DOCUMENT LIBRARY SEARCH OPTIONS: Dates From: To: Categories: All Announcements Bid Advertisements Bid Info Bid opportunities Bid Tabulations Board Agendas Board Minutes Budgets CIP Conservation Construction Customer Service Development Eng Stds Financial Reports Indoor conservation lakes Long Range Planning Maintenance Meeting Summaries News Releases Newsletter Outdoor conservation OWASA Policies Planning Rate Info Reclaimed water Reports – Other Restrictions sewer system Spanish Surplus Property Wastewater System Water Quality water restrictions Water Supply Plan Water System WWBS WWBS-COLLECTION WWBS-RECYCLING WWBS-TREATMENT Keywords:   SEARCH RESULTS: Agenda 09-09-2010: AGENDA Meeting of the Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors for Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. in OWASA's Community Room More details...   09-09-2010 agenda item 3: Recommendation to Declare OWASA’s Ray Heirs Property as Surplus and to Initiate Actions to Sell the Property (Mason Crum) More details...   University Lake and the Cane Creek Reservoir will be open for recreation on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 6th).: University Lake will also be open as usual Friday through Sunday from 6:30 AM to 6 PM and the Cane Creek Reservoir will be open on Saturday for the same hours. More details...   Fire Hydrant Painting Specifications: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   OWASA is testing some sewers with non-toxic smoke through Friday (Aug. 31-Sept. 3).: The testing will indicate the location of leaks in OWASA sewers and private sewer service lines, where storm drains are connected (improperly) to OWASA’s sewer system, and unauthorized sewer connections. Residents may see smoke come out of plumbing system vent pipes that normally extend through the roof of a house or other building. This is expected and does not indicate a problem in the plumbing system. More details...   Capital Improvements Program for 2011-2025.: Renewing, replacing and improving infrastructure such as water and sewer mains and treatment facilities is a high priority in providing sustainable, reliable and high quality water, sewer and reclaimed water services. More details...   CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM FOR 2011-25: This document summarizes OWASA's long-range Capital Improvements Program for Fiscal Years (FY) 2011-2025 and associated five-year Capital Improvements Budget for FY 2011-2015. The renewal, replacement and improvement of infrastructure such as water and sewer mains and treatment facilities is a high priority in providing sustainable, reliable and high quality water, sewer and reclaimed water services. More details...   August 26 2010: More details...   Agenda 08-26-2010: AGENDA Meeting of the Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors on Thursday, August 26, 2010, 7:00 P.M. at Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   Summary of year-round conservation standards: which are now in effect for use of OWASA drinking water. More details...   Annual report on the treatment and recycling of biosolids and wastewater : from July, 2009 through June, 2010. Information on the treatment, quality, recycling, etc. of our biosolids (solids separated from wastewater); proper disposal of medication; our need to clear easements to help prevent sewage overflows; proper disposal of fat, oil and grease; and odor control improvements at our Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant. More details...   About our rate increase:: Information about the 9.25% increase in monthly water and sewer charges that will take effect in October, 2010 including the need for the increase and our actions to reduce costs. More details...   Understanding our bill for individually-metered residences: Information on our fixed monthly service charges, "increasing block" water conservation rates and sewer charges including a sewer billing "cap" of 15,000 gallons per month for individually metered residences. More details...   CIP 275-65 Churchill Dr Water Main: Installation of 2,237 LF of 8” DIP water mains and related connections, appurtenances, meters and hydrants, and associated work, within Churchill Drive (Chapel Hill). Bids will be received by Vishnu Gangadharan, PE, PMP, in the OWASA Administrative Offices, 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro, NC until 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 9, 2010. More details...   CIP 275-65 Churchill Drive Water Main: Installation of 2,237 LF of 8” DIP water mains and related connections, appurtenances, meters and hydrants, and associated work, within Churchill Drive (Chapel Hill). Bids will be received by Vishnu Gangadharan, PE, PMP, in the OWASA Administrative Offices, 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro, NC until 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 9, 2010. More details...   Understanding our monthly bills for businesses: and other customers who pay seasonal water conservation rates, which vary by time of year. These customers include institutions, agencies and multi-family neighborhoods served through master meters, etc. More details...   Trenching, Backfilling, & Compaction of Utilities: Div 02275-Trenching, Backfilling and Compaction of Utilities More details...   Update for major CIP projects: Status of Major projects (Sept 2010) - **270-11 University Lake Pump Station Improvements **275-20 Water Main Replacement/Rehabilitation Ridgefield/Briarcliff **276-42 Gravity Sewer Aerial Stream Crossing Replacement (Bolin Creek near the intersection of Willow and Estes Drive) **276-42 Gravity Sewer Aerial Stream Crossing Rehabilitation (Morgan Creek near the James Taylor Bridge) More details...   Who maintains which water pipes? : Information on which water pipes are owned and maintained by OWASA and where a customer's maintenance begins (at the connection on the customer side of an OWASA water meter). More details...   Annual report on the treatment and recycling of wastewater and biosolids : from July, 2009 through June, 2010. Information on the treatment, quality, recycling, etc. of our biosolids (solids separated from wastewater); proper disposal of medication; our need to clear easements to help prevent sewage overflows; proper disposal of fat, oil and grease; and odor control improvements at our Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant. More details...   Water-saving faucets and aerators. : Faucet use is a significant factor (18%) in residential water demand, and a good opportunity for conservation by many customers. More details...   Maintenance of private sewer service pipes: Information on customers' responsibilities for cleaning, maintaining and repairing the privately-owned sewer service pipe ("sewer lateral") from a house or other building to an OWASA sewer and conditions under which OWASA may do certain repairs in the part of a lateral in a public street right-of-way. More details...   Standards and Specifications: More details...   Water Distribution: Div 02510 – Water Distribution More details...   Annual report on the treatment and recycling of wastewater and biosolids (July, 2009 - June, 2010): Information on the performance of our Mason Farm Wastewater Tretament Plant; the treatment, quality and recycling of biosolids (solids separated from wastewater); proper disposal of medication; our need to clear easements to help prevent sewage overflows; proper disposal of fat, oil and grease; and odor control improvements at our Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant. More details...   Shut-off valves can save water, time and dollars : We encourage customers to install water shut-off valves in their plumbing systems if a shut-off valve is not already in place. A shut-off valve can save water, time, dollars and considerable inconvenience that would result from a major water leak and related property damage. The location of a shut-off valve should also be marked. More details...   Tag to mark the location of a shut-off valve: An electronic tag which you can download, print and use to mark the location of the water shut-off valve in your plumbing system. (Please see the related information on our Maintenance Responsibilities page regarding the benefits of having a shut-off valve.) If you have difficulty downloading this pdf file, please contact us at 919-537-4267 or webmaster@owasa.org. More details...   Water pressure and your plumbing system: An electronic brochure about what determines the water pressure levels in our public water pipes and in private plumbing systems. Includes information on Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs), which are installed in private plumbing systems to limit water pressure. Lowering the pressure in your plumbing system is a way to save water. More details...   For new customers:: a summary of our services and policies; how to start service; etc. More details...   How much can you save with low-flow showerheads?: Estimates of annual savings in gallons and in water/sewer bills if a family of 2, 3 or 4 replaces an old showerhead using 3 gallons per minute with a new one that uses half as much. More details...   What is thermal expansion?: When heated, water expands somewhat. If a plumbing system does not have a device to handle the expansion of water when it is heated, the water pressure in the plumbing system would increase due to normal operation of a water heater. Increased pressure can cause leaks and excessive operation of the pressure relief valve on a water heater. More details...   High efficiency clothes washers.: Information on the potential savings from choosing a high efficiency clothes washer including a link to the US Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star webpage with water and energy efficiency ratings for washers. More details...   What is a P-TRAP and why it is important? : A p-trap prevents gas in plumbing drains and sewer mains from rising into a building. If a p-trap is empty due to lack of use of a drain or toilet and normal evaporation, pour water in the drain or flush the toilet to refill the p-trap. More details...   The “clean-out” pipe and cap for a private sewer service line.: Private sewer service pipes or “laterals” which carry sewage to OWASA’s public sanitary sewer should have a vertical clean-out pipe with a removable access cap. The clean-out pipe makes it easier to do maintenance such as removing blockages in the lateral. More details...   Conservation tips if you rent an apartment.: Checking for leaks, reducing the volume of water used to flush a toilet, etc. More details...   Our commitments to excellence in customer service.: More details...   2009 annual report on the odor elimination program at our Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant: including odor control improvements completed in 2009 and recent years, plus planned future improvements More details...   How does OWASA use your dollars?: About 45% of our monthly bill is for the costs of renewing, replacing and improving our facilities or "infrastructure" to provide reliable, quality services. More details...   Conservation options for businesses: including replacement of inefficient fixtures and equipment. We can also provide technical assistance in evaluating the potential savings in water and dollars from conservation investments. More details...   The US Envionmental Protection Agency's WaterSense website : has information on water-saving toilets, urinals, showerheads, and bathroom faucets; water-efficient landscaping; etc. More details...   Annual Water Quality Report Card:: results from laboratory testing of our drinking water in the 2009 calendar year; information on our water sources, water treatment, etc. More details...   