Healthy streams have a direct impact on the quality of life for the citizens of Fayetteville as many of them not only provide recreational opportunities but also lead to Beaver Lake which is the regions drinking water source. Protection of these resources is vital to the continued growth and quality of life for the City of Fayetteville and the region. Streamside buffer areas improve water quality by reducing nutrients entering the stream, helping to protect stream banks from erosion and reducing the amount of sediments entering the stream. Buffer areas also have the added benefit of providing fish and wildlife habitat as well as flood control. Recognizing all of these benefits, the City has taken the lead in the region by adopting streamside protection provisions that help to preserve and protect these important resources.