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B. Everett Jordan Lake is a reservoir in New Hope Valley, west of Cary and south of Durham in Chatham County, North Carolina, in the United States; the northernmost end of the lake extends into southwestern Durham County.

Key Information

Part of the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area,[1] the reservoir covers 13,940 acres (5,640 ha) with a shoreline of 180 miles (290 km) at its standard water level of 216 feet (66 m) above sea level. Impounded in 1974, it was developed as part of a flood control project prompted by a particularly damaging tropical storm that hit the region downstream in September 1945. Constructed at an original cost of US$146,300,000, it is owned and operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which dammed and flooded the Haw River and New Hope River between 1973 and 1983.

Construction

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The Jordan Lake Dam (also known as the B. Everett Jordan Project and the New Hope Dam) is located at 35°39′15″N 79°4′0″W / 35.65417°N 79.06667°W / 35.65417; -79.06667 (B. Everett Jordan Dam) 4 miles (6.4 km) upstream from the mouth of the Haw River in the upper Cape Fear River drainage basin. Completed in 1974 by the Nello L. Teer Company, it is 1,330 feet (410 m) in length and has a top elevation of 266.5 feet (81.2 m) above mean sea level.[1]

During the construction of the reservoir, much of the area was permanently changed. The Durham and South Carolina Railroad was relocated from the New Hope basin to higher ground but its stations were not rebuilt, and the line itself was soon abandoned.[2] Many farming families were relocated as the project was developed and several roads in eastern Chatham County were either rerouted or taken out of commission completely. Some of the roads were never demolished, but simply allowed to flood over. When the lake is at low water volume, many of these roads can still be seen and some have even been utilized for makeshift boat ramps.[3]

Originally authorized in 1963 as the New Hope Lake Project, the reservoir was renamed in 1974 in memory of B. Everett Jordan, former US Senator from North Carolina.

Water supply

[edit]
The northern end of Jordan Lake, near the Morgan Creek inlet

Jordan Lake serves as a major water supply for central North Carolina. Allocations made in Round 4 total 95.9% of the water supply pool. Governmental units allocated water from Jordan Lake in Round 4 (approved by the NC EMC on March 9, 2017) include the system jointly operated by Towns of Cary and Apex, which also serves Morrisville and the Wake County portion of Research Triangle Park (46.2%); Chatham County North (13%); City of Durham (16.5%); Town of Holly Springs (2%); Orange County (1.5%); Orange Water & Sewer Authority (5%); City of Raleigh (4.7%); Town of Pittsboro (6%).[4][5] However, in 2019, following the fourth round of allocations the City of Raleigh relinquished its 4.7% water supply pool allocation. As such it is expected that the remaining unallocated portion of the water supply pool is 8.8%.

Previously, allocations made in 2002 totalled 63 mgd (1% is often assumed to be equal to 1 mgd, but allocations are officially by percentage of the total water supply pool). Governmental units allocated water from Jordan Lake at that time were the Towns of Cary and Apex (32 mgd), Chatham County (6 mgd), City of Durham (10 mgd), Town of Holly Springs (2 mgd), Town of Morrisville (3.5 mgd), Orange County (1 mgd), Orange Water & Sewer Authority (5 mgd), and Wake County - RTP South (3.5 mgd).[6][7][8]

Northeast Creek Inlet of Jordan Lake

Water quality

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Jordan Lake was declared as nutrient-sensitive waters (NSW) by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission from 1983, the year it was impounded. The lake is eutrophic or hyper-eutrophic owing to excessive nutrient levels.[9]

Jordan Lake offers a variety of facilities for recreation, conservation, and flood control.

Requirements of the federal Clean Water Act were triggered when the lake became impaired, including the need to set load reduction limits for point and nonpoint sources and enforce discharge limits.[10]

The Jordan Lake Rules are designed to improve water quality in the lake. The rules were developed with extensive meetings, public hearings and negotiations between residents, environmental groups, local and state government agencies and other stakeholders. The rules mandate reducing pollution from wastewater discharges, stormwater runoff from new and existing development, agriculture and fertilizer application.[11][12]

From July 2011 several NC laws have been passed delaying and weakening the rules, culminating in a plan to deploy floating arrays of in-lake circulators intended to reduce harmful algae and excessive chlorophyll.[13][14] However, they proved ineffective in a testing program and were removed in 2016.

On December 21, 2017, researchers at Duke University have discovered elevated levels of several perfluorinated compounds an unregulated family of industrial chemicals including some that can raise cancer risks in Jordan Lake and drinking water treated by the town of Cary. Cary water treatment officials, who have independently confirmed the findings of Duke researchers, say the town's water is safe to drink. They also point out that the compounds detected are still below health advisory levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Testing still continues as of March 8, 2018.[15]

Recreational use

[edit]
A boat launch ramp at Jordan Lake

Swimming and boating are permitted in the lake. Fishing is also permitted in certain spots.