Recycling wastewater biosolids: A one-page summary of our biosolids recycling program: what biosolids are, amount of biosolids we recycle annually, our biosolids treatment processes, the quality of our biosolids, where we recycle biosolids, etc. OWASA recognizes that some uncertainty still exists about the effects of certain biosolids constituents. We support further study to determine these impacts. However, OWASA also firmly believes that recycling biosolids through a properly managed program in strict compliance with State and Federal permit requirements is a safe, cost effective, and environmentally responsible way of managing this inevitable by-product of the community. More details...   Reclaimed water-- questions and answers: In the spring of 2009, a reclaimed water system funded by the University and with State and Federal grants began providing highly treated wastewater for certain non-drinking purposes on the University's main campus. The use of reclaimed water reduces the need to use water from our reservoirs and therefore reduces our risks during droughts. More details...   Finance Committee Meeting 07-22-2010: The OWASA Board's Finance Committee will meet on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. in the OWASA Boardroom to review and discuss the following information: 1. Meet with the Authority’s audit firm; and 2. Staff’s Recommendation to issue a bond refunding. More details...   Results from carbon testing: (related to treatment chemical bids) More details...   Tabulation of bids for chemicals used at treatment plants: More details...   Clear access and visibility for fire hydrants: Please leave at least three feet of clear access around fire hydrants and other water connections for firefighting. Also, please do not do plantings or place objects where they will block the visibility of or access to fire hydrants. More details...   Please help us by leaving clear access to meters: To help our meter readers work efficiently and safely as they read about 20,000 water meters per month, please leave at least three feet of safe, clear access around the water meter serving your property. Please trim shrubs and trees as needed, choose new planting locations that will leave clear access to our meters as the plants grow, etc. More details...   OWASA Board approves annual budget, 15-year capital program and 9.25% rate increase effective in October.: On June 10th, the OWASA Board made budget and rate decisions for the fiscal year from July, 2010 through June, 2011. The decisions follow public hearings held on May 27th. The rate increase in October will add $6.95 to the bill for a typical residential customer receiving 5,000 gallons of water/sewer service per month. More details...   Agenda 06-10-2010: Agenda for a regular meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors on Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. in the OWASA Community Room More details...   Adopted OWASA budget for July, 2010 through June, 2011: (fiscal year 2011) More details...   June 10 2010: More details...   Summary of current rates and those that will go into effect in October, 2010. : Our Rates/Budget page includes a calculator you can use to compare monthly bills with proposed and current rates for individually-metered residences. More details...   Rates and fees--detailed schedule: includes current rates and fees and those that will go into effect in October, 2010. More details...   Informe sobre la Calidad del Agua Potable en el 2009: En el año 2009, OWASA llevo sobre 2.7 billones de galones de agua potable a la comunidad de Carrboro y Chapel Hill en concordancia con los patrones de calidad estatales y federales. Nuestro personal de laboratorio analizo el agua potable sobre 46,000 veces en busca de más de 150 contaminantes diferentes, pero tan solo detectaron 13 de estos contaminantes. Según muestra este informe, las sustancias detectadas estaban muy por debajo de los límites permitidos por el decreto federal de Agua Potable Segura (SDWA por sus siglas en inglés). Estos análisis son efectuados regularmente e indican que nuestra agua potable es sana y segura para el consumo. More details...   Amy Witsil joins the OWASA Board.: Ms. Witsil is a Technology Project Manager in the Center for Technology Applications at the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International. More details...   Using our website:: Our website is best viewed with Internet Explorer 7. We encourage you to use the Document search feature of our website to find information, and we welcome your feedback at any time about the content and format of our website. More details...   Agenda 05-27-2010: Agenda for the Public Hearings and Meeting of the Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors on Thursday, May 27, 2010, 7:00 P.M. at Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   May 27 2010: More details...   Safe disposal of unused medication: PLEASE DO NOT FLUSH UNUSED MEDICATION DOWN THE TOILET unless the label or accompanying information specifically indicates it is safe to do so. This electronic brochure includes the US Environmental Protection Agency's and Food and Drug Administration's guidelines for medication disposal. More details...   Agenda 05-13-2010: AGENDA MEETING OF THE OWASA BOARD OF DIRECTORS THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2010, 7:00 P.M. OWASA COMMUNITY ROOM More details...   05-13-2010: 05-13-2010 More details...   May 13 2010: More details...   2010 lake recreation season: March 27 to November 14: Information on the location of University Lake and the Cane Creek Reservoir; recreation days, hours and fees; safety; NC fishing license requirements; etc. More details...   4 22 2010: More details...   04-22-2010: 04-22-2010 More details...   Third quarterly report, FY 2010.: Operating costs are about $1.4 million below budget primarily due to reduced chemical prices and careful spending, and debt payment costs are about $500,000 less than budget due to low interest rates on variable rate bonds issued by OWASA. More details...   Agenda 04-22-2010 : Agenda for the Meeting of the Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors on Thursday, April 22, 2010, 7:00 P.M. at Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   Account adjustments when non-irrigation leaks are repaired: (subject to certain limits and conditions). More details...   04-08-2010: 04-08-2010 More details...   April 8 2010: More details...   Comparison of residential water and sewer bills: for utilities in the Triangle region as of January, 2010. Based on in-city rates for 5,000 gallons of residential water use per month. (Normal water use is about 5,000 gallons per month at individually-metered residences served by OWASA.) More details...   Water Supply Plan adopted: The OWASA Board of Directors adopted the update of our Long-Range Water Supply Plan as submitted for consideration in the Board meeting on April 8, 2010. To read the April 8th agenda materials, please use the following link. More details...   How much can you SAVE by buying a new toilet?: Information including an example of potential water and dollar savings at a residence from replacing an inefficient toilet (installed before 1994) with a high efficiency toilet that uses only 1.3 gallons per flush. (Pre-1994 toilets may use 3.5, 5 or more gallons per flush.) Actual savings will depend, of course, on the number of people in a residence, how much water the old toilets use, etc. If you have questions or comments, please contact us at webmaster@owasa.org. More details...   Agenda 04-08-2010: AGENDA for the Meeting of the Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. in OWASA's Community Room More details...   Long-Range Water Supply Plan Update: The purpose of the Long-Range Water Supply Plan is to determine the optimum mix of strategies that will ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable water supply to meet the needs of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill through 2060. Thanks largely to the 25 percent reduction in water use achieved by all OWASA customers since 2002, our locally protected Cane Creek, University Lake, and Quarry Reservoir supplies can meet our expected needs for the next 50 years under most circumstances; but, it is essential that the recent gains in water efficiency be sustained in the future for this Plan to be fully realized. Expanding the Quarry Reservoir continues to offer the most effective supply supplement for the least investment and will provide full local control of a substantial amount of high quality water. However, we will still need the additional “insurance policy” of Jordan Lake in the event of severe drought, critical facility failure, or other unforeseen/emergency situation. It is essential that we retain our water supply allocation and acquire cost-effective access to it. Investing OWASA funds to expand the reclaimed water system or to establish financial incentive programs, such as plumbing fixture rebates, to promote additional water conservation is not recommended at this time, because these options are less cost-effective than others evaluated. More details...   March 25 2010: More details...   03-25-2010: 03-25-2010 More details...   Lake recreation.: University Lake is open 6:30 AM to 6 PM on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Cane Creek Reservoir is open Saturdays, 6:30 AM to 6 PM. More details...   Agenda 03-25-2010: Agenda for the Meeting of the Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors on Thursday, March 25, 2010, 7:00 P.M. - Chapel Hill Town Council More details...   Down the drain? Out with the trash?: Information on what should and should not be disposed of in our sanitary sewer system, the kinds of materials suitable for landfill disposal, and Orange County's household hazardous waste program. More details...   Proper disposal of unused medication: PLEASE DO NOT FLUSH UNUSED MEDICATION DOWN THE TOILET unless the label or accompanying information specifically indicates it is safe to do so. This electronic brochure includes the US Environmental Protection Agency's and Food and Drug Administration's guidelines for medication disposal. More details...   What are sewer easements and why does OWASA mow and clear them?: Each year, we mow and otherwise clear our sanitary sewer easements in off-street areas. A sewer easement is a designated area, often on private property, where we have the right to maintain clear access; do maintenance, repairs and improvements; etc. The primary purpose of our easement clearing work is to prevent roots from trees and shrubs from growing into and blocking our sewers. When a sewer is blocked, a wastewater overflow from a manhole may result. We also clear our easements to maintain safe, timely access for maintenance and repairs, responding to an overflow if one occurs, etc. More details...   Summary of drinking water test results in 2009: In 2009, we tested for about 150 substances in our drinking water and found 13 at detectable levels. None exceeded the limits under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. More details...   Testing water for over 150 substances in 2009: In 2009, our Laboratory staff tested our drinking water almost 46,000 times for more than 150 substances, of which 13 were present at detectable levels. (None exceeded the limits under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.) To read the list of all substances we tested for and the results for each, please click the following "More details" link. More details...   Agenda Item 8_02-25-2010: Board Discussion of a Paperless Agenda and other Board Documents (Randy Kabrick) More details...   Agenda Item 7_02-25-2010: Verbal Update on the Forestry Community meeting held on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 (Patrick Davis) More details...   Appendix 1--Water Supply Plan: Engineering Basis: Summarizes the technical bases for the analyses and cost estimates of the water supply and demand management alternatives evaluated for OWASA's Long-Range Water Supply Plan. More details...   