2008 Agricultural Water Use Survey

Due to recent droughts, water policy has been discussed extensively. The most recent data showed that agriculture isn't the large water user that most people think they are. It was imperative that agricultural data be as accurate as possible and in 2008, the General Assembly directed the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services to conduct an agricultural water use survey. The results were to be submitted to the Environmental Review Commission. This information will be used when water policy is discussed and our hope is that agriculture will be treated fairly when it comes to any policy that may be proposed, discussed or implemented.

Commissioner Troxler, in his letter to the Environmental Review Commission, states: "It is significant that, when comparing historic total ground and surface statewide withdrawals of water for agricultural production with total withdrawals from all users (nonagricultural and agricultural combined) as recorded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the survey demonstrates that agricultural use in 2008 on an average daily basis accounted for less than 2% of all withdrawals."

He also states: "The survey contacted about 9,000 farms with an 86% response rate showing 1,500 farms that withdrew 10,000 gallons or more water per day. Considering that the agricultural water use survey collected data for any user above 10,000 gallons per day, compared with nonagricultural use data representing 100,000 gallons or more pr day, there can be little doubt that agriculture water use is even smaller in proportion to statewide withdrawal data."

NCDA's press release: "NC farmers don't hog water, first statewide survey of agricultural water use shows"