The Contentnea Watershed (HUC 03020203) covers an area of approximately 1,371 square miles in eastern North Carolina. The watershed is characterized by a humid, subtropical climate and experiences both summer and winter precipitation. The hydrology of the watershed is mainly influenced by the Neuse River and its tributaries. Snowfall is rare in this region, with an average of less than one inch per year. The surface water in the Contentnea Watershed is primarily used for agricultural irrigation and public water supply. The reservoirs in the watershed contain constituents such as sediment, organic matter, nutrients, and pharmaceuticals. Some interesting climatic trends in the area include increasing temperatures and precipitation. Climate models also predict an increase in extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, in the region.