Water Supply & Wastewater
Piedmont Triad Climate Resiliency Tool Kit Water Supply & Wastewater Introduction Water is a scarce natural resource in the Piedmont region. As the Piedmont Triad continues to grow and develop, and the demand for potable water increases, it has become increasingly important to monitor the surface water capacity available to fulfill our regional water demand. Short-term solutions to water issues are generally quick and necessary steps in reaction to immediate concerns. However, a long-term planning approach will better prepare local governments for the unique challenges facing our region. Investment in a deeper understanding of the complex and challenging political, regulatory, and environmental issues surrounding water supply will help guide decision-makers to consider future ramifications of options in resource planning. This assessment of current and future (20-50 years) water resource needs and wastewater treatment plant capacity includes the 12-county Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) Region (Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin Counties). Water supply and wastewater capacity are assessed within the context of surface water availability, projected population growth, geography, current laws and regulations, water quality, and patterns of water use (water conservation and water reuse). Background Drinking water comes from two primary sources, surface water or groundwater. Surface water is the water found above ground in the form of rainwater runoff, streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Groundwater is unseen and deep in the ground saturating porous sandy soils or fractures of bedrock. Surface water and groundwater affect each other. Groundwater comes to the surface (springs) and can help replenish surface water.
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