Agenda Item 6_02-25-2010: Report by the Finance Committee regarding the Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Process (Gordon Merklein) More details...   Agenda Item 5_02-25-2010: Discussion of Request by NC Wildlife Resources Commission to Modify Hunting Schedule on OWASA Mitigation Property (John Greene) More details...   Agenda Item 1_02-25-2010: 2009 Annual Recreation Report for University Lake and Cane Creek Reservoir (John Greene) More details...   Agenda Item 1_02-25-2010: 2009 Annual Recreation Report for University Lake and Cane Creek Reservoir (John Greene) More details...   Agenda 02-25-2010: AGENDA Meeting of the Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors on Thursday, February 25, 2010, 7:00 P.M. at Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   02-25-2010: 02-25-2010 More details...   Feb 25 2010: More details...   Agenda Item 4_02-25-2010: Approval of the Minutes of the January 28, 2010 Board of Directors’ Meeting (Andrea Orbich) More details...   Agenda 3_02-25-2010: Approval of the Minutes of the January 14, 2010 Board of Directors’ Meeting (Andrea Orbich) More details...   Agenda Item 2_02-25-2010: Semiannual Performance Measurement Report through Fiscal Years 2006-2010 (Ed Kerwin) More details...   Appendix 2--Water Supply Plan: Demand Projections: Updated water demand projections through 2060. More details...   Appendix 3-A Water Supply Plan: Yield Metrics: Methods and fundamentals of water supply yield calculations, including uncertainties applicable to OWASA’s existing water supply system and potential future alternatives; capabilities of OWASA’s reservoir optimization computer model and the model's use for long-term planning and decision-making during drought conditions; recommended metrics for determining water supply yield reliability levels. More details...   Appendix 3-B Water Supply Plan: Risk of Drawdown: Summarizes "critical drawdown" modeling results; i.e., the risk that water levels in OWASA’s existing reservoir system will decline to 20 percent less of total storage at average demands ranging from 8 to 12 mgd. More details...   Appendix 4--Water Supply Plan: Water Quality: Summary information about water quality in OWASA’s drinking water reservoirs. More details...   Appendix 5-A Water Supply Plan: Option 1: Expand the Stone Quarry Reservoir. Evaluates the costs and benefits of various Quarry Reservoir expansion alternatives. More details...   Appendix 5-B Water Supply Plan: Raw Water Transmission: Evaluates the adequacy of raw water transmission capacity from the Cane Creek Reservoir and Quarry Reservoir. More details...   Senior Management Listing: SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM as of 11/2009 More details...   Appendix 6--Water Supply Plan: Option 2: Develop Jordan Lake Supply Independently. Evaluates the independent (OWASA-only) development of water supply facilities for access to OWASA's 5 mgd water supply storage allocation. More details...   Appendix 7--Water Supply Plan: Option 3: Joint development of Jordan Lake Water Supply. Evaluates the development of water supply facilities at Jordan Lake by OWASA in conjunction with other potential partners. More details...   Appendix 8--Water Supply Plan: Option 4: Permanent Intake on the Haw River. Evaluates the construction of permanent intake facilities on the Haw River at an Orange County site in the vicinity of Old Greensboro Road (S.R. 1005). More details...   Appendix 9--Water Supply Plan: Option 5A: Expansion of OWASA’s Existing Reclaimed Water System. More details...   Appendix 10--Water Supply Plan: Option 5B: Additional Water Conservation Investments. Evaluates the potential water savings and costs of implementing a toilet replacement program. More details...   Appendix 11--Water Supply Plan: Option 5C: Temporary Water Shortage Restrictions. Discusses the strategy and revenue implications of temporary mandatory water use restrictions during severe droughts. More details...   To sign up for our electronic news list: Please send an e-mail to webmaster@owasa.org or call Public Affairs at 919-537-4267 and let us know the topic(s) you are interested in. More details...   Appendix 12--Water Supply Plan: Option 6: Purchase Finished Water From Other Providers. Examines the feasibility and potential costs of purchasing treated drinking water from nearby utilities. More details...   Appendix 13--Water Supply Plan: Option 7: Expand Cane Creek Reservoir. High-level evaluation of the potential expansion of the Cane Creek Reservoir. More details...   Sustainable forestry management plan: On March 25th, the OWASA Board approved the sustainable forestry plan for our 490-acre property west of Buckhorn Road north of the Cane Creek Reservoir. This property is known as the "Cane Creek Mitigation Tract." More details...   Appendix 14--Water Supply Plan: Option 8: Expand University Lake. High-level evaluation of the potential expansion of University Lake. More details...   Appendix 15--Water Supply Plan: Option 9: Dredge Sediment from University Lake. High-level evaluation of the potential costs and benefits of increasing University Lake's usable storage volume by removing sediment. More details...   Appendix 15--Water Supply Plan: More details...   Appendix 16--Water Supply Plan: Option 10: New Dam and Reservoir on Sevenmile Creek. High-level evaluation of the potential costs and benefits of constructing a new dam and reservoir on Sevenmile Creek. More details...   Reclaimed water rates, policies for non-UNC users: After a public hearing on January 28th, the OWASA Board approved cost-of-service rates and related policies for reclaimed water service to non-University customers. (Under an existing contract between the University and OWASA, the University also pays cost-of-service rates.) More details...   Detailed schedule of rates and fees in effect since October, 2009: for drinking water, sewer and reclaimed water services. Includes monthly service and volume charges, service availability (system capacity) fees, meter installation and sewer tapping charges, lake recreation fees, etc. (Please note that rate increases will go into effect in October, 2010). More details...   Increasing block water rates for residences: Questions and answers about our INCREASING BLOCK water rates, which apply to individually-metered residences receiving normal OWASA water service. (SEASONAL water conservation rates apply to master-metered multi-family neighborhoods and to non-residential customers.) More details...   Second quarter financial report, FY 2010: Due to careful control of spending and higher than expected revenue, net revenue less debt service in the first six months of the fiscal year was about $1.5 million more than expected. Net revenue less debt service is used to fund capital projects and financial reserves. We continue to carefully monitor financial indicators and performance measurements. More details...   Notice of drinking water monitoring violation: On September 3, 2009 OWASA received a Notice of Violation from the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources because OWASA tested 79 instead of the required 80 water samples for coliform bacteria in April, 2009. OWASA staff made a mistake in counting the number of water samples taken at locations approved by the State. However, OWASA tested for coliform bacteria at 103 locations overall in April, because OWASA tests water in response to customers’ requests, when new water mains are installed, etc. Coliform bacteria were not found in any of the 103 samples which OWASA tested in April. However, none of the additional 24 samples in April were taken from the locations approved by the State. Therefore, the State does not consider them as meeting the requirement to do 80 tests for regulatory purposes. More details...   Protecting water pipes from freezing: * Let one or more cold water faucets drip slowly to keep water moving and reduce the potential for freezing. A slow drip from a faucet is better than major water loss and property damage from frozen (burst) pipes. * If you have water pipes in an unheated area such as a crawlspace, insulating the pipes is prudent. Also includes information on draining water pipes if a house or other building will be left unheated. More details...   1 28 2010: More details...   Agenda 01-28-2010: AGENDA for a Public Hearing and Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. at Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   Questions and Answers about OWASA drinking water: Information from OWASA's Laboratory staff regarding various questions you may have about our drinking water. More details...   Why does OWASA release water from fire hydrants?: We release water from our fire hydrants and some water valves at various times and locations. The purposes of this work, which we call "flushing," may include improving the quality of our water where water use is low, and clearing up our water when it is discolored or has air bubbles due to repairs, etc. More details...   01-14-2010: 01-14-2010 More details...   January 14 2010: More details...   Agenda 01-14-2010: AGENDA for the Meeting of the Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors Thursday, January 14, 2010, 7:00 P.M. in OWASA's Community Room More details...   Rain at our treatment plant in Carrboro since 1999: including actual and average rainfall by year since 1999 and for recent months. More details...   Directory of OWASA Board Members, Management Team : More details...   Estándares de conservación de agua potable: incluye los requerimientos que serán efectivos todo el año a menos que sean reemplazados por limitaciones adicionales durante un período de escasés. More details...   Nuestra agua tiene sabor y olor a cloro en marzo: Normalmente, usamos cloramina (un compuesto de cloro y amoniaco) para desinfectar el agua potable. Pero en el mes de marzo, usamos cloro en lugar de cloraminas para desinfectar el agua. El propósito de este cambio es ayudar a asegurar un alto nivel de desinfección en la red de agua potable. Probablemente el agua tendrá sabor y olor a cloro en marzo. More details...   2008 Water Quality Report Card: Results from testing of our drinking water in 2008, with additional information on our water sources, drinking water treatment, testing our water for lead, the need to neutralize the disinfectant in our drinking water before using it in an aquarium or pond for fish, etc. (Our Water Quality Report Card for 2009 will be published in the spring of 2010.) More details...   2008 Water Quality Report Card--concise version: (A more detailed version of our 2008 Water Quality Report Card is also provided.) More details...   Strategic issues for the 2011 fiscal year: A draft report from staff to the OWASA Board of Directors regarding strategic issues in developing the proposed budget for the year from July, 2010 through June, 2011 including rates and fees that would go into effect in October, 2010. More details...   Potential sources of help with OWASA bill payments: Information on programs that may provide temporary help in paying an OWASA bill, including * an installment payment agreement with OWASA, with good credit history; * the County Department of Social Services; * the Inter-Faith Council for Social Services, which administers our Taste of Hope Customer Assistance Program for low to moderate income families; * the Joint Orange-Chatham Community Action Agency (JOCCA); and * the Salvation Army (office in Durham). More details...   Dec. 10 2009: More details...   Agenda 12-10-2009: Agenda of the Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors for Thursday, December 10, 2009, 7:00 P.M., in OWASA's Community Room More details...   