The drainage system in Craven County is made up of the Neuse and Trent Rivers as well as their many tributaries. In addition to serving as a drainage basin, this system also serves as a recreational waterway so it must be kept clear and navigable.

A drainage system can lose some of its storage capacity due to dumping, erosion, sedimentation, and overgrowth of vegetation. When this happens, flooding is more likely to occur and may subject more property to the flood hazard. Inspections are made routinely and measures are taken to maintain the system. It is illegal to dump into or intentionally degrade the system. (Per General Statue 77-14)