Perceptions of water quality in the coastal plain of North Carolina

The purpose of this work was to determine if cultural consensus exists among North Carolina coastal plain city and county officials regarding a number of water quality related issues. A perceived water quality survey instrument was administered to all study participants. In addition, an open-ended study instrument was administered to approximately one-half of the participants. Analysis of data suggests that a cultural consensus does exist among coastal plain officials regarding water quality issues. For instance, officials agree that water quality has gotten better over the past twenty years, sedimentation is a problem affecting water quality, the biggest water quality problem right now is excess nutrients in the water, people only get upset about water quality when a problem occurs, and fresh water supplies will become a bigger issue as population levels continue to increase in coastal areas. Analysis also suggest that few officials have long-range plans in place for provisioning of water resources (plans average five to seven years out into the future) nor do they or their governments belong to alliances targeting the protection of existing water quality. Thus a paradox exists, if officials feel that water supplies will become a bigger issue in the future, why are they not engaging in activities today to address those perceived future problems. Much of the responsibility regarding the preservation or improvement of water quality lies with city and county officials. However, it should be noted that city and county officials are working under many constraints such as unfunded mandates, e.g. the Leave No Child Behind program, and tax payer revolts.