Shoreline trash cleanup

[edit]
A sign by the lake reads, "Glass / cans and pets prohibited on beach".

Bald eagle habitat being endangered by trash submerged by the lake's creation spurred volunteer efforts to clean up the shoreline and other sensitive areas.[16][17]

In 2009 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers worked with local activists to establish Clean Jordan Lake, a nonprofit "friends of the lake" group.[18][19] Volunteer cleanups aided by the Corps of Engineers began in 2010.[20][21] Since then, Clean Jordan Lake has organized over 300 community service cleanups, formed the Adopt-A-Shoreline Program that comprises 19 groups that clean habitually littered areas three times per year, and formed the Adopt-A-Feeder Stream Program with semi-annual cleanups to prevent trash from reaching the lake. As of late 2017, 5,600 volunteers have removed 13,500 bags of trash (enough to fill 40 large dumpsters) and 4,300 tires. Clean Jordan Lake estimates that 80% of the trash is from stormwater runoff and 20% from recreational use of the lake.[22][23]

References

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[edit]
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Jordan Lake

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from Grokipedia
B. Everett Jordan Lake, commonly referred to as Jordan Lake, is a man-made reservoir in central North Carolina, United States, spanning primarily Chatham County with portions in Durham and Wake counties. Created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through the damming of the Haw and New Hope rivers, with construction beginning in 1967 and impoundment starting in the early 1980s, the reservoir covers 13,943 acres at its normal pool level and features over 180 miles of shoreline. Named after Benjamin Everett Jordan, a U.S. Senator from North Carolina who served from 1958 to 1973 and supported the project's authorization, the lake fulfills multiple functions including flood damage reduction, raw water supply for municipal and industrial use serving over 1 million people in the Triangle region, recreation via boating and fishing, and habitat preservation for fish and wildlife. As part of the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area managed by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, it offers extensive public access areas for camping, swimming, and trails, though the reservoir has encountered persistent water quality issues from nutrient runoff and sedimentation due to upstream development and agriculture, prompting state-mandated nutrient strategies and ongoing monitoring efforts.

History

Planning and Early Development

The planning for the B. Everett Jordan Dam and Lake, initially known as the New Hope Reservoir, was prompted by extensive flooding in the Basin following a tropical storm in , which devastated areas including the New Hope River valley and Fayetteville. In response, directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1946 to undertake a comprehensive survey of the basin's water and related land resources, evaluating options for flood control, , , and other uses. The resulting studies identified the need for a multipurpose at the of the Haw and Deep Rivers to mitigate recurrent floods, provide storage, and support downstream , despite suboptimal dam sites in the valley. authorized the project on October 23, 1962, through the River and Harbor Act (Public Law 87-874), with construction funding secured in 1963 largely through efforts by U.S. Senator , a North Carolina Democrat who advocated for regional infrastructure development. Early planning encountered resistance from local stakeholders and environmental advocates, who questioned the project's efficacy for flood control given historical flood patterns, highlighted a benefit-cost ratio below the standard threshold of 1.0, and opposed the federal exercise of to acquire roughly 44,000 acres of private land, displacing communities in the New Hope Valley. Proponents, including state officials and the , countered that the reservoir's design would yield long-term regional benefits outweighing costs, leading to approval despite the critiques. In 1973, prior to full impoundment, the facility was renamed B. Everett Jordan Dam and Lake to commemorate the senator's contributions.

Construction and Initial Filling

Construction of the B. Everett Jordan Dam began in 1967 under the auspices of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, following congressional authorization of the project in 1963 to address flood control needs in the Basin, which had been highlighted by a devastating tropical storm in 1945. The dam, an earthen structure spanning the Haw River near its confluence with the Deep River, was designed to impound waters from multiple tributaries including the Haw, New Hope, and Upper New Hope Rivers, creating a with a surface area of approximately 14,000 acres at full pool. Originally designated as the New Hope Reservoir, the project was renamed B. Everett Jordan Dam and Lake in 1973 to honor former U.S. Senator Benjamin Everett Jordan of North Carolina, who had advocated for its funding. Construction progressed over 14 years amid legal disputes, environmental concerns, and engineering adjustments, including the relocation of communities and infrastructure in the flood pool area such as parts of U.S. Highway 64 and local roads. Impoundment of the commenced in September 1981, marking the transition from to initial filling. The lake reached its normal pool elevation of 216 feet above mean in February 1982, with full filling achieved later that year through controlled releases and natural inflows managed by the to minimize downstream impacts. This phase enabled the to begin fulfilling its primary roles in flood storage, though recreational development and allocations followed in subsequent years.

