Over 70 percent of the earth is water, yet only one percent is freshwater readily available for human use. Protecting this finite resource is critical not only to human health but also to entire ecosystems.
In North Carolina, water quality concerns come from nutrients and sediment from both agricultural and urban sources. In a combined faculty position, Erin Rivers joins North Carolina State University’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences as an assistant professor and Extension water quality specialist to address both resource management concerns.
Rivers’ position combines the roles of two prominent retiring NC State faculty, Rich McLaughlin and Deanna Osmond and unites Extension water quality programming on urban and cropland.
“The legacy programs Drs. McLaughlin and Osmond created are extremely strong and running successfully. Combining these programs into one role offers potential and a great opportunity to bridge the gap between NC’s urban and rural water challenges.”
Rivers Runs Deep in NC
An Indiana native, Rivers most recently hails from Utah, where she served as a water quality specialist at Utah State University. But she’s no stranger to North Carolina.
She earned a master’s in earth sciences at the University of North Carolina Charlotte and completed post-doctoral work at NC State in McLaughlin’s programs.
She says something has pulled her back to North Carolina for a third time.
“NC’s climate, topography and soil types make it an interesting cross-section of water quality challenges resulting from booming urban development to valuable agricultural cropland. And the amazing Extension infrastructure and colleague network at NC State make it a great place for applied research.”
Urban Water Impacts
Sediment and erosion from urban stormwater and road construction can negatively impact waterways. However, Rivers says that many practices can minimize environmental effects.
“Any time we remove vegetation or move soil, the environment becomes less stable. However, the NC Department of Transportation invests substantially in water quality research to monitor and improve practices. Our Extension training programs are available to educate contractors on those practices and improve outcomes.”
Fellow crop and soil sciences faculty Adam Howard will continue the department’s popular sediment and erosion workshops. The two will collaborate to enhance training and find opportunities to make it more efficient and user-friendly, potentially through additional online resources.
Balancing Agricultural Interests
NC’s strong ag economy makes nutrient runoff a prime issue in rural areas. But Rivers says that improving water quality isn’t about finger-pointing.
“Farm nutrient runoff is a challenge because it comes from many sources. And while it may seem like some of our on-farm best management practices, like XXX, don’t have a direct advantage to farmers, there are benefits to reducing input costs and improving production. Optimizing nutrient management can minimize costs for the farmer and water quality impacts.
She says her first task is listening, especially to the critical issues field agents face in their areas.
“The best way to reach growers is working with local agents. NC has a large county agent network that is really dialed in on its focal areas and stakeholders. I look forward to getting plugged in locally and learning where they most need support.”
A Passion to Protect
Rivers’ interest in conservation started early. Fishing and boating played a significant role in her formative years. Now, she feels a responsibility to protect our water resources to benefit all users.
“Core goals of the federal Clean Water Act are for our waters to be fishable, swimmable and ultimately drinkable for us and wildlife,” Rivers said. “Sediment and erosion directly impair fish gills, spawning habitat and plant and algae growth.”
But she says water protection can be a win-win for economics and our ecosystem.
“Co-benefits or ecosystem services are multi-faceted. When we improve one side of things, we can do it in a way that improves both sides. For example, water clouded with sediment negatively affects crop health and increases the cost of potable water treatment.
Prioritizing clean water benefits everyone. We must protect the water resources that we and future generations will rely upon. Being good stewards of our waters ensures healthier communities and crop production.”
And is her last name a coincidence or destiny?
“I married into the name,” Rivers laughed. “But I do think it’s a bit of karma – or good luck. Either way, it’s memorable.”
Want More Pack Impact?
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Improving NC’s agricultural economy through environmental stewardship is just part of how we are growing the future.
