Abbotts Creek Watershed Plan

Lower Abbotts Creek (from Lake Thom-a-Lex to High Rock Lake) is listed as impaired by the US EPA for high turbidity and copper levels and poor biological habitat. The Creek also has a history of low oxygen levels. Conditions worsen closer to High Rock Lake, where nutrient and pH levels rise, threatening the recreation and wildlife of the Lake.

The Piedmont Triad Council of Governments (PTCOG) received a $65,000 US EPA 319 grant and $27,000 NC Clean Water

Management Trust Fund grant to work with Davidson County and Lexington to identify the sources of pollution. This requires field surveys and computer-based analysis that will direct our priorities for restoration and conservation of Lower Abbotts Creek. PTCOG will also review current ordinances and codes in Davidson County and Lexington, and determine ways in which watershed conditions can be improved through new policies. This project will be finished by July 2010.

Economic drivers in Davidson County traditionally included textiles, furniture, agriculture, and various otherindustries. While these industries were vital to creating a strong Triad economy and establishing the cities of High Point, Lexington, and Thomasville, they caused significant harm to the area’s waters. In the absence of these heavy industries, water quality has improved somewhat, but it still needs help as we address the impacts of past pollution and land use, and the as conditions in the High RockLake watershed continue to degrade.

PTCOG has led these efforts, publishing a restoration plan for Rich Fork Creek, the main tributary to Lower Abbotts Creek, and working closely with Davidson County Planning staff and environmental groups on these issues.PTCOG firmly believes that Lower Abbotts Creek can and will improve. We are characterizing and assessing watershed conditions, and will publish a restoration plan based on our findings. We are available to educate interested citizens and will work with organizations to secure grant funding for larger projects. Please contact us for any further details. For more information onthe watershed planning process, please see our Watershed Planning page.

*Quick Links...*
	Water Resources Home Water Quality Jordan Lake Rules UCFRBA Water Capacity 2010 303(d) Impaired Waters
Watershed Planning
	Yadkin River Priority Watershed Atlas Eden Area Watershed Plan Abbotts Creek Rich Fork Creek Little Alamance/Travis Tickle Creek
*Contact*
	Cy Stober Water Resources Manager cstober@ptrc.org Malinda Ford GIS Planner mford@ptrc.org Elizabeth Jernigan Stormwater Outreach and Education Coordinator ejernigan@ptrc.org