Standard Manhole Venting Detail: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Typical Fire Hydrant Streets w/ Curb & Gutter: Typical Restrained JT. Fire Hydrant Streets with Curb and Gutter Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Standard Sewer Invert Plans for Manhole: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Standard Outside Drop Manhole Detail: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Manhole Ring and Cover Grade Adjustment: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   What is the pink growth found in toilets, etc.?: The reddish-pink color often found in bathrooms on shower stalls, tubs, tile, toilets, sinks and toothbrush holders may be due to the growth of an airborne bacterium called Serratia. These naturally-occurring bacteria are commonly found in or on the soil, untreated water, plants, insects, and vertebrates including people. More details...   Standards and Specifications: The latest approved version of OWASA’s Standard Specifications was prepared in September 1990. OWASA’s Standard Specifications explain the water and sewer extension and construction process and establish minimum acceptable guidelines or standards for the design and construction of water and sewer lines and appurtenances. Although the document still serves as a good reference manual and guide to contractors, there have been changes in materials, methods and procedures that need to be incorporated into a revised document. Since 1990, new and revised standard details had also been developed by OWASA staff, and need to be incorporated as revised Standard Specifications. More details...   Our meters show water use, indicate leaks: How to read a typical OWASA water meter at a home, office or business. Our meter also has a "leak indicator" you can check to see if there is a leak somewhere in your plumbing system or fixtures. More details...   First quarterly financial report, FY 2009-10: Primarily due to cost reductions, net revenue in the first quarter was about $786,000 more than expected.(Net revenue is used to fund capital projects and financial reserves.) More details...   The practical economics of water conservation: Information on the potential water and dollar savings (and investment returns) from replacing old toilets and showerheads, which may use 2 to 3 times as much water as new models. More details...   11/12/09: More details...   515.03 Detector Meter Installation : Detector Meter Installation ( Fire Line)detail number 515.03 More details...   Annual financial report for fiscal year 2008-09: This audited financial report covers our financial operations and position for the budget or "fiscal" year from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. More details...   Los mejores métodos para conservar el agua: dentro de la casa, apartamiento, etc. More details...   Agenda 11-12-2009: AGENDA Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. in the OWASA Community Room 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro,NC. More details...   Causes of taste or odor in our drinking water: The cooling of water at the surface of our lakes in the fall, the growth of algae in our lakes and the change to disinfection only with chlorine in March can give our drinking water taste or odor. More details...   Directory of Board Members and Management Team: A list of the members of the OWASA Board of Directors and the OWASA Management Team. Includes e-mail addresses and OWASA office phone numbers. More details...   An emergency water shut-off valve: can save water and help prevent property damage if there is a leak in your home or business and you need to shut off water quickly. A shut-off valve is also needed when repairs or other work require turning off the water. Please use the following "More details" link for more information including a tag that you can download, print and use to mark the location of your shut-off valve in your plumbing system. If you do not have one, we encourage you to consider having a shut-off valve installed by a licensed plumber or other qualified person. More details...   Nuestra agua es segura para beber: y cuesta sobre un centavo por galon! More details...   October 22, 2009: More details...   10-22-2009: Board Minutes More details...   Agenda 10-22-2009: AGENDA - Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors on Thursday, October 22, 2009, 7:00 P.M. at Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   Customer Service Commitments 10 22 09: Customer Service Commitments 10 2209 More details...   9 24 09: More details...   09-24-2009: Board Minutes More details...   Down the drain? Out with the trash?: Information on the kinds of items that should and should not be disposed of in our sanitary sewer system ("down the drain") and at the Orange County Landfill ("out with the trash"). More details...   Resolution- completing Phase III odor control work: On September 10, 2009, the OWASA Board adopted a resolution committing to completing the Phase III Odor Control project at the Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) by 2014. The Board’s action follows discussion on June 8th with the Chapel Hill Town Council regarding the Phase III project, which will cover and treat the air from 8 of the 16 biological treatment tanks (“aeration basins”) at the WWTP. More details...   9 10 09: More details...   Agenda 09-10-2009: AGENDA Meeting of the Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors on Thursday, September 10, 2009, 7:00 P.M. in OWASA's Community Room More details...   Fourth quarterly financial report, FY 2008-09: The data in this report were preliminary pending completion of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report under review by our auditor. More details...   09-10-2009: Board Minutes More details...   2008-09 report - wastewater system performance: Annual report on the performance of our wastewater collection, treatment and recycling system from July, 2008 through June 2009. Includes information on recycling highly treated wastewater solids ("biosolids") on farmland and in composted soil conditioner used in landscaping. More details...   Zipped files for manhole data base: Files for manholes data base More details...   Zipped files for water feature data base: Files for water feature data base More details...   Backflow/cross connection control manual: More details...   Backflow prevention ordinance: (also referred to as the Cross Connection ordinance) More details...   Backflow test report -- form: More details...   Sewer Use Ordinance: Standards for use of our public sanitary sewer system, including certain prohibitions and limits on what can be disposed in our sewers. More details...   Grease and oil control standards: excerpt from our overall standards More details...   Wastewater and Biosolids Recycling in 2008-09: Annual report on the performance of our wastewater collection, treatment and recycling system from July, 2008 through June 2009. Includes information on recycling highly treated wastewater solids ("biosolids") on farmland and in composted soil conditioner used in landscaping. More details...   Questions and answers about biosolids: * What are biosolids? * How does OWASA treat biosolids to make them suitable for recycling? * What is sludge? * What substances are in biosolids? * How does OWASA recycle biosolids? * What are the regulatory standards for biosolids? * What is the quality of OWASA's biosolids? * How do biosolids benefit farmers? * Are our biosolids safe? Etc. More details...   July 23, 2009: July 23 More details...   07-23-2009: 07-23-2009 Board Minutes More details...   Agenda 07-23-2009: AGENDA for the Meeting of the Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors Thursday, July 23, 2009, 7:00 P.M. at Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   Summary of water conservation standards: A one-page chart summarizing the current year-round water conservation standards, and additional requirements that would apply in water shortages. More details...   Summary of water conservation standards: A one-page summary of conservation standards now in effect and those that apply in water shortages. More details...   Year-round conservation standards: A somewhat more detailed summary of the current year-round conservation standards, followed by the specific wording of year-round standards. More details...   Summary of water conservation standards: A one-page chart summarizing our "year-round" water conservation standards, which apply in normal conditions; and additional requirements that apply in water shortages. More details...   Hunting program changes for land near Buckhorn Rd.: On February 25th, the OWASA Board approved a proposal by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) staff to change the hunting program on OWASA’s “Mitigation Land” near Buckhorn Road. The Board also agreed to receive public comments on the revised hunting program after one year. More details...   Our reclaimed water contract with the University: The contract between OWASA and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill regarding system ownership, operation, funding of construction, monthly rates set by OWASA, etc. for our reclaimed water system. Signed on April 10, 2006. More details...   Certification of Compliance: Orange Water And Sewer Authority Certification of Compliance More details...   2008 report - Odor elimination at Mason Farm plant: Our 2008 annual report to the Town of Chapel Hill regarding the odor elimination program at our Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant, including a summary of odor elimination improvements in recent years, actions taken in 2008 and the draft definition of odor elimination. More details...   New water conservation standards--specific wording: The detailed water conservation standards now in effect for use of OWASA drinking water. The OWASA Board adopted these standards on March 26th, 2009 and they are included in parallel ordinances adopted by the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill and Orange County in June, 2009. More details...   Grease Interceptor Sizing Spreadsheet: Grease Interceptor Sizing Spreadsheet More details...   Engineer's Certification Of Public Water System: Standard Forms – Engineer’s Certification of Public Water System More details...   Dedictation Form: Orange Water and Sewer Authority Dedication Form More details...   Agenda 06-11-2009: AGENDA for the Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors on Thursday, June 11, 2009, at 7:00 PM in the OWASA Community Room More details...   06-11-2009: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   Detailed budget for July, 2009 through June, 2010: Our budget for services, debt payments and capital improvements from July, 2009 through June, 2010. More details...   June 11, 2009 Board meeting: summary More details...   Organizational chart: Shows the organizational structure of OWASA. More details...   Lake-related surplus property for sale: Bids for boats and trolling motors are due at 3 PM on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009. More details...   Form for bids for lake-related surplus property : The form for bidding for boats, trolling motors for sale. Bids are due by 3 PM on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009. More details...   Biosolids--websites and other information sources: A list of websites and contact information for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; N.C. Division of Water Quality; Water Environment Federation; King County, Washington; etc. More details...   2007 Report- Odor elimination at Mason Farm plant: Our report to the Town of Chapel Hill on the odor elimination program at our Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant in calendar year 2007. More details...   2009 report - wastewater and biosolids recycling: Annual report on the performance of our wastewater collection, treatment and recycling system from July, 2008 through June 2009. Includes information on recycling highly treated wastewater solids ("biosolids") on farmland and in composted soil conditioner used in landscaping. More details...   