Physical Characteristics and Infrastructure

Location and Hydrology

is located in the central region of , spanning Chatham, Wake, Durham, and Orange counties. The reservoir lies west of Cary, south of Durham, and approximately 30 miles west of downtown Raleigh, impounded by the Dam on the Haw River within the basin. The of Jordan Lake is governed by a encompassing roughly 1,686 square miles, with primary inflows from the Haw River and tributaries such as the New Hope River and various creeks draining upstream areas. Average inflow rates to the measure 1,621 cubic feet per second, derived from Haw River records spanning 1929 to 1989. Outflows occur via the dam's regulated releases into the downstream Haw River, supporting flood mitigation and low-flow augmentation. At normal pool elevation of 216 feet above mean , the lake maintains a surface area of 13,900 acres, a mean depth of 15.4 feet, and a maximum depth of 66 feet near the . Conservation storage totals 140,400 acre-feet, enabling storage for and other operational demands while hydraulic retention influences dynamics.

Dam and Reservoir Design

The B. Everett Jordan Dam is a zoned and rock-fill embankment structure, 1,330 feet long and 113 feet high above the streambed, with a crest elevation of 266.5 feet mean . It incorporates an uncontrolled side-channel chute spillway featuring an 800-foot crest at 240 feet m.s.l. for releases, along with a controlled outlet works consisting of a 19-foot conduit and multilevel tower enabling selective withdrawals from different depths to support management. Four saddle dikes supplement the main dam to contain the and prevent overtopping in adjacent saddles. Jordan Lake's reservoir design supports multipurpose operations, including flood risk reduction, , and , with a gross storage capacity of 753,500 acre-feet. The conservation pool, maintained year-round at a normal elevation of 216 feet m.s.l., provides 215,100 acre-feet for low-flow augmentation, sedimentation control, and allocations totaling 45,810 acre-feet yielding approximately 100 million gallons per day. Flood storage of 538,400 acre-feet is available in the surcharge and flood control pools up to 240 feet m.s.l. Key reservoir characteristics by pool type are summarized below:
Pool TypeElevation (ft m.s.l.)Surface Area (acres)Storage (acre-feet)
Minimum Pool2026,66074,700
Normal Conservation21613,940215,130
Flood Control24031,800753,560
At the normal pool level, the exhibits a mean depth of 15.4 feet and maximum depth of 66 feet, with approximately 180 miles of shoreline. The design facilitates coordinated operations within the basin system to optimize flood and downstream flows.

Operational Purposes

Flood Control

B. Everett Jordan Lake, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District, serves as its primary authorized purpose, protecting approximately 200,000 acres of downstream floodplain along the Haw and Cape Fear Rivers. The reservoir's flood storage allocation totals 538,400 acre-feet, dedicated exclusively to detaining floodwaters between elevations 216 and 240 feet mean sea level, enabling controlled releases to mitigate downstream inundation during heavy rainfall events. Project authorization in 1963 followed severe flooding from events like Hurricane Helene in 1958, which highlighted vulnerabilities in the Haw River basin and prompted reservoir development over alternative protection measures. of the dam began in 1973, with impoundment starting in 1983, allowing the system to absorb peak flows from tributaries including the Haw, Deep, and New Hope Rivers. Operations involve real-time monitoring and gated releases through the dam's and outlets, maintaining conservation pool levels while reserving upper storage for stormwater detention and gradual discharge to prevent and infrastructure damage below the reservoir. Since operational completion in the late 1980s, the project has averted an estimated $1.4 billion in damages through its storage and release mechanisms, demonstrating effectiveness in managing episodic heavy precipitation common to the region. Maintenance efforts, such as the 2020 replacement of a 40-year-old emergency gate, ensure structural integrity for high-flow scenarios, underscoring the ' commitment to long-term risk reduction amid increasing development pressures in the watershed.

