North Carolina scientists are becoming concerned about dropping streamflow levels in their streams and rivers, according to a recent article in IndyWeek. According to the article, “The net effect of the 18 percent decrease—caused by such factors as increased development and water withdrawals, as well as climate change—is that less water is available for drinking and for diluting effluents and other pollutants discharged into streams.”
I have not seen statistics for other parts of the Southeast, but many of the same factors are in play across the region. Loss of streamflow can also affect the ability of agricultural producers to irrigate using surface water, since minimum flow levels must be maintained in streams to protect the stream ecosystems as well as preserve water for other users. You can read more about it at https://www.indyweek.com/indyweek/water-levels-are-declining-in-north-carolinas-rivers-and-streams-and-scientists-are-concerned/Content?oid=6944570.
