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N.C. Division of Water Quality
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Groundwater Resource Evaluation Program


As the lead state agency responsible for protecting the quality of North Carolina’s groundwater and surface water, the North Carolina Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR), Division of Water Quality (DWQ) has a responsibility to thoroughly understand this resource and the multitude of factors that impact water quality throughout the state.  In support of this mandate, the DWQ, through its Aquifer Protection Section, established the Piedmont-Mountains Resource Evaluation Program (REP) 1999. 

Links to Research Station Web Pages

1 Lake Wheeler Road Research Station 5 Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory 9 NC Zoo 13 Highlands
2 Langtree Peninsula Research Station 6 Neuse River WWTP 10 Poultry Litter Study 14 Tater Hill Research Station
3 Upper Piedmont Research Station 7 Allison Woods 11 Rocky Branch Stream Restoration    
4 Bent Creek Experimental Forest 8 Duke Forest 12 Pasour Mountain Research Station    



The primary purpose of the REP is to increase the hydrogeologic knowledge base in the crystalline rock environments of the North Carolina piedmont and mountain regions.  The information generated by the REP has many uses for government regulators and the general public.  These uses include:

  • assisting in the development of appropriate classifications and standards for groundwater quality,
  • effectively conditioning waste disposal permits to protect water quality,
  • evaluating potential man-made and natural threats to groundwater quality,
  • providing technical information to help facilitate the rule-making process,
  • providing information needed to effectively respond to releases of contaminants,
  • helping to determine cost effective groundwater clean-up requirements,  and
  • providing a better understanding of the relationships between groundwater and surface water.

 

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In addition, REP collects specific hydrogeochemical data from each major geologic and hydrogeologic unit so that the state can better guide local community developments and other groundwater usage.  Since each region of the state has different environments and socio-economic conditions, REP hydrogeologists are located in NCDENR’s regional offices, allowing the program to effectively respond to the unique challenges in each region.


The REP accomplishes its objectives primarily through the installation of groundwater quality monitoring stations to monitor water quality through cooperative studies with other government agencies and academic institutions.  REP research stations have been installed at locations that are representative of larger hydrogeologic regions throughout the state and at locations where specific human activities may have an impact on groundwater and surface water quality.  Our main REP study partner is the United States Geological Survey (USGS).  The USGS provides technical expertise and publishing venues to present the results of the REP research to the general public and a broader technical audience.  Wells installed at REP sites become part of the state-wide groundwater quality monitoring network, which provides data on changes in groundwater quality over time. 


Public education and outreach activities are an integral part of the REP mission.  REP sites are used for presentations to professional organizations, community groups, policy makers, school groups, and the general public on various aspects of water quality and hydrogeology.  Please contact the Aquifer Protection Section located in your region if you are interested in education and outreach activities related to hydrogeology.