Welcome to the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation
The Catawba River has been designated as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers three times (#1 in 2008, as well as #5 in 2013 and #13 in 2000). In addition, the River's listing on the Top Ten Endangered Places in the Southeast (by the Southern Environment Law Center in 2010 and 2012), its listing as the 4th most stressed river in the United States (by the Union of Concerned Scientists in 2011) and recent fish advisories for unsafe levels of metals and PCBs highlight the need to do more to protect our water. We hope that you will look at the information on our website and help us protect our water.
Of Interest to Catawba Riverkeeper Right Now!
Flooding in Catawba-Wateree Basin Brings Problems
Widespread flooding caused by recent heavy rains is causing problems throughout the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. On Wednesday, May 8th all of the lakes in the basin were at or above full pond level meaning many docks and some homes were under water. In some riverside communities residents were evacuated and for safety reasons Duke Energy turned off power to some homes. Water is still spilling over the dams at several lakes and there are dock parts, trees and all kinds of other debris now floating adrift on the lakes.
Duke Energy, who controls lake levels through water releases at the eleven dams on the Catawba River continues to bring lake levels back to more normal. However, according to a Duke statement "Due to the high volumes [of water] passing through, Lookout Shoals Lake and Mountain Island Lake will stay above full pond for an extended period of time". Information from the company on lake levels can be found here. Flooding has been worst around Mountain Island Lake and Lookout Shoals Lake. For more information click here.
The dam at Mountain Island Lake May 7th, 2013. Duke Energy expects Mountain Island Lake
Duke Energy predicts that the flow in riverine sections of the Catawba (particularly the section below the Lake Wylie Dam) will be high until sometime after Wednesday, May 15. Public safety officials are requesting that paddlers stay off the water until flows return to safe levels sometime after the 15th. For links to information about current flow and advice about safe paddling, go to Paddling the River.
Finally, the recent rains and flooding have caused septic tanks to be flooded and numerous large releases of raw sewage from private and municipal wastewater systems. Consequently, swimming is also discouraged until lake levels and flows return to normal.
More News
and information relevant to the Catawba-Wateree basin can be found here .
The Catawba River Basin
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Information About the Catawba River Basin
How healthy is the Catawba basin
• What fish advisories are currently in effect?
• Which water segments are considered impaired?
• Where are the sources of pollution?
Why you should care about the health of the Catawba basin?
What are the major water issues in the basin?
• Coal Ash
• Sediment Run-off
• Mercury contamination
• Stormwater
• Sludge and CAFO's
What are the recreational options?
• Paddling
• Hiking & access to scenic spots
• Sailing
• Power boating
Who should you contact about different types of problems?
• Page Coming
How can you help?
• Contribute money
• Volunteer
• Donate a boat or other item
• Report a problem
• Advocate for the River
To learn about our plans for 2013, click here.
Search our website
- Looking for something you didn't find?
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The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to educate people about the Catawba-Wateree River, to protect the River, and to advocate for the River. It is a big job and we need your help. The Catawba-Wateree basin includes approximately 5000 miles of waterways flowing through 11 major lakes. The basin includes portions of 24 counties in North Carolina and South Carolina. Please read the upcoming events for some opportunities to participate in efforts to protect our River.
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FOR INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP PROTECT THE CATAWBA RIVER AND WATEREE RIVER, CLICK HERE.
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Job Openings
Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation is currently accepting applications for paid positions and unpaid student interns. More information about job openings is available here.
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The CRF site's banner photographs have been generously contributed by
Bill Stokes and Randy Miller.
