A study is described of public awareness and concern about stream pollution, and more particularly, about a series of public hearings on stream classification held by the North Carolina Board of Water and Air Resources. Telephone surveys of a random sample of households in the areas affected found: A generalized awareness of stream pollution; a concern about its importance; a tendency to see stream pollution as a major topic of state concern; a limited knowledge about state agencies; and little knowledge of the public hearings despite the efforts of the agency. Few respondents attended the public hearings. Analysis of attendance at the hearings tended to show a relatively low level of public participation. Representatives of organized activities whose activities were immediately affected were present.