05-28-2009: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   5 28: summ More details...   Agenda 05-28-2009: AGENDA - Public Hearings and Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, May 28, 2009, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   Boletin sobre la calidad de agua potable en 2008: En el 2008, los empleados de laboratorio en nuestra planta de tratamiento de agua de Jones Ferry Road prueban nuestra agua potable más de 51,000 veces en buscar más de 150 sustancias o contaminantes cumpliendo con los requisitos federales y estatales. No hubo ninguna violación de los códigos sanitarios tanto federales como estatales. More details...   Zipped files for manhole data: Access files for manhole data More details...   Third quarterly financial report, FY 2008-09: Cost reductions and other factors in the first three quarters (July, 2008- March, 2009) more than offset the shortfall in revenues due to continuing low water demand. More details...   Zipped files for Water Features Data: Procedure and files for entering data on water system features. More details...   Grease causes sewer overflows, blocks drains: Properly disposing of fat, oil and grease (FOG) helps prevent wastewater overflows and blockages in plumbing drains. In our sewer system, FOG accumulates at various popints and hardens to a plaster-like consistency. When FOG, roots, debris, etc. block the flow of wastewater, an overflow from a manhole can result. Residents can dispose of grease in normal amounts with household refuse. Businesses that produce waste FOG should have grease traps that are reguarly cleaned by a business that recycles FOG. More details...   Wastewater overflow on November 11, 2009 : OWASA responded on Wednesday morning, November 11th to an overflow of untreated wastewater from a sewer manhole near Rosewalk Lane in Carrboro. We estimated the overflow volume was 3,600 gallons. Stormwater entering a sanitary sewer during heavy rain caused the overflow. More details...   Board meeting summary: May 14, 2009 More details...   Engineering Project Fact Sheet: form More details...   Meter request form: Downloadable pdf file that can be filled out to make a request for installation of a meter. More details...   Agenda 05-14-2009: Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. in the OWASA Community Room More details...   May 14 : May 14 More details...   05-14-2009: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   Encroachment agreement format: blank form for an encroachment agreement with the NC Department of Transportation. More details...   Process for submitting an encroachment agreement: Information on submitting an encroachment agreement with the NC Department of Transportation to our Engineering and Planning Department. More details...   Certification of compliance: with OWASA requirements and certain other standards regarding backflow prevention, grease interception, etc. More details...   Sewer easement form 1: for an individual or partnership, WITHOUT a mortgage on the land. More details...   Form for dedicating water and sewer facilities: to OWASA for operation and maintenance. More details...   Do you have an emergency water shut-off valve?: A shut-off valve can save time, money and inconvenience as well as water when there is a leak or when maintenance work will be done. Please use the More Details link for more information including a downloadable "tag" you can print and use to mark the location of your water shut-off valve. More details...   Reclaimed water system in operation (May, 2009): A system which provides highly treated wastewater for certain non-drinking purposes is now in operation on the University campus. As the initial user of the system, the University pays all capital, operating and maintenance costs of reclaimed water service except system development costs covered by State and Federal grants. Reclaimed water use is a form of conservation which reduces the need to use water from our lakes for non-drinking purposes such as make-up water in chiller plants, irrigation and non-residential toilet flushing. More details...   Sewer easement form 2: for an individual or partnership WITH a mortgage. More details...   Sewer easement form 3: for a Limited Liability Company, WITH a mortgage. More details...   Water and sewer combined easement: form More details...   Water easement form 1: for an individual or partnership WITHOUT a mortgage More details...   Water easement form 2: for an individual or partnersip WITH a mortage More details...   Water easement form 3: for a corporation, WITHOUT a mortgage on the land More details...   Agenda 04-23-2009: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors on Thursday, April 23, 2009, 7:00 P.M. in the OWASA Community Room More details...   April 23 2009: summary More details...   04-23-2009: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   How is most water used inside a residence?: Information on the primary indoor uses of water at residences. This data indicates what the best conservation opportunities may be for many families. More details...   How to check a toilet for leaks: Toilets are one of the most common places for water leaks in homes and businesses, etc. Please use the following "More details" link for information on some basic ways to check toilets for leaks. More details...   Specially treated water at local businesses : Some people with impaired immune systems may need to use specially treated water on the advice of their health care professionals. Please use the following "More details" link to get information on local businesses which sell water that has been treated with reverse osmosis and ultraviolet light disinfection. More details...   2008 drinking water quality test results: Lists the results from our testing of drinking water for more than 150 substances. Only twelve substances were found, as indicated in the separate website posting of our 2008 Water Quality Report Card, and our water continues to comply with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and related State standards. More details...   Rain barrel and cistern sellers: Organizations/ companies that sell rain barrels and/or cisterns locally and in the region. Includes phone numbers and other contact information. More details...   Separate meter required for new irrigation systems: Under State law, a separate meter is required for new in-ground irrigation systems connected to the OWASA system on lots platted after July 1, 2009. To protect the public water supply from potential contamination, OWASA requires backflow prevention devices for new and existing irrigation systems. More details...   Taste of Hope Customer Assistance Program endorsed: The Carrboro Board of Aldermen, Chapel Hill Town Council and Orange County Commissioners have endorsed our Taste of Hope Customer Assistance Program. Being a donor is simple and painless, and costs less than $12 per year! More details...   Rainwater harvesting and sewer use--OWASA policy: We encourage the use of rainwater harvesting systems for landscape irrigation, toilet flushing and other appropriate uses. If a customer discharges 3,000 gallons per month or more of rainwater into our sanitary sewer system due to toilet flushing, etc., sewer fees will be billed to the customer to cover the cost to treat that wastewater. (However, under our policy, individually-metered single family residences that return rainwater to our sewer system are deemed to be using less than 3,000 gallons.) More details...   Rain barrel and cistern sellers: Phone numbers and other contact information for organizations/ companies that sell rain barrels and/or cisterns locally and in the region. More details...   Seasonal Water Conservation Rates : Questions and answers about our seasonal water conservation rates, which apply to non-residential customers such as businesses, offices and institutions; and to multi-family neighborhoods served through OWASA master meters. More details...   What is the cost of a water leak?: Information on the potential waste of water and dollars due to leaks of various sizes and durations. A small leak can be costly if it is allowed to continue. More details...   North Carolina Dought Monitor: To see the on-line N.C. Drought Monitor published by the U.S. Geological Survey. More details...   Lakes are full for the first time since June 15th: On Wednesday, December 9th, our three reservoirs reached full for the first time since June 15th, 2009 due to higher than normal rainfall since mid-November. The Cane Creek Reservoir, our community’s primary water source, was full when checked at about 7 AM on December 9th. University Lake had reached the full level on November 13th. More details...   Wastewater Collection Treatment and Recycling: Report on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community’s wastewater system from July, 2007 through June, 2008 More details...   An introduction to water-efficient landscaping: Principles of water-efficient landscaping, including soil testing and preparation, site planning, plant selection and maintenance. More details...   summary: 3 26 More details...   03-26-2009: Minutes from the Board of Directors' Meeting More details...   OWASA's Financial Management Policy: On March 26, 2009, the OWASA Board adopted a new Financial Management Policy developed by the Board's Finance Committee and OWASA staff. The policy includes financial performance objectives including the ratio of net income to annual debt payments, desired levels of revenue stability and operating/capital reserves, the extent of cash funding of capital projects, ratio of a typical bill to average household income, etc. More details...   Agenda 03-26-2009: Agenda for the Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors' Meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM at Chapel Hill Town More details...   Community services and contact information: Contact information for various local governments, utilities and other community agencies and organizations. More details...   Second quarterly financial report, FY 2008-09: Information on costs and revenues in the first two quarters (July - December, 2008) of the 2008-09 fiscal year. Includes a comparison to the same period of the previous fiscal year. More details...   3 12: summ More details...   03-12-2009: Minutes from the Board of Directors' Meeting More details...   Agenda 03-12-2009: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors, Thursday, March 12, 2009, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   What are the best ways to conserve water outdoors?: Information on outdoor conservation methods such as choosing alternatives to cold season grasses, practicing smart irrigation, etc. More details...   Websites about waterwise landscaping, etc.: Links to websites of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, NC Cooperative Extension Service, etc. The "Xeriscape North Carolina" electronic booklet is an overview of waterwise landscaping principles such as site planning and preparation, plant selection, irrigation, maintenance and care, etc. More details...   Websites with information on toilet performance: Includes links to the US Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense website and other webpages with information on the efficiency and performance of various toilet models. More details...   Recycling byproducts of drinking water treatment: Our drinking water treatment processes such as filtration and the operation of settling tanks leave a byproduct of recyclable solid particles. A company in Chatham County uses these solids, which we call "residuals," in a composting process to help make soil additives for use in landscaping, etc. More details...   