7/2/2026 High Level Update
Badin Lake Low Water Levels and Algae Infestation
Situation: Badin Lake has experienced an unprecedented period of unscheduled low water levels during the Spring of 2026. This has exacerbated an already existing problem with invasive black mat algae on the lake. The effects of low lake levels and exploding algae are creating a downward spiraling situation that is dramatically impacting the regional economy, ecology, and recreational value of the lake.
Observations:
- Cube Hydro operates the lake under the 2016 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license agreement. This agreement specifies that under normal conditions the lake must be kept within 5 feet of full pool. The lake has been between 4 and 5 feet down for much of 2026. We believe the structure of the existing agreement is incentivizing Badin Lake to be drawn down lower than it was in the past. While technically allowed under the agreement, the length of the drawdown is causing serious hardships, sustained harm to our community, and is a breach of the public trust and spirit of the agreement.
- Continued low lake levels and algae infestation will reduce home sale prices on the lake. This will eventually impact valuations used for property taxes, further reducing the tax base and straining local governments. This will eventually impact even non-lake homeowners through higher tax rates to make up for lost revenue.
- There are now far fewer boats on the lake than normal. Boat lifts and ramps cannot properly launch many boats during low lake levels. This reduces boat traffic on the lake, which in turn enables more algae growth. Safety is a growing issue as rocks and lake bed area is exposed.
- Low lake levels reduce use of short-term rentals as well as visits by vacation homeowners. This directly impacts the local economy through reduced shopping and spending on a wide variety of economic drivers such as groceries, dining, services, and recreation.
- The algae explosion is fueled by nutrient rich runoff into both the lake and the Yadkin River basin as well as more shallow water where the algae can be exposed to sunlight and grow.
Action Plan/Recommendations
- We are currently reviving the long dormant Badin Lake Association to coordinate advocacy, education, and research into the issues. An initial meeting was held on June 29th and drew over 400 concerned citizens. A Facebook page has been setup, and a dedicated web site is nearing completion.
- We are researching the content and structure of the current agreement to help develop legal strategies for redress.
- We believe meaningful improvements are possible even under the current agreement through organized political pressure (stronger enforcement, negotiated amendments, state legislative action and interest).
- We are working to gather momentum for change by mobilizing political allies at the local, state, and federal level.
6/30/2026 Yadkin River Projects
Update: Two Major Projects That Could Eventually Affect the Yadkin River System
There are two significant projects currently in development that could have long-term implications for water quality and water quantity in the Yadkin basin, including Badin Lake. Here’s what we know so far:
1. NC DEQ High Rock Lake Nutrient Management Strategy (“High Rock Lake Rules”)
What it is:
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) is developing a formal set of state rules aimed at reducing nitrogen and phosphorus pollution entering High Rock Lake. Excess nutrients are causing harmful algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen, and other water quality problems.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) is developing a formal set of state rules aimed at reducing nitrogen and phosphorus pollution entering High Rock Lake. Excess nutrients are causing harmful algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen, and other water quality problems.
Key Details:
- In May 2025, NC DEQ released the first draft rules, including:
- Purpose and Scope rule
- Riparian Buffer protection rule
- Rules targeting nutrient loading from existing developed lands
- The rules will eventually address multiple sources of pollution, including stormwater runoff from development, agriculture, wastewater treatment plants, and fertilizer use.
- A Steering Committee of stakeholders has been guiding the process.
Timeline:
- Draft rules were released in May 2025.
- Additional rule drafts (including agriculture) are expected to be shared with stakeholders later in 2025–2026.
- Final rules are not expected until 2026 or later, followed by implementation over many years.
Potential Impact on Badin Lake:
This is primarily a water quality initiative. Because Badin Lake is downstream of High Rock, reducing nutrient loads upstream could eventually help lower the nutrients available for black mat algae growth on Badin. However, this is a long-term strategy — measurable improvements on Badin would likely take many years even after the rules are finalized.
This is primarily a water quality initiative. Because Badin Lake is downstream of High Rock, reducing nutrient loads upstream could eventually help lower the nutrients available for black mat algae growth on Badin. However, this is a long-term strategy — measurable improvements on Badin would likely take many years even after the rules are finalized.
2. Duke Energy Davie-Davidson Combined-Cycle Natural Gas Plants
What is proposed:
Duke Energy is evaluating sites for two large combined-cycle natural gas power plants, each with a capacity of approximately 1,360 megawatts. These would be among the largest natural gas plants in the state.
Duke Energy is evaluating sites for two large combined-cycle natural gas power plants, each with a capacity of approximately 1,360 megawatts. These would be among the largest natural gas plants in the state.
Locations under consideration:
- One site in western Davidson County (approximately 1,600 acres at 3714 Giles Road, near the Yadkin River)
- One site in Davie County (across the river on NC Highway 801 South)
Water Use:
Large combined-cycle gas plants require significant amounts of water for cooling. Public reports and local discussions indicate:
Large combined-cycle gas plants require significant amounts of water for cooling. Public reports and local discussions indicate:
- One plant could withdraw roughly 600,000 gallons per day (lower-end estimate)
- Two plants together could potentially withdraw around 1.2 million gallons per day from the Yadkin River
Current Status:
- This is still in the early planning and site evaluation phase.
- No final decision has been made on whether to build one plant, two plants, or where exactly.
- The project will require approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission and multiple environmental permits.
Potential Impact on Badin Lake:
Increased water withdrawals during low-flow or drought periods could add additional stress on the Yadkin River system and lake levels. While this would not directly change Cube Hydro’s FERC operating rules, it could make low water conditions more frequent or severe during dry years if large new withdrawals are approved upstream or nearby.
Increased water withdrawals during low-flow or drought periods could add additional stress on the Yadkin River system and lake levels. While this would not directly change Cube Hydro’s FERC operating rules, it could make low water conditions more frequent or severe during dry years if large new withdrawals are approved upstream or nearby.
Bottom Line
- The NC DEQ nutrient rules are the more positive long-term development (better water quality), but they move slowly.
- The Duke Energy gas plants are still in early stages and would primarily represent a new demand on Yadkin River water if approved.
- Neither project will change Cube Hydro’s current FERC license rules or lake level requirements in the near term.