When starting our project we assumed that pollution levels around Lake Norman would show a steady increase over the years. We predicted that the severe increases in populations and resulting increases in impervious surfaces would cause dramatic spikes in pollution levels around the lake. The data; however, told a different story. In all, our project demonstrates the importance of water quality regulation. While pollution levels around Lake Norman are not threatening, the levels of surrounding development could pose numerous future threats. Through our research we found that the overall health of the lake is fairly good, but there are certain environmental concerns such as coal ash, mercury poisoning, sewage waste, and sedimentation that pose daily threats to lake-users. Even so, the average numbers indicate that Lake Norman is healthy and below dangerous pollution levels. Perhaps due to the tireless work of various organizations, this trend will hopefully continue into the future.
