Moratorium on new surface water transfers from the Cape Fear River Basin and study on its water resources.

The Cape Fear Water Resources Modernization and Regionalization Act of 2026 imposes a moratorium on initiating new surface water transfers from the upper reaches of the Cape Fear River Basin until June 1, 2030. It also prohibits increasing existing transfers. The North Carolina Collaboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill must study the Cape Fear River Basin to determine its reliable water supply yield and make recommendations for legislative changes. The study includes assessing water uses, reliable yield, economic equity, and environmental impact study adequacy.

Moratorium on new surface water transfers from the Cape Fear River Basin and study on its water resources.

The Cape Fear Water Resources Modernization and Regionalization Act of 2026 imposes a moratorium on initiating new surface water transfers from the upper reaches of the Cape Fear River Basin until June 1, 2030. It also prohibits increasing existing transfers. The North Carolina Collaboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill must study the Cape Fear River Basin to determine its reliable water supply yield and make recommendations for legislative changes. The study includes assessing water uses, reliable yield, economic equity, and environmental impact study adequacy.