Water Supply Allocation

The water supply storage pool at Jordan Lake, totaling approximately 45,800 acre-feet and capable of yielding up to 100 million gallons per day (MGD), is owned by the State of North Carolina and managed by the Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources (DWR). Allocations from this pool are assigned by the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) to local governments and utilities demonstrating need, with applicants required to document existing water sources, projected demands, and conservation efforts prior to approval. Allocations occur in phased rounds under administrative rules outlined in 15A NCAC 02G .0500, prioritizing entities that have exhausted alternative supplies and adhered to criteria, such as a demonstrated 30-year horizon of need without reliance on unproven sources. Level I allocations cover immediate requirements, while Level II address future growth up to 30 years, with total assignments capped to preserve reserve capacity for emergencies or downstream users. Approved entities repay the state for and operational costs associated with the allocated storage, ensuring fiscal accountability. As of the early 2000s, initial rounds had allocated about 33 MGD, primarily to municipalities in the region, with subsequent rounds expanding access; for instance, the Town of Cary secured an allocation equivalent to 46.2 MGD (46.2% of the pool) by March 2017 to support regional growth. The Western Intake Partnership, comprising utilities like those serving Raleigh and Durham, coordinates intake infrastructure to draw from this pool, emphasizing drought resilience amid population pressures in the Basin. Overall, allocations balance urban expansion with hydrological constraints, requiring ongoing monitoring to prevent overcommitment during low-flow periods. Jordan Lake does not support commercial navigation, as it is not part of a designated federal system for shipping or traffic. Instead, navigational use is confined to recreational , including powerboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and vessels, facilitated by public ramps and around the reservoir. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) operates facilities such as Poe's Ridge Boat Ramp, providing access for non-motorized and motorized craft, while the State Parks system manages additional launches at areas like Seaforth and Ebenezer Church, with restrictions on speeds and no-wake zones to protect and . A privately operated at Crosswinds offers slips, storage, and rentals, supporting local activities without enabling through-navigation to external rivers for commerce. Among other operational functions, Jordan Lake provides for fish and wildlife management, conserving habitats for species such as striped bass, largemouth bass, and bald eagles, which nest along the shores. The USACE conducts surveys and habitat enhancements, including shoreline stabilization and aquatic vegetation control, to sustain diverse populations amid recreational pressures and nutrient inputs. Low-flow augmentation constitutes another key purpose, with controlled releases from the reservoir maintaining minimum downstream flows in the Haw River, historically as low as 7.1 million gallons per day (11 cubic feet per second) at Lillington prior to impoundment, to support water quality, aquatic life, and dilution of pollutants below the dam. These releases, totaling capacities derived from the conservation pool, prevent ecological degradation during droughts and comply with federal authorizations under the Flood Control Act.

Environmental Management

Water Quality Challenges

Jordan Lake has faced persistent water quality degradation primarily due to nutrient enrichment from upstream sources, including discharges, agricultural runoff, and urban development , resulting in and recurrent harmful algal blooms since the reservoir's impoundment in the early . Nutrient levels, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, have consistently exceeded U.S. Agency standards, prompting the Environmental Management Commission to classify the lake as nutrient-sensitive waters shortly after its initial filling. This fosters excessive algal growth, including cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) that produce , posing risks to human health, recreation, and downstream supplies for over a million residents. In addition to biological impairments, chemical contaminants exacerbate challenges, with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals," detected in lake water, sediments, and fish tissues. Studies indicate elevated PFAS concentrations in species like sunfish from Jordan Lake and the inflowing Haw River, linked to industrial discharges and legacy in the watershed, raising concerns for in the and potential carcinogenic effects upon consumption. from suspended particles, often mobilized by runoff, further diminishes , contributing to hypoxic conditions and stress, as evidenced by monitoring data showing dark, muddy appearances in affected arms of the lake. These issues are compounded by the lake's role as a source and recreational hub, where episodic events—such as documented algal blooms in causing neurotoxic and gastrointestinal risks—have led to advisories and fish consumption warnings. Despite regulatory classifications under the Clean Water Act mandating reductions, non-point source pollution from rapid watershed development continues to hinder attainment of standards.

Nutrient Pollution and Algae Control Efforts

Excess nutrients, particularly and from agricultural runoff, urban , and discharges in the 1,600-square-mile Haw River subbasin watershed, have driven in Jordan Lake since its impoundment in 1981, fostering recurrent cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) that produce toxins and impair dissolved oxygen levels. concentrations routinely surpass North Carolina's 40 μg/L criterion, classifying the reservoir as highly eutrophic and triggering fish kills, taste-and-odor issues in downstream treatment, and recreational advisories. In response, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for the B. Everett Jordan Reservoir in September 2007, establishing nutrient caps to limit algal biomass by targeting upstream and allocations across point and sources. North Carolina's Jordan Lake Strategy, enacted via rules adopted in 2009 and amended through 2018, mandates basin-wide reductions of at least 30% for total and 5% for total from 2002 baseline levels, phased over decades to protect designated uses including and . Implementation encompasses regulatory measures such as riparian buffer requirements (minimum 50-foot vegetated buffers along streams), enhanced stormwater controls for new and existing development under Stage I and II adaptive management programs, and a nutrient offset trading system allowing credits from verified reductions elsewhere in the basin. State agencies like the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) oversee compliance through watershed modeling, annual reporting, and enforcement, with local governments required to achieve proportional load reductions via best management practices including constructed wetlands and precision agriculture. Algae-specific controls include real-time monitoring of and dynamics, supported by the Jordan Lake Observatory's sensor networks and satellite-based forecasting models developed since 2019 to predict bloom risks and inform adjustments. Experimental interventions, such as solar-powered water circulators tested in 2014 to enhance mixing and reduce stratified hypoxia, have informed adaptive strategies, though regulatory emphasis remains on source-control reductions exceeding 30% for both and to suppress bloom-forming . Ongoing research, including 2025 fellowships for HAB dynamics in Jordan Lake, evaluates long-term efficacy amid challenges like legacy nutrient legacies in sediments.

