Keeping Our Drinking Water Clean
The Watershed Protection Program for the Upper Neuse
As the Triangle region of North Carolina experiences rapid growth, development is placing increasing pressure on the Upper Neuse River Basin—an area that supplies drinking water to more 600,000 people across eight municipalities, including Raleigh. By 2040, an estimated 36 percent of the Triangle area is expected to be covered by impervious surfaces like roads and buildings. At the same time, Raleigh’s water service population is projected to grow by as many as 800,000 people by 2030.
As development intensifies, conserving land near water sources remains one of the most effective methods for safeguarding water quality. Natural landscapes—such as forests, wetlands, and open fields—help absorb rainfall, reduce runoff, and filter sediment and pollutants before they reach nearby rivers, reservoirs, and wells.
See the story of our watershed protection in maps
Since 2003, TLC and partners have helped protect over 150 miles of stream and 15,000 acres in the Falls Lake Watershed as part of this program.
Project Highlight
Brumley Forest Nature Preserve
TLC’s 673-acre Brumley Forest Nature Preserve protects water quality in one of the state’s most rapidly growing counties. Brumley Forest is bisected by Stony Creek, a tributary of the Eno River, which flows into Falls Lake. The property contains over 22,000 feet of streams, three ponds, and more than 20 acres of wetlands. The purchase of Brumley Forest was made possible through the generosity of the Zeist Family Foundation and individual donors as well through funding from the City of Raleigh Watershed Protection Program, NC Land and Water Fund (formerly the Clean Water Management Trust Fund), and Orange County.
TLC’s Role
TLC has been a key partner in this program for more than 30 years. TLC not only protects land in the watershed, but also supports conservation planning efforts and landowner outreach.
Watershed Protection Program Plans & Assessments
Project Highlight
Little Beaverdam Creek Area & the Harricanes
Since 2019 TLC has been working to protect one of the largest remaining unprotected areas adjacent to Falls Lake in Wake County. To date TLC, has assembled more than 700 acres of land adjacent to the lake along Beaverdam Creek. This area, locally known as the Harricanes, helps provide numerous water quality benefits for the entire region. Although not open to the public, TLC hosts special events like our star parties and has a partnership with School House of Wonder on the site. Most importantly, this project is helping filter the water more than a million people who live in Wake County and the all the users of Falls Lake, one of the most visited recreation areas in North Carolina.
