The Santee Watershed, also known as HUC 03050112, covers an area of approximately 3,600 square miles across parts of North Carolina and South Carolina, including the cities of Charlotte and Columbia. The hydrology of the watershed is heavily influenced by the Catawba and Wateree Rivers, which are the primary sources of surface water. The region experiences a moderate climate with hot summers and mild winters, and receives an average of 45 inches of precipitation per year, with snowfall occurring occasionally in the higher elevations. The watershed supports several large reservoirs, including Lake Norman and Lake Murray, which are used for hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and drinking water supply. The water quality of these reservoirs is monitored regularly for constituents such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which can contribute to harmful algal blooms. In recent years, the region has seen an increase in extreme weather events, including flooding and droughts, which have impacted local communities and infrastructure.