Carolinas In Bitter Fight Over Water

Channel 9 has uncovered new information about the U.S. Supreme Court case involving your water.

South Carolina wants the court to kick the city of Charlotte and two other groups out of the case so it can fight North Carolina one on one.

Charlotte, Duke Energy, and the Catawba River Water Supply Project fought to have a say in this case.

South Carolina says North Carolina uses too much of the Catawba River.

The state filed paperwork saying, "North Carolina can adequately represent their interests."

South Carolina residents support the move.

The other parties are already attacking the request.

North Carolina calls South Carolina’s concern, "greatly exaggerated."

Charlotte City Attorney Mac McCarley told Channel 9, "This case has more impact on Charlotte than anybody else. It's critically important that we be in the case."

People who live along the river understand what's at stake but think many take the water for granted.

Lisa Thompson, a North Carolina resident said, “I’m sure they do. I think we’re spoiled that way.”

And South Carolina thinks it has a better chance of winning if Charlotte, Duke Energy and the Water Supply Project aren't in the case.

The Supreme Court will decide whether all five parties get to stay on the case.

The justices could hold a hearing first but aren't required to.