Standard 2" Meter Vault: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Fixing leaks; possible OWASA account adjustments: Information about the need to regularly check your plumbing system and fixtures such as toilets for leaks, and on our policy regarding account adjustments after repair of some kinds of leaks. More details...   What are the best ways to save water indoors?: Information on replacing old, inefficient toilets and showerheads, etc. More details...   2 12 09: summ More details...   Agenda 02-12-2009: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors on Thursday, February 12, 2009, 7:00 P.M. in the OWASA Community Room More details...   02-12-2009: Minutes from the Board of Directors' Meeting More details...   Status of Major Projects: Status of Capital Improvement Projects updated February 2009, includes: CIP Nos. 276-33 and 278-31 – Meeting of the Waters Interceptor and Reclaimed Water Transmission Main CIP Nos. 277-16 and 275-26 – Cleland Drive Pump Station Phase Out and Water Main Replacement CIP No. 278-13 – WWTP Phase 2 Odor Elimination CIP No. 278-30 – Reclaimed Water Pumping and Storage Facilities More details...   Revisions Reclaimed Water: Revisions sheet for reclaimed water 02520 More details...   Cross Connection Control manual: Cross Connection Control manual More details...   Blue Thumb newsletter, November-December 2009: Our commitments to excellence in customer service (adopted by the OWASA Board of Directors on October 22, 2009); and information about why we mow and clear sewer easements. More details...   Reclaimed Water 02520: Reclaimed Water specification 1-30-2009. More details...   01-22-2009: Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes More details...   Discussion of "Liquid Assets" documentary Jan. 29: On Thursday, January 29th at 6 PM, WUNC-TV will sponsor a public screening of highlights from "Liquid Assets: The Story of Our Water Infrastructure" at the Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. A panel discussion including OWASA representatives will follow. "Liquid Assets" documents the nationwide need to replace and renew aging water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure. More details...   Agenda 01-22-2009: AGENDA for the OWASA Board of Directors Meeting on Thursday, January 22, 2009, at 7:00 P.M. at Chapel HIll Town Hall More details...   1 22 09: summ More details...   Capital Improvement Program (CIP) SUMMARY, 2009-23: An introduction to and overview of our capital investment program. To read the entire CIP, please see the Construction section of our website and click on the link for the Capital Improvement Program More details...   Blue Thumb customer newsletter: includes information about what OWASA is, what we do, governance, our mission and values statement, etc. More details...   1 8 09: summ More details...   01-08-2009: Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes More details...   Calidad de Agua Potable en 2007: En el año 2007, OWASA llevo sobre 3 billones de galones de agua potable a las comunidades de Carrboro y Chapel Hill en concordancia con los patrones de calidad estatales y federales. Nuestro personal de laboratorio analizo el agua potable en busca de más de 100 diferentes contaminantes, pero tan solo detectaron 11 de estos contaminantes. Estos análisis son indican que nuestra agua potable es sana y segura para el consumo. More details...   2007 Water Quality Report Card: Our water quality test results from the 2007 calendar year, including our testing for lead in older buildings. Also provides information on our water sources and drinking water treatment processes including disinfection with a compound of chlorine and ammonia ("chloramines"). More details...   2007 water testing results--over 140 substances: Lists more than 140 substances and water characteristics we tested for in 2007. Many of the test results are below the detectable level ("BDL"). More details...   Cane Creek Reservoir is full: Rainfall in the weekend of December 20 and 21, 2008 filled the Cane Creek Reservoir for the first time since May 23, 2007. The Cane Creek Reservoir is the Carrboro-Chapel Hill community's primary water source. The much smaller University Lake has been full since September, 2008. More details...   OWASA offices will close for New Year's Day : Our offices will be closed on January 1st, but OWASA personnel will be on call. Customers are welcome to call 968-4421 to report emergency water or sewer service needs. We wish everyone a joyous and safe holiday season! More details...   Wastewater spill contained at treatment plant: On Sunday, December 14, 2008 we found a contained wastewater overflow inside our Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant on the southeast side of Chapel Hill. The spilled wastewater was returned to the treatment process and did not reach Morgan Creek or other surface waters. More details...   OWASA's water conservation goal and objectives: (as adopted in April, 2005) More details...   First quarterly financial report, FY 2008-09 : Information on costs and revenues from July through September, 2008. Includes a comparison to the same period of the previous fiscal year. More details...   12-11-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   Agenda 12-11-2008: Agenda - Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors, Thursday, December 11,2008 at 6:00 PM, OWASA Community Room More details...   Plantings in OWASA easements: Before planting trees, etc. or installing a fence or gate in an OWASA easement, please contact us at webmaster@owasa.org or 968-4421 about the types of plants that are suitable; our need for clear, safe access through easements; etc. Approval of a plan will be necessary before planting or installation work. More details...   OWASA Board of Directors to honor Ted Blake: for his 36 years of service to the Carrboro-Chapel Hill community. More details...   Testing drinking water for disinfection byproducts: OWASA reported on November 26th that recent testing of its drinking water showed reduced levels of disinfection by-products, and that the utility continues to comply with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and related State standards. More details...   John Greene receives award from NC AWWA/WEF: On November 18, 2008, John W. Greene, P.E., our General Manager of Operations, received the Ebert Award from the NC Chapter of the American Water Works Association/Water Environmental Federation for his contributions in the water/sewer field. More details...   Backflow prevention ord: Our Cross-Connection Control or "Backflow Prevention" ordinance has requirements for protecting the public health by preventing the potential flow of water from private plumbing systems back into the public water system. More details...   What are easements?: and why do we clear them? More details...   Joy Preslar joins OWASA Board of Directors: Ms. Preslar recently took the oath of office as an OWASA Board Member. The Orange County Board of Commissioners appointed her to a three-year term. More details...   Maps showing our office location in Carrboro: Our Administration Building, which includes our Customer Service office and Community Room (where our Board of Directors meets) is at 400 Jones Ferry Rd. in Carrboro. We are on the north side of Jones Ferry between Bim St. and Davie Rd., across from Barnes St. Please use the "Maps showing..." link to see the general vicinity and streets near our offices. More details...   Blue Thumb newsletter: with information on our rate increase on October 1st. More details...   Comparison of residential water and sewer bills: with past and current rates. More details...   How to read our water meter: and check it to see if there is a leak in your plumbing system. More details...   What are seasonal water conservation rates?: Who do they apply to? More details...   Agenda 10-23-2008: Agenda for the OWASA Board of Directors October 23, 2008 Board meeting at Chapel Hill Town Hall. More details...   10-23-2008: Minutes of the OWASA Board of Directors More details...   Mission and Values Statement: Our Mission and Values Statement sets forth our mission as a public water and sewer utility and our values regarding quality drinking water, environmental responsibility, excellence in customer service, employees, efficiency, sustainability, local government compatibility and innovation. More details...   What is OWASA?: OWASA is the community-owned, non-profit agency that provides public water and sewer services to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community. We have cost-of-service rates and our services are funded with fees and charges for our water and sewer services. We do not receive sales taxes, property taxes, etc. More details...   Grease Interceptor Sizing: Excel Spreadsheet for Town Of Cary Grease Interceptor Sizing worksheet More details...   OWASA upgrades website format: OWASA rolled out an enhanced website on Monday, October 13th. “Our website will have a simpler, more attractive look and will be much more user friendly,” said Dan Przybyl, OWASA’s Director of Business Information Services. More details...   Testing water for disinfection by-products: OWASA reported on October 10th that its additional testing of drinking water for disinfection by-products showed improvement. “Our drinking water continues to be safe to drink and in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and related State standards,” said Kenneth Loflin, Water Supply and Treatment Manager. “However, we are continuing to investigate possible causes and solutions to ensure satisfactory levels of disinfection byproducts.” More details...   Calidad de Agua Potable en el 2007: En el 2007, el personal de laboratorio en nuestra planta de tratamiento de agua de Jones Ferry Road realizo mas de 60,000 pruebas de nuestra agua potable analizando mas de 100 sustancias o contaminantes cumpliendo con los requisitos federales y estatales. No hubo ninguna violación de los códigos sanitarios tanto federales como estatales. More details...   Annual financial report for fiscal year 2007-08: This audited financial report covers our financial operations and position for the budget or "fiscal" year from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. More details...   OWASA’s Monthly Rates Will Increase ~17% Oct. 1: On October 1st, a combined increase of about 17% in OWASA’s monthly water and sewer rates will go into effect. With the new rates, the monthly bill for an individually-metered residential customer using 5,000 gallons will increase $10.06, from $58.18 to $68.24. The bills for individual customers will depend on the extent of conservation/water use, type of service, size of the meter serving a customer, etc. More details...   A residential water audit: A water "audit" means checking your water use patterns and your plumbing system and fixtures for opportunities to conserve--and to save dollars and energy. More details...   09-25-2008: Minutes of the OWASA Board of Directors More details...   Agenda 09-25-2008: Agenda Annual Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, September 25, 2008, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   OWASA invites comments in a Community Meeting: Based on customers‟ feedback and experience in the drought of 2007-08, OWASA seeks public comments on potential changes to water conservation requirements for OWASA customers. OWASA staff will facilitate a community meeting on Wednesday, September 24th at 7:00 PM to receive comments and questions from OWASA customers and other interested stakeholders. The meeting will be in the Community Room on the lower floor of the OWASA Administration Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro (near the intersection of Barnes Street and Jones Ferry Road). More details...   