Regulatory Frameworks and PFAS Contamination

The regulatory framework for Jordan Lake water quality is anchored in the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's (NC DEQ) Jordan Lake Nutrient Strategy, established under the federal Clean Water Act to address impairments from excess nitrogen and phosphorus. Adopted in phases starting in 2013, these rules—codified in 15A NCAC 02B .0227 through .0237—require watershed-wide reductions in total nitrogen (TN) by 15–46% and total phosphorus (TP) by 5–77% across sub-basins, targeting point sources like wastewater treatment plants and nonpoint sources including stormwater runoff and agriculture. Local governments in the Jordan Lake Association must implement ordinances for development setbacks, riparian buffers, and nutrient application limits, with compliance monitored through NC DEQ's annual reporting and enforcement via civil penalties for violations. This framework extends to broader pollutant monitoring under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, which regulate industrial and municipal discharges into the lake and tributaries, though PFAS-specific surface water limits remain limited in as of 2025, relying instead on case-by-case assessments and federal guidance. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for drawn from the lake, finalized on April 10, 2024, at 4 ng/L for PFOA and PFOS individually, 10 ng/L for PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA (), and PFBS combined, and 8 ng/L for mixtures of certain PFAS, with compliance deadlines for utilities by 2029. NC DEQ's Division of Water Resources conducts targeted emerging contaminants surveys in public supply reservoirs like Jordan Lake, informing without dedicated PFAS discharge prohibitions in the basin. PFAS contamination in Jordan Lake stems primarily from upstream industrial discharges into the Haw River, including historical releases of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from manufacturing facilities, leading to detectable levels in lake water and biota. NC DEQ surveys in 2020 identified 12 PFAS compounds (e.g., PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS) above practical quantitation limits (2 ng/L) at all five sampled stations, with combined PFOA and PFOS below the prior EPA health advisory of 70 ng/L but indicative of widespread presence. Subsequent 2023 monitoring at three stations (e.g., CPF055CSUR near the Haw River inflow) detected 28 of 47 targeted PFAS, with total concentrations ranging 38–153 ng/L and peaks such as 138 ng/L in September, including elevated PFHpS (up to 44 ng/L) and PFPeA (30 ng/L); these exceed the 2024 EPA MCLs for individual compounds in untreated source water. Bioaccumulation has been confirmed in fish, with a 2024 North Carolina State University study finding PFAS in sunfish tissues from Jordan Lake and the Haw River, prompting consumption advisories due to potential health risks from repeated exposure, though no lake-wide fishing ban has been issued. In response, utilities like those in Cary and Durham have initiated PFAS mitigation, including a 2025 pilot by Invicta Water treating 11 million gallons of lake via adsorption technology to achieve non-detect levels without generating , evaluated against EPA standards. NC DEQ's ongoing monitoring integrates PFAS data into basin-wide assessments, with calls for stricter state and criteria amid litigation over enforcement delays, though regulatory focus remains on nutrient controls as the primary designated impairment.

Recreational and Economic Uses

State Recreation Area and Activities

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, managed by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, surrounds the 14,000-acre B. Everett Jordan Reservoir and provides access through seven public areas including Ebenezer, Seaforth, and New Hope Overlook. The recreation area supports a range of water- and land-based activities, with facilities including over 1,000 campsites for tents, trailers, RVs, and backpacking, as well as picnic shelters and playgrounds. Boating is a primary activity, facilitated by 12 launch ramps and ramps suitable for various vessel types, including rentals for fishing boats, kayaks, and paddleboards available at nearby private marinas. occurs year-round across the , targeting such as , , and , with one lighted ADA-accessible provided; restrictions apply near the dam for safety. Swimming is permitted at seven designated beaches during the summer season, typically from to , with lifeguards not provided. Hiking trails span approximately 14 miles, featuring loops like the 1.4-mile TRACK Trail at certain access points that highlight scenic lake views and historical farm ponds, suitable for and including bald eagles. Paddling opportunities abound for canoes and kayaks on the and tributaries, while picnicking areas offer tables, grills, and pavilions reservable for groups. Pets are permitted on leashes no longer than 6 feet but prohibited on swim beaches and in buildings. Special activity permits may be required for large events such as weddings or athletic contests.

