Water Supply, Usage, and Flow Regulation

The southern Appalachians enjoy abundant rainfall and a vast network of streams and rivers. The mean density of stream and river channels is 12 feet per acre and would be greater if small mountain streams were measured. Over 556,000 acres of flooded river and lake surface dot the landscape, making up about 1.5 percent of the total area delineated by the Southern Appalachian Assessment region (SAMAB 1996).

The region supplies water to mountain and foothill communities as well as major cities of the eastern and southeastern United States. Population growth will place increasing pressure on water resources; hence water will emerge as one of the most significant environmental issues in the 21^st century. Although water supplies have historically been abundant, there will be an increasing demand for water with expanding development and urbanization. Dams, urban and suburban development, and mining are among the largest impacts on hydrology in the southern Appalachians. They affect river geomorphology and aquatic ecosystems.