Raleigh Considers Alternative Reservoirs

Officials with the City of Raleigh may ask for some changes to be made to how much water they can use from Falls Lake Reservoir. The request may delay plans for a new reservoir in eastern Wake County.

Planning for a Reservoir on the Little River near Zebulon has been ongoing for about 20 years. $15 million has already been spent buying up land, even as some environmentalists complain that several endangered species would suffer, including the Neuse River Water Dog.  In exploring alternatives, Raleigh officials are now considering a plan to make more of the water in Falls Lake available for use. The plan involves increasing the percentage set aside for "water supply" while decreasing the percentage used to dilute pollution downstream.  If it is enacted, the Falls Lake plan would postpone the need for a new reservoir for as long as 20 years.  The plan still needs to be studied and approved by state and federal regulators.