Tourism and Regional Economic Benefits

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, encompassing nearly 47,000 acres around the reservoir, serves as a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as , , , , and . In 2023, it recorded over 2.5 million visitors, marking it as the most visited site in the state parks system for the second consecutive year and surpassing previous records. This high volume of visitors, including regional tourists from the nearby area, underscores the lake's role in promoting within Chatham, Wake, and Durham counties. The influx of visitors generates substantial economic activity through expenditures on accommodations, dining, fuel, and equipment rentals, supporting local businesses and hospitality sectors. In Chatham County, where Jordan Lake is a top attraction, overall contributed $85.96 million in visitor spending in 2024, sustaining over 690 direct jobs and $25.21 million in payroll while producing $3.5 million in state taxes and $3.15 million in local taxes. Broader U.S. of Engineers data for lakes, including Jordan Lake, indicate $189.9 million in visitor spending within 30 miles of project sites in 2020, supporting 1,277 jobs locally and contributing to sales, labor income, and value-added economic outputs. These recreational opportunities not only enhance regional but also align with North Carolina's state parks system's estimated annual economic impact exceeding $400 million, driven by non-local tourist spending on trips primarily motivated by park visits. By fostering sustained , Jordan Lake bolsters economic resilience in rural and suburban areas, with visitor activities like tournaments and water sports events further amplifying seasonal benefits to marinas, outfitters, and related services.

Controversies and Criticisms

Debates Over Cleanup Costs vs.

The Jordan Lake rules, enacted in 2009, mandate reductions in and by approximately 35% through measures such as riparian buffers, controls, and upgrades, primarily targeting upstream watersheds in counties like Alamance, Chatham, and Randolph. These requirements have fueled debates over their economic burdens, with upstream stakeholders arguing that compliance costs—estimated in the hundreds of millions for alone, including $23 million in Alamance County for discharge systems and over $100 million in Greensboro for sewer upgrades—restrict density and hinder job creation. For instance, proponents of , such as Rick Gunn, have contended that the rules impede economic competitiveness by limiting recovery and business attraction in upstream areas, potentially costing regions broader growth opportunities. Downstream users in Wake and Durham counties, who depend on the lake for serving over 1 million residents and , counter that lax enforcement would elevate long-term treatment costs and degrade , ultimately stifling regional . Officials like Neal Hunt have emphasized that unchecked nutrient runoff from upstream development exacerbates blooms and impairments, which could increase operational expenses for utilities and deter investment in water-dependent industries. This perspective aligns with analyses indicating that total watershed construction costs under the rules could reach billions, but failure to address sources risks higher downstream remediation expenses and lost revenue from impaired recreational use. Legislative efforts to repeal or modify the rules, such as Senate Bill 515 in 2013 and proposals in 2016 to shift toward technology-based solutions over runoff controls, highlight the tension, with upstream legislators arguing the lake's "perpetual impairment" renders strict land-use limits ineffective for pollution reduction. The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources opposed these repeals, citing potential violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the need for phased, science-based nutrient caps to achieve measurable improvements. Despite partial compromises preserving core protections, ongoing stakeholder meetings as recent as 2024 reflect persistent friction, as upstream agricultural and development interests seek cost offsets like nutrient trading programs, while downstream entities prioritize enforceable reductions to safeguard economic stability tied to clean water supplies.

