Interbasin Transfer (IBT)
What is an IBT?
An Interbasin Transfer (IBT) happens when water is withdrawn from one river basin and used in another. This process supports water supply needs in growing communities but also changes how water naturally flows through watersheds. IBTs are carefully regulated in North Carolina to balance development, environmental health, and long-term water availability across regions.
Why Do IBTs Happen?
IBTs can play a role in long-term regional planning by helping municipalities meet water needs during periods of growth or drought.
They may occur:
-When one basin has more water availability than another
-To supply expanding suburbs or cities
-To support economic development and infrastructure
However, because water doesn’t return to the original basin, IBTs require careful planning and regulation to ensure that downstream users and ecosystems aren’t negatively affected.
IBTs in the Catawba-Wateree Basin
The Catawba-Wateree River Basin—which supplies water to over 2 million people—has been affected by several IBT projects. Some notable examples include:
-Charlotte Water’s IBT: Transfers water from the Catawba River to the Rocky River Basin (part of the Yadkin system) to serve portions of Union County'
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-Concord-Kannapolis IBT: Moves water from the Yadkin River and the Catawba River Basin.
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Why Is Charlotte Water Modifying it's IBT?
-Charlotte Water's current IBT certificate, issued in 2002, allows for up to 33 MGD to be transferred from the Catawba River basin to the Rocky River basin
-Serving rapidly growing parts of Mecklenburg and surrounding counties.
-This certificate was expected to last until 2030 but growth is outpacing predictions.
Partners
Catawba Riverkeeper would like to publicly thank the following partners for their involvement with this plan: NC Land and Water Fund, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, Lake James Environmental Association, Western Piedmont Council of Governments, A Clean Wilson Creek, Friends of the Valdese Rec, Duke Energy, the Catawba Wateree Water Management Group, and Waterkeeper Alliance.
The IBT Process in North CarolinaGrant Buckner
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