Agenda 09-11-2008: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, September 11, 2008, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   OWASA Invites Comments on Proposed Changes : Based on customers‟ feedback and experience in the drought of 2007-08, OWASA has drafted and will seek public comments on potential changes to its water conservation requirements. OWASA staff will host a community meeting on Wednesday, September 24th at 7:00 PM to receive comments and questions from OWASA customers and other interested stakeholders. The meeting will be in the Community Room on the lower floor of the OWASA Administration Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro (near the intersection of Barnes Street and Jones Ferry Road). More details...   09-11-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   Tropical Storm Hanna raises OWASA’s lakes: Tropical Storm Hanna raised OWASA’s lakes from 79% full on Friday, Sept. 5th to 95% full as of Monday morning. This is well above normal for this time of year. More details...   Due to Tropical Storm Hanna, Lakes Closed Sept. 6: Due to Tropical Storm Hanna, University Lake and the Cane Creek Reservoir will be closed Saturday. If conditions permit, University Lake will be open for recreation from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday and Monday. (The Cane Creek Reservoir is normally open only on Saturdays this year.) More details...   Elevated Levels of Disinfection By-products Found : In the week of August 11th, 2008 OWASA collected water samples from 19 locations to test the levels of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which are by-products of disinfecting water with chlorine. OWASA uses a combination of chlorine and ammonia to disinfect drinking water. More details...   Pre-Planning Saves Lives, Be Prepared: Damage reports from Gustav are still being collected. In a 24 hour period, the projected path for the eye of Hurricane Hanna ranged from central North Carolina to the Outer Banks. Ike and Josephine are stacked up in the Atlantic like jets looking for a place to land. More details...   Grease Interceptor Detail: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Testing by OWASA May Affect Pressure: On Thursday, September 4th, OWASA will be testing water transfer pumps on the east side of Chapel Hill to confirm how much water can be received from and provided to the City of Durham’s water system should it become necessary in the future. More details...   The Blue Thumb - September 2008: The OWASA Customer Newsletter More details...   Lakes Will Be Open for Recreation on Labor Day: University Lake and the Cane Creek Reservoir will be open from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM for fishing, boating and other recreation on Labor Day. More details...   08-28-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   OWASA’s Lakes Rise Due to Tropical Storm Fay: Thanks to rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay, University Lake rose almost 5 feet and water was flowing over the dam Thursday morning. The much larger Cane Creek Reservoir, which is the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community’s primary water supply, went up 9 inches and is about 5 feet below full. More details...   Agenda 08-28-2008: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, August 28, 2008, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   Reclaimed Water Distribution: 02520 – Reclaimed Water Distribution More details...   OWASA, AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE: The American Red Cross, OWASA, Anna Maria’s and Whole Foods Market-Chapel Hill will co-sponsor a blood drive on Thursday, August 21st from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM in the Community Room at the OWASA Administration Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro. More details...   Customers are invited to “Free Fridays”: All OWASA customers are cordially invited to use University Lake for free on July 18th and 25th and on August 1st, 8th and 15th. More details...   OWASA, AMERICAN RED CROSS INVITE CITIZENS TO GIVE: The American Red Cross, OWASA, Anna Maria’s and Whole Foods Market-Chapel Hill will co-sponsor a blood drive on Thursday, August 21st from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM in the Community Room at the OWASA Administration Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro. More details...   Ms. Heidi Lamay is appointed Finance Manager: On July 21, Ms. Heidi E. Lamay began work as OWASA’s new Finance Manager. She is responsible for managing OWASA’s accounting functions and will be a key participant in OWASA’s overall budgeting and financial management processes. More details...   Grease and Oil Fact Sheet: Grease and Oil Fact Sheet More details...   2007-08 wastewater system performance report: Information the performance of our wastewater collection and treatment systems from July, 2007 through June, 2008. More details...   Calculation Sheet for Grease Traps: Formula Calculation Sheet for Grease Traps More details...   Blue Thumb - August 2008: The OWASA Customer Newsletter More details...   Report on Chapel Hill-Carrboro Waste Water System: In the 2007-08 service year, we received, treated and recycled 2.7 billion gallons of wastewater, an average of 7.4 million gallons per day. We inspect, clear and repair about 317 miles of sanitary sewers and do renovations and replacements where necessary. We operate 22 pump stations where it is necessary to pump wastewater uphill, but most of our sewers operate with the simple force of gravity. More details...   Customers are invited to “Free Fridays” at U-Lake: All OWASA customers are cordially invited to use University Lake for free on July 18th and 25th and on August 1st, 8th and 15th. The “Free Friday” program enables OWASA customers to use an OWASA boat or a private boat without the usual lake use fees. (The fee for renting an electric trolling motor does apply on Free Fridays.) More details...   Agenda 07-10-2008: Water Supply and Demand Update Drought Forecast More details...   07-10-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   Old Mason Farm Road is Reopened to Through Traffic: On Friday, July 3rd, a contractor working for OWASA has substantially completed work which had required closing Old Mason Farm Road to through traffic since June 16th. The work was installation two pipelines across part of Old Mason Farm Road. More details...   University Lake and Cane Creek Reservoir Open 4th: University Lake and the Cane Creek Reservoir will be open from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM for fishing, boating and other recreation on Friday, July the Fourth. More details...   Lakes will be open for recreation on July 4th: University Lake and the Cane Creek Reservoir will be open from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM for fishing, boating and other recreation on Friday, July the Fourth. In addition to being open on the holiday, University Lake will be open from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm Saturday through Monday. The Cane Creek Reservoir will be open from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm Saturday. More details...   OWASA Board approves annual budget, 17% increase: On Thursday night, the OWASA Board adopted operating and capital budgets and approved a combined increase of about 17% in monthly water and sewer rates effective on October 1st. With the new rates, the monthly bill for an individually-metered residential customer using 5,000 gallons will increase $10.06, from $58.18 to $68.24. However, the bills for individual customers will vary, depending on the amount of water use, type of service, size of the meter serving a customer, etc. More details...   06-26-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   Agenda 06-26-2008: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday JUNE 26, 2008, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   Reclaimed water available in "bulk fill" program: We give away highly treated wastewater ("reclaimed water") at our Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant to people who receive required training and bring containers that hold at least 50 gallons. Reclaimed water can be used for certain non-drinking purposes such as landscape irrigation and washing vehicles. Our plant is on Old Mason Farm Road in southeast Chapel Hill (near Finley Golf Course). More details...   OWASA Budget Committee Recommends Rate Increase: On Thursday morning, June 19th, the OWASA Board’s Budget and Financial Planning Committee unanimously agreed to recommend a combined increase of about 17% in monthly water and sewer rates instead of the 24% increase proposed at public hearings on June 12th. More details...   OWASA, American Red Cross Blood Drive: Every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood. To help sustain the blood supply, the American Red Cross, Anna Maria’s and Whole Foods Market-Chapel Hill will co-sponsor a blood drive on Thursday, June 26 from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM in the Community Room at the OWASA Administration Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro. More details...   Substances Found in the OWASA Drinking Water: Test results summary 2007 tests. More details...   Agenda 06-12-2008: Agenda, Public Hearings & Meeting of the Board of Directors Thursday June 12, 2008, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   06-12-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   Customers Invited to Participate in Public Hearing: OWASA customers are invited to participate in public hearings on Thursday night, June 12th on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 proposed budget, capital program, and increases in water and sewer rates. The OWASA Board of Directors will hold the hearings at 7 P.M. in the Community Room on the lower floor of the OWASA Administration Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro. More details...   Cane Creek Reservoir Will Open for Recreation : Beginning on June 14th, the Cane Creek Reservoir will be open on Saturdays for boating, fishing, picnicking, sunbathing and other recreation from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. More details...   OWASA Board Calls Public Hearings for June 12th: On Thursday night, the OWASA Board of Directors called public hearings for Thursday, June 12th on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 proposed budget, capital program, and increases in water and sewer rates. The public hearings will begin at 7 P.M. and will be held in Community Room on the lower floor of the OWASA Administration Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro. More details...   OWASA Board Declares Water Supply Advisory: On Thursday night, May 22nd, the OWASA Board of Directors unanimously adopted a Resolution Rescinding Stage One Water Shortage Restrictions and Water Rate Surcharges and Reinstating a Water Supply Advisory. More details...   05-22-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   Agenda 05-22-2008: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, May 22, 2008, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   05-08-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   Agenda 05-08-2008: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2008, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community room More details...   Ms. Jane Showerman OWASA new Customer Service Mgr: Ms. Jane Showerman began work as OWASA’s new Customer Service Manager on Monday, March 24th. She is responsible for managing the Customer Service staff and programs including monthly billing, service sign-ups and related interactions and communications with customers. More details...   04-24-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   OWASA Resumes Mowing, Clearing of Sewer Easements : OWASA is resuming annual inspections, mowing, trimming and other clearing in public sewer easements. Most of OWASA’s easements are 30 feet wide, but usually about 20 feet of the easement width is cleared (about 10 feet on each side of a sewer main). More details...   