Sources of funding for projects to improve water quality in the McDowell Watershed:
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services
Town of Cornelius
Town of Huntersville
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department
North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund
North Carolina DENR 319 Program
North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program
North Carolina Department of Transportation
North Carolina Natural Resources Conservation Service
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Federal stimulus)
McDowell Creek Watershed Management Plan
The Storm Water Services projects are guided by the McDowell Creek Watershed Management Plan which was completed in 2006. The Plan, the first of its kind in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, is a comprehensive, strategic roadmap for the management and restoration of surface waters within the entire watershed.
Watershed Management Plan Goals:
Improve water quality in McDowell Creek and its tributaries to ensure
- fully functioning and supporting stream ecosystem for aquatic life
- safe and secure water supply downstream in McDowell Creek Cove and Mountain Island Lake.
Watershed Management Plan Objectives:
- Prioritize areas for restoration, retrofit and preservation efforts
- Outline the overall water quality goals for the watershed
- Outline the process forward for implementing water quality efforts
- Outline the process for measuring success
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services works closely with the Towns of Huntersville and Cornelius to improve water quality in this water supply watershed. In 2003, rapidly growing Huntersville adopted a more stringent Storm Water Ordinance with additional storm water management requirements and emphasis on low impact development.
A paved greenway trail runs along Upper McDowell Creek from Westmoreland Road to Sam Furr Road. Another greenway trail follows a section of Torrence Creek near Gilead Road. Water quality educational opportunities are to be provided along the greenway and at Best Management Practices such as wetlands and rain gardens being created by Storm Water Services throughout the McDowell Watershed.
Project Managers:
Crystal Taylor, P.E.
704-432-7342
Jimmy Gordon, P.E.
704-336-3871
David Kroening, P.G.
704- 336-5448
David Woodie, P.E.
704-336-3873
Gwen Cook
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation (greenways)
704-432-1570