Where's the Water?

There are so many issues that are directly and indirectly connected to the rapid development in Brunswick & New Hanover Counties.

One of the major impacts that is increasingly affecting our communities is water loss due to clear cutting and deforestation caused by the record development that we are experiencing.

Wells are running dry all over the county and residents are suffering. The ecosystem is being negatively impacted by the loss of water absorbing trees that are indigenous to this coastal area. These trees are essential to maintaining the supply of groundwater, flood control, and water quality. Naturally occuring trees such as the bald cypress, river birch, ash, sweet gum and black gum can absorb up to 150 gallons of water each per day. The water that is absorbed is purified and released back into the ground by a process called evapotranspiration. When the trees that have been cut, uprooted, and burned, there is no retention or filtration of the groundwater. Trees also help intercept, recirculate and store rainfall reducing the peak flow and negative impacts of stormwater. Trees lessen the impact of stormwater by intercepting rainfall, absorbing and transpiring moisture from the soil into the air and increasing infiltration of water into the soil.

Additionally, the wetlands with the natural fauna protect this area from the effects of flooding from storm water. The "Farm Act" SB 582, included a controversial provision which keeps the state from having to protect wetlands that do not meet the new federal definition of "navigable waters of the US". In October of 2023, the Supreme Court changed the definition of waters of the U.S. under the Clean Water Act to only include “wetlands with a continuous surface connection to bodies that are 'waters of the United States' in their own right," opening up our wetlands to development. We are in a tidal flood area and our wetlands are dynamic and do not always have a visible connection to said "waters".  Developers are now draining and clear cutting these critical wetlands and backfilling them to be built on. My opponent Rep. Charlie Miller voted in favor of the "Farm Act", which, like most bills that are drafted by GOP leaders, contains very damaging provisions but are wrapped up in pretty boxes with pretty names. Who wouldn't want to help the farmers, right? Few people actually read these bills are unaware of the nefarious hidden content.

The diminishing water supply is exacerbated by increasing temperatures from climate change causing increased drought. Additionally, numerous studies reported that urban development can lead to urban heat island (UHI) effects in which urban regions have higher air temperature compared to the surrounding rural regions. The Port City Daily reported that 

The Department of Environmental Quality sent out a press release Friday reporting nearly 75% of North Carolina’s counties are currently considered in a moderate or severe drought. The North Carolina State Climate Office stated on Friday that last month was the driest June on record dating back to 1895. Assistant state climatologist Corey Davis noted the fast onset of dry conditions met the criteria for a “flash drought” — determined by its quick onset and severity in a short timeline.

The connection between development and loss of water availability in our community is something that I believe has been overlooked by those blinded by big paydays.

I'd say that our current leaders have missed the forest for the trees.

We need leadership that will see the big picture and put the people over profit.