steps ahead. Starr noted three IBTs already affect the basin (Charlotte Water, Concord/Kannapolis and Mooresville), summarized the Concord/Kannapolis 2007 EMC decision and said Charlotte has held public meetings and filed the notice of intent; an environmental impact statement is anticipated in 2026 and the EMC would hold hearings before deciding whether to approve, modify or deny any new certificate.
Commissioners and staff discussed options for regional coordination. Starr said local governments in the region have formed a coalition, hired outside counsel (Ruth Levy) and an advocacy firm (EQV Strategic), and are participating in a regional work group. He urged Charlotte and other utilities to alter system operations and infrastructure — for example, returning treated wastewater to the source basin or developing alternate sources — so that transfers are reduced.
The board voted 5–0 to accept Starr’s report as presented. The county manager and staff said Burke County will continue to participate in regional coordination and to consider technical and legal options as the state process advances.
The report positions Burke County to participate in the EMC process and to provide technical, legal and policy input before any final state decision.
