NC H1743

Modifies the definition of "essential water use" to include water needed to "support and sustain" the economy of the State, region, or area, rather than only water to "maintain" the economy.

Directs the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to develop basinwide hydrologic models for each of the 17 major river basins in North Carolina.

Requires models to include surface and groundwater resources, water transfers, ecological flow requirements, future withdrawal projections, and other relevant scientific data for each basin.

Establishes a Science Advisory Board including representatives from state and federal agencies, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, utilities, and local government to characterize basin ecology and identify flow requirements to maintain ecological integrity.

Requires Department to submit completed models to the Environmental Management Commission for approval following a 60-day public comment period, with annual progress reports due to the Environmental Review Commission beginning November 1, 2011.