An Overview of North Carolina's Rivers and Lakes

Largest Rivers, Lakes, and Reservoirs

North Carolina is home to some well-known water bodies, including the Cape Fear River, which is the longest river entirely within the state. The Catawba River also stands out, flowing through the Charlotte area and contributing to Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. Fontana Lake, created by the Fontana Dam, is another major water feature located in the western part of the state. Additionally, Kerr Lake, on the northern border, is one of the largest reservoirs in the Southeast. These rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are significant for both natural ecosystems and human use, including recreation and water supply.

Sources of Water for Rivers and Lakes

The rivers, lakes, and streams in North Carolina are primarily fed by rainfall rather than snowmelt, as the state lacks high-altitude mountain ranges where snow accumulation is significant. Local watersheds, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains, provide much of the water that flows into rivers like the French Broad and the Yadkin. Some rivers, such as the Neuse and Tar, also receive water from distant sources, including tributaries from surrounding regions. Groundwater and local runoff contribute significantly to many smaller streams and lakes. North Carolina's relatively humid climate ensures a steady flow of water throughout the state.

Perennial, Exotic, and Other River Types

Major perennial rivers in North Carolina include the Cape Fear and the Neuse, which flow year-round. The state doesn’t have exotic rivers, as most watercourses originate within its borders. Tributary rivers, like the Little Tennessee River, feed into larger systems, supporting a diverse range of ecosystems. Winding rivers such as the Tar River take long, meandering routes through the state's lowlands. While there are few canals or aqueducts, the state's inland waterways, like the Intracoastal Waterway, are vital for transportation and commerce.

Types of Lakes in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to several types of lakes, predominantly anthropogenic, like Lake Norman and Lake Gaston, both created for hydroelectric power and flood control. Natural lakes are rarer but include fluvial lakes like Lake Mattamuskeet, the largest natural lake in the state. The state lacks tectonic or volcanic lakes, but anthropogenic lakes created by dams are common throughout its landscape. There are also solution lakes, such as those formed by sinkholes in the eastern part of the state. Tarns or cirque lakes are not present as the terrain does not support them.

Direction of River Flow

The majority of North Carolina’s rivers flow in a generally southeast direction, draining toward the Atlantic Ocean. For instance, the Cape Fear River flows from the Piedmont region down to the coast. Rivers in the western part of the state, such as the French Broad, flow in a northward direction toward Tennessee. The flow of rivers is largely dictated by the topography, with the Appalachian Mountains serving as a natural divide. East-west flowing rivers are less common in the state.

Natural vs. Manmade Lakes

Most of the lakes in North Carolina are man-made, created for hydroelectric power, flood control, and recreation. Lake Norman, the largest artificial lake, was created in the 1960s by Duke Energy. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has also been involved in creating and managing several reservoirs like Kerr Lake. State agencies have played a smaller role in lake creation compared to federal agencies and private companies. Natural lakes like Lake Phelps are fewer and smaller compared to these vast man-made bodies.

Rivers Used for Transportation

North Carolina’s rivers are not heavily utilized for large-scale transportation like in some other states. Rivers like the Cape Fear and the Neuse extend inland but are primarily used for smaller vessels and recreational purposes rather than cargo transport. Commercial shipping is more prominent along the Intracoastal Waterway. Overall, the state’s rivers play a limited role in freight transportation, with most goods moving by road or rail. The Cape Fear River is one of the few with commercial ports, but its cargo volume is relatively modest.

Dams on Rivers and Lakes

There are numerous dams on North Carolina’s rivers and lakes, serving purposes such as hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and recreation. Fontana Dam on the Little Tennessee River is one of the tallest in the eastern U.S. and supports both power and recreation. The Kerr and Jordan dams also manage flood control and water supply for nearby cities. Many smaller dams provide irrigation and recreational boating opportunities across the state. These dams play a crucial role in managing the state’s water resources.

Recreational Use of Rivers and Lakes

North Carolina’s rivers and lakes offer a wide variety of recreational activities. Lake Norman is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and jet skiing, while the Nantahala River attracts whitewater kayakers. Falls Lake and Jordan Lake are popular for fishing, camping, and paddleboarding. The French Broad River is known for its scenic beauty and draws kayakers and rafters alike. For house boating, Kerr Lake offers one of the best experiences in the state.

Agricultural Support from Water Bodies

The rivers and lakes in North Carolina play a significant role in supporting agriculture, particularly in the eastern part of the state. The Roanoke River Basin, for example, provides irrigation to large tracts of farmland. Similarly, reservoirs like Jordan Lake help supply water to farms during dry spells. Irrigation canals from the state’s major rivers have long supported the state's tobacco and cotton crops. Agriculture depends heavily on these water resources, especially in regions without substantial rainfall.

Pollution Problems in Rivers and Lakes

Several of North Carolina’s rivers and lakes have faced pollution problems over the years. The Cape Fear River has been contaminated by industrial pollutants, including GenX chemicals, which have sparked public health concerns. The Neuse River has also experienced significant pollution from agricultural runoff, leading to algal blooms and fish kills. Efforts to clean up these waterways have been ongoing, but challenges remain. Many smaller streams have been affected by stormwater runoff, further complicating water quality management in the state.