Political and Regulatory Conflicts

The Jordan Lake Rules, adopted by the Environmental Management Commission in 2007 and effective from 2009, established strategies requiring reductions in and discharges from point and nonpoint sources within the watershed to comply with federal standards for impaired waters. These rules mandated local governments to implement stormwater controls, riparian buffers, and agricultural best management practices, targeting a 40% reduction in nutrient loads by 2023, but faced immediate opposition from upstream stakeholders including farmers and developers who argued the regulations imposed undue economic burdens on agriculture and growth in counties like Chatham and Randolph. Political tensions escalated in 2013 when the considered bills to repeal or substantially weaken the rules, pitting upstream jurisdictions against downstream users reliant on the lake for supplies serving over 300,000 residents in Wake and Chatham counties; proponents of repeal, primarily Republican legislators from rural districts, cited high compliance costs estimated at hundreds of millions for local programs, while environmental advocates warned of violations of federal mandates and worsening . A emerged via session laws that suspended certain buffer requirements and shifted toward voluntary measures, but lagged due to shortfalls and repeated legislative reviews, rendering the rules a "punch line" for inefficiency by 2017 as levels remained above EPA thresholds. Further regulatory friction arose in 2014 over a no-bid legislative contract for the Jordan Lake Demonstration Project deploying SolarBee circulation devices to combat , costing $1.2 million; state auditors deemed it legal despite bypassing standard , but independent evaluations by 2016 concluded the devices ineffective at reducing , highlighting conflicts between politically driven alternatives and evidence-based strategies. In 2016, leaders proposed eliminating key protections for and Falls Lakes in favor of unproven trading schemes, prioritizing economic flexibility over enforceable caps, though the measures stalled amid bipartisan pushback from downstream municipalities. Ongoing disputes reflect upstream-downstream divides exacerbated by geography, with gravity directing pollutants southward; the NC Policy Collaboratory's 2017 study recommended over rigid rules, but political gridlock persisted, as evidenced by 2020 analyses showing forest preservation in headwaters could offset 20-30% of nutrient loads more cost-effectively than full regulatory enforcement. These conflicts underscore tensions between federal imperatives for restoration and state-level resistance to regulations perceived as favoring urban interests over rural economies.

