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Our City’s Watersheds: Two River Basins, Three Subbasins
Our City’s Watersheds: Two River Basins, Three Subbasins
The City of Henderson lies at a unique hydrologic crossroads; the City spans two major river basins and includes three distinct subbasins. This natural divide influences how stormwater flows across the city and ultimately determines where our water ends up.
A river basin is the land area drained by a major river and its tributaries. Henderson is part of:
The Tar-Pamlico River Basin - Water in this area drains eastward toward the Pamlico Sound.
The Roanoke River Basin - Water in this portion of the city flows northward into the Roanoke River and ultimately toward Albemarle Sound.
Each basin has its own set of environmental conditions, downstream impacts, and regulatory requirements that the city must consider in stormwater planning and water quality protection. Due to the Tar-Pamlico River Basin having stricter nutrient management and stormwater requirements, the City of Henderson applies Tar-Pamlico standards citywide. This approach ensures consistent, high-quality environmental protection regardless of where runoff flows.
Within these river basins, Henderson includes parts of three smaller subbasins, which are more localized drainage areas.
Upper and Lower Sandy Creek - Subbasins that drain from the southern and eastern parts of the city, flowing into the Tar River.
Red Bud Creek - Flowing westward through the southwestern part of the city, also part of the Tar-Pamlico.
Nutbush Creek - A key drainage corridor that the northern part of the city drains to Kerr Lake and the Roanoke River.
These subbasins help planners and engineers understand how water moves within specific neighborhoods and across smaller watersheds. Understanding our watershed boundaries assists the city and the community in making informed decisions for long-term water quality, flood prevention, and ecosystem protection.
Find Your River Basin
Find Your River Basin
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