Environmental conditions in North Carolina’s rivers, estuaries and reservoirs are driven by complex interactions among rainfall, flows, temperatures, biological factors, and chemistry. Some of the waters of the state have a history of exceeding nutrient and chlorophyll a standards, and are deemed nutrient sensitive waters (NSW). Currently, the following watersheds have active nutrient sensitive waters strategies: Neuse River Basin, Tar-Pamlico River Basin and Jordan Lake Watershed. A draft strategy has been proposed for the Falls Lake Watershed, and a strategy will be developed for the High Rock Lake Watershed in the coming years. 

The division and local soil and water conservation districts assist with the implementation of the agriculture rule. By working together, districts, oversight committees and local advisory committees can insure that the agricultural community affected is able to meet the reductions required by the rules. 

The current strategies for the Neuse River Basin, Tar-Pamlico River Basin and Jordan Lake Watershed provide flexibility at the local level for implementing site-specific practices. Farmers can achieve the reduction goal collectively, focusing on critical areas and conservation practices. In most cases, farmers sign on either with an advisory committee that develops a local strategy, or they implement the standard best management practice option of the rules.

For more information, please select the individual strategy in the highlights box to the right.