References

  1. https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/jordan-lake-state-recreation-area
  2. https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-planning/basin-planning/jordan-lake-water-supply-allocation/background-information
  3. https://www.ncwildlife.gov/media/2909/download?attachment
  4. https://www.chathamcountync.gov/government/departments-programs-i-z/watershed-protection/new-jordan-lake-rules-information
  5. https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2023/12/20/b-everett-jordan-1896-1974-g-95
  6. https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/sites/default/files/final_draft_corrected_8-31-2013_jordanlake_sedimentation.pdf
  7. https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes-and-Dams/B-Everett-Jordan/History/
  8. https://liberalstudies.duke.edu/project/jordan-lake-biography-multi-purpose-north-carolina-reservoir-1945-2024-and-beyond/
  9. https://www.durhamnc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3609/Jordan-Lake-History-Article-PDF?bidId=
  10. https://abc11.com/post/hidden-history-the-lost-community-beneath-jordan-lake/3833588/
  11. https://www.ncpedia.org/jordan-lake-state-recreation-area
  12. https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes-and-Dams/B-Everett-Jordan/
  13. https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Portals/59/docs/2013HomePage/Jordan_Demonstration_Project_EA_Final_March_2014_%28Reduced_File_Size%29.pdf
  14. https://www.ncwater.org/Data_and_Modeling/Cape_Fear_River_Basin_Model/oldmodel/project1.htm
  15. https://nutrients.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/19393/2019/12/Water-Quality-Monitoring-and-Water-Circulation-in-Jordan-Lake.pdf
  16. https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Portals/59/docs/recreation/Master%2520Plan/BEJ%2520FINAL%2520UPDATE%2520October%25202008_Willett.pdf
  17. https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Portals/59/docs/recreation/Master%20Plan/BEJ%20FINAL%20UPDATE%20October%202008_Willett.pdf
  18. https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Portals/59/siteimages/Public%20Affairs/Congressional%20Fact%20sheets/B_EverettJordanDamNC_OM.pdf?ver=4GTeBF9ZvMpBOSFL4-2VEA%3D%3D
  19. https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/2335895/b-everett-jordan-dam-and-lake-replaces-a-40-year-old-emergency-flood-gate/
  20. https://www.deq.nc.gov/water-resources/planning-section/water-supply-planning/jordan-lake-water-control-plan/open
  21. https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-planning/nonpoint-source-planning/jordan-lake-nutrient-strategy
  22. https://www.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Archive/Story-Article-View/Article/2335935/b-everett-jordan-dam-and-lake-replaces-a-40-year-old-emergency-flood-gate/
  23. https://www.ncwater.org/Reports_and_Publications/Jordan_Lake_Cape_Fear_River_Basin/emc9703.htm
  24. https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-planning/basin-planning/jordan-lake-water-supply-allocation
  25. https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/north-carolina/15A-N-C-Admin-Code-02G-0504
  26. https://www.carync.gov/services-publications/water-sewer/water/water-supply-and-demand
  27. https://westernintakepartnership.com/jordan-lake-water-supply
  28. http://www.trianglewaterpartnership.org/uploads/1/3/0/2/13025771/trwsp_volume_i_final_revised_051412.pdf
  29. https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes-and-Dams/B-Everett-Jordan/Recreation/
  30. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5848192/
  31. https://townofcarrboro.org/701/5968/Jordan-Lake
  32. https://www.wunc.org/environment/2024-08-20/toxic-chemicals-fish-jordan-lake-haw-river-pfas-study
  33. https://ejatlas.org/print/haw-river-and-jordan-lake-water-contamination
  34. https://jordanlakeobservatory.unc.edu/water-quality-monitoring/
  35. https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2022/06/30/jordan-lake-algae-test-results-now-available
  36. https://collaboratory.unc.edu/news/2020/08/11/protecting-the-forests-protects-our-drinking-water-supplies-in-the-jordan-lake-watershed/
  37. https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%2520Quality/Planning/NPU/Nutrient%2520Scientific%2520Advisory%2520Board/Reservoir-Model-Jordan-NCSU_Obenour.pdf
  38. https://www.carync.gov/services-publications/water-sewer/water/water-treatment/seasonal-variations-in-the-taste-of-drinking-water
  39. https://attains.epa.gov/attains-public/api/documents/actions/21NC01WQ/33112/101328
  40. https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/public-works/stormwater-management/construction-stormwater-regulations/jordan-lake-rules
  41. https://www.apexnc.org/274/Jordan-Lake-Rules
  42. https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/hydro/HSPDocuments/2012_Jordan_GREEN_Program.pdf
  43. https://nutrients.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/19393/2019/12/UNC_Jordan_Lake_study_FINAL_12-20-2019_reduced.pdf
  44. https://www.deq.nc.gov/water-resources/planning-section/nonpoint/development-jordan-lake-nutrient-strategy/open
  45. https://jordanlakeobservatory.unc.edu/
  46. https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2025-04/epa-tools-resources_habs_april-2025_final-508-compliant.pdf
  47. https://nutrients.web.unc.edu/in-situ-observational-study-of-jordan-lake-phytoplankton-dynamics/
  48. https://www.lakescientist.com/water-circulators-jordan-lake/
  49. https://wrri.ncsu.edu/new-nc-wrri-and-nc-sea-grant-fellows-to-conduct-research-on-invasive-species-stormwater-runoff-algal-blooms-and-more/
  50. https://www.deq.nc.gov/water-resources/jordan2023ecreportfinalcjsignpdf/open
  51. https://dailytarheel.com/article/city-jordan-lake-contaimination-impacts-water-fish-pfas-20240910
  52. https://www.deq.nc.gov/water-quality/environmental-sciences/isu/2020-jordan-lake-report/download?attachment
  53. https://www.wral.com/news/local/jordan-lake-remove-pfas-forever-chemicals-no-waste-cary-july-2025/
  54. https://ncnewsline.com/2024/08/01/nc-environmental-regulators-at-war-over-water-rules-for-forever-chemicals/
  55. https://www.ncparks.gov/park-features/jordan-lake-state-recreation-area-seaforth-access
  56. https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/jordan-lake-state-recreation-area/camping
  57. https://web.eenorthcarolina.org/net/org/info.aspx?s=44915.0.0.37430
  58. https://northcarolinastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/jordan-lake-state-rec-area/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NC&parkId=552903
  59. https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes-and-Dams/B-Everett-Jordan/Recreation/Hunting-Fishing/
  60. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnMS3k3Hh-Y
  61. https://www.kidsinparks.com/jordan-lake-state-recreation-area
  62. https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/jordan-lake-state-recreation-area/activities
  63. https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/jordan-lake-state-recreation-area/facilities
  64. https://www.ncparks.gov/about/news/visitation-systemsize-2023
  65. https://www.chathamcountync.gov/Home/Components/News/News/17048/19
  66. https://www.chathamcountync.gov/government/departments-programs-a-h/convention-visitors-bureau
  67. https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/api/collection/p16021coll2/id/11605/download
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  70. https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/wake-county/article17544173.html
  71. https://environmentamerica.org/northcarolina/media-center/nc-senate-repeals-jordan-lake-cleanup-law/
  72. https://www.wunc.org/environment/2016-06-01/senate-leaders-propose-eliminating-pollution-controls-in-jordan-and-falls-lakes
  73. https://www.wral.com/story/groups-say-repealing-jordan-lake-rules-makes-no-sense/12481533/
  74. https://www.deq.nc.gov/july-15-dwr-jordan-meeting/download?attachment
  75. https://ncnewsline.com/briefs/nc-policy-collaboratorys-first-task-ailing-jordan-lake/
  76. https://www.smithenvironment.com/cross-over-continued-repeal-of-jordan-lake-water-quality-rules/
  77. https://ncnewsline.com/briefs/greensboro-news-record-dont-repeal-jordan-lake-rules/
  78. https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article17544182.html
  79. https://nclcv.org/hotlist-6102016-action-less-mussels/
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