Associated with economic development of northeast North Carolina are several water-related problems. The solution to these problems depends in part on adequate knowledge of the hydrology of this 8,930 square mile coastal area. Although it is hydrologically the least studied area of North Carolina, enough is known to present this reconnaissance-level picture of its water resources. Average annual precipitation on the area is about 50 inches. Of this amount, about 34 inches returns to the atmosphere via evapotranspiration, about 15 inches leaves the area as runoff, and about one inch leaves through ground-water outflow. No large streams originate within the area, but major streams entering from the north and west bring in three times as much streamflow as originates within the study area. The flat, low-lying terrane does not offer opportunities for extensive development of surface-water supplies through the use of reservoirs. Much of the surface water is contaminated by saltwater from the ocean. Ground water occurs in three major aquifers, all of which contain both freshwater and saltwater. (Author).

"The purpose of this report was to 1) locate and examine existing information pertaining to the water-related resources in and around Cape Lookout National Seashore; 2) provide a preliminary assessment of the existing condition of the upland aquatic and nearshore marine environments; 3) identify current stressors or threats that may affect the future condition of these resources; and 4) to identify and make recommendations to fill in existing information gaps."--Page vii.