Falls Lake

The original NMS had two stages. Stage I was a success. Stage I ensured that the lake meets its intended uses. The lake is currently a drinking water reservoir and a recreational resource. The first stage of the NMS also improved water quality, and the portion of the lake downstream of NC Highway 50 now meets state standards for chlorophyll-a.

Stakeholders like the City of Durham have reevaluated Stage II as it was originally written. This is important as the state estimates that the unchanged Stage II requirements would have cost an additional $700 million to $1.1 billion to Durham alone.

The City of Durham has always understood the need to protect city streams and downstream resources like Jordan Lake and Falls Lake. The city has had development requirements to protect stream buffers and treat stormwater runoff since the early 1980s. Additional requirements specifically targeting nutrients began in 2002, and further progress is being made to improve water quality.

The Army Corps of Engineers created Falls Lake when they completed a dam on the Neuse River in 1981. The Corps designed the lake to serve as a regional water supply, prevent flooding, and help protect water quality downstream of the lake during droughts. It also provides recreation for the region’s (and Durham’s!) residents. Because this reservoir was created in the fertile Piedmont region, managing nutrient loads to the lake has been a challenge since it was created. 

Falls Lake's water level is impacted by many factors including precipitation, drought, evaporation rates, and water withdrawal.

 USGS provides current data on Falls Lake including lake elevation, temperature, and precipitation.