Water resources of northeast North Carolina

Water-Resources Investigations Report 77-81
By: , and 

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Abstract

Several water-related problems are associated with economic development of northeast North Carolina. The solution to these problems depends in part on adequate knowledge of the hydrology of this 8,930 square mile coastal area. Average annual precipitation on the area is about 50 inches. Of this amount, about 34 inches returns to the atmosphere by evapotranspiration, about 15 inches leaves the area as runoff, and about one inch leaves through ground-water outflow. No large stream originates within the area, but major streams entering from the north and west bring in three times as much streamflow as originates within the study area. The flat, low-lying terrane does not offer opportunities for extensive development of surface-water supplies through the use of reservoirs. Much of the surface water is contaminated by saltwater from the ocean. Ground water occurs in three major aquifers, all of which contain both freshwater and saltwater.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Water resources of northeast North Carolina
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 77-81
DOI 10.3133/wri7781
Year Published 1978
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) South Atlantic Water Science Center
Description x, 113 p.
Country United States
State North Carolina
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