Agenda 04-24-2008: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, April 24, 2008, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   Blood Drive at OWASA on Thursday, April 24th: On Thursday, April 24th, the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA), Anna Maria’s, Whole Foods Market-Chapel Hill and the American Red Cross will sponsor a Blood Drive at 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro. The drive will be from 11:00 am until 3:30 pm in the Community Room on the lower floor of the OWASA Administration Building. More details...   OWASA Board Reinstates Stage 1 Water Restrictions: With lakes 70% full and more than 400 days of estimated water supply on hand, the OWASA Board voted unanimously Thursday night to reinstate Stage One water use restrictions and Stage One water rate surcharges. More details...   OWASA Board declares a Stage One Water Shortage : At the OWASA Board of Directors meeting on April 10, 2008, the OWASA Board declared a Stage One Water Shortage effective April 11, 2008 (rescinding the February 28th Stage Three declaration). OWASA's storage capacity is now 70% full which represents 400+ days of storage (assuming no rainfall and average customer demand during the past 30 days). In taking this action, the OWASA Board stressed that the drought is not over and that customers must continue to use water wisely. The Board said they would continue to monitor water supply and demand very closely and would return to more stringent restrictions if conditions warrant. The Board also acknowledged and expressed its appreciation for the excellent conservation efforts of the OWASA customers. More details...   Agenda 04-10-2008: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, April 10, 2008, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   04-10-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   OWASA Board to Discuss Water Supply & Restrictions: On Thursday night, April 10th, the OWASA Board will receive an update on water supplies and related items, and discuss water use restrictions in light of rains that added 335 million gallons to the utility’s reservoirs in the last week. More details...   Policy for Adjustment of Customer Accounts: The purpose of this policy is to provide a credit adjustment to the water and/or sewer account of a customer who has experienced an emergency situation involving the loss of metered water. The excess water metered will have occurred as a result of conditions beyond normal and reasonable control of the customer or other parities responsible for the use, care and maintenance of fixtures and devices that are a part of the customer’s water service system. More details...   Agenda 03-27-2008: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2008, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   03-27-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   OWASA’S LAKES ARE 60% FULL: As of Monday morning, March 24th, OWASA’s lakes are 60% full overall. The Cane Creek Reservoir, the community’s primary water source, is about half full. University Lake is about two inches below full and the Stone Quarry Reservoir is full. On Thursday night, March 27th, the OWASA Board of Directors will discuss water supply, demand and the general topic of transitions between Water Supply Shortage levels. More details...   University Lake Will Reopen for Recreation on Sat: On Saturday, March 22nd, University Lake will reopen for boating, fishing, picnicking, sunbathing and other recreation. Cane Creek Reservoir remains closed due to low water level and safety concern. More details...   Reclaimed Water Use Expanded: OWASA has received State approval to allow residents and businesses to make greater use of highly treated or “reclaimed” water from OWASA’s Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). People interested in using reclaimed water may bring a water tank or tank truck to the WWTP to get reclaimed water for certain approved non-drinking purposes. More details...   OWASA Board Affirms Effective Date for Surcharges: The OWASA Board decided after discussion Thursday not to change the March 17th effective date of Stage Three water surcharges to provide a greater incentive for water conservation. The Board thus affirmed its decision on February 28th that the water rate surcharges for all customer classes will go into effect on Monday the 17th. More details...   Agenda 03-13-2008 : Special Meeting of the Board of Directors Thursday, March 13, 2008, 3:30 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   03-13-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   OWASA Responds to Overflow Partially Treated Waste: Early Thursday morning, OWASA personnel responded to an overflow of partially treated wastewater at the Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) on the southeast side of Chapel Hill. An estimated 125,000 gallons of wastewater overflowed starting at about 12:45 AM from a biological treatment tank near the center of the WWTP site. However, no wastewater reached Morgan Creek, which runs along the east side of the plant. OWASA personnel used vacuum equipment to recover the wastewater and then put it back into the wastewater treatment process. OWASA’s Laboratory staff analyzed water samples from several places on Morgan Creek and test results indicated normal water quality and no impact on the creek. Morgan Creek is in the Cape Fear River basin. More details...   Lakes 57% Full; Board Considers Delaying Stage 3: With water supplies boosted by recent rainfall, the OWASA Board is planning to consider Thursday whether to defer the effective date of Stage Three water surcharges. The OWASA Board will hold a brief business meeting Thursday, March 13th at 3:30 PM in the Community Room at the OWASA Administration Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro. More details...   Untreated Gray Water in NC is Wastewater/Sewage: The North Carolina Plumbing Code defines gray water as “waste discharged from lavatories, bathtubs, showers, clothes washers and laundry sinks.” This type of household wastewater may contain disease-producing organisms and should not be used to water plants such as trees, vegetable gardens or flowers. By law, this wastewater must be disposed of through a permitted treatment system, either a public owned treatment plant or a permitted septic tank system. More details...   Stage 3 Water Use Restrictions and Surcharges: OWASA to Continue Participation in Discussion of Possible Joint Use of Jordan Lake Water. On February 28th, the OWASA Board of Directors formally declared a Stage Three Water Shortage. Stage Three Water Use Restrictions will be in effect as of Saturday, March 1 and Stage Three Water Rate Surcharges will be in effect as of March 17. More details...   Agenda 02-28-2008: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, February 28, 2008, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   02-28-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   OWASA Bills Delayed for about 6,000 Customers: OWASA said Thursday that mailing of its recent bills to about 6,000 or one-third of its customers was delayed by about 9 days. The delay primarily involves OWASA customers on the east side of Chapel Hill. More details...   OWASA Board To Consider Stage 3 Water Restrictions: On Thursday night, February 28th as previously announced, the OWASA Board will discuss declaring a Stage Three Water Shortage, which would put additional water use restrictions and water rate surcharges into effect for OWASA customers. More details...   Street Resurfacing Planned for MartinLuther King : On Thursday, February 28th, a paving company hired by OWASA will resurface part of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Chapel Hill where OWASA recently repaired a water main near North Street. More details...   Board To Consider Stage 3 Water Restrictions : On February 28th, the OWASA Board of Directors will consider formally declaring a Stage Three Water Shortage. The Stage Three declaration would result in additional water use restrictions as indicated below. The restrictions would be enforced under local water conservation ordinances for OWASA customers. More details...   Agenda 02-14-2008: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, February 14, 2008, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   02-14-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   OWASA Board to Receive Water Supply& Demand Update: On Thursday night, February 14th, the OWASA Board of Directors will receive a staff report on water supply and demand, current drought forecasts, and proposed criteria for formally declaring a Stage Three Water Shortage. More details...   OWASA Responds to a Wastewater Overflow: At about 7:30 AM on Friday, February 1, 2008, OWASA personnel responded to an overflow of untreated wastewater from a manhole near NC 54 and South Greensboro Street in Carrboro. The overflow, which occurred in the Morgan Creek drainage basin, resulted from a blockage of a sewer main by grease and paper. More details...   Annual Report on Odor Elimination: Annual Report on odor elimination program at the Mason Farm Waste Water Treatment Plant. More details...   01-24-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   Public Forum - State of Our Local Water Supply: Public Forum regarding the state of our local water supply. More details...   Agenda 01-24-2008: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors, Thursday, January 24, 2008, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   Comprehensive Annual Financial Report: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007. More details...   2006 Drinking Water Test Results Summary: Orange Water and Sewer Authority 2006 Drinking Water Test Results Summary. More details...   OWASA Invites Customers To Public Forum On Jan.15: On Thursday night, January 10th, the OWASA Board of Directors cancelled the public hearing previously planned for January 24, 2008 on potential rate increases to offset revenue losses due to conservation if the current drought continues. OWASA staff has identified $1.3 million of cuts in operating costs to offset potential revenue loss. OWASA staff will continue to carefully monitor costs, revenues, demand, etc. and will report monthly to the Board on financial and related factors. More details...   Agenda 01-10-2008: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors, Thursday, January 10, 2008, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   01-10-2008: Board of Directors Meeting Minutes More details...   12-13-2007: Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes More details...   Agenda 12-13-2007: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, December 13, 2007, 5:30 P.M. OWASA Community Room. More details...   OWASA Receives Reclaimed Water Approval from State: The North Carolina Division of Water Quality has granted approval for OWASA to start distributing reclaimed water through a tank truck fill station located at the Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), on the southeast side of Chapel Hill. Those improvements now make it possible for the highly treated wastewater from the plant to be used for certain non-drinking purposes, as allowed by State regulations. More details...   11-08-2007: Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes More details...   Agenda 11-08-2007: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, November 8, 2007, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   Residential Water Audit and Retrofit Workshops: To help our customers learn more about effective indoor water conservation methods, OWASA will sponsor two free public workshops on Tuesday,November 13, 2007 in the Community Room at the OWASA Administration Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro. More details...   Agenda 10-25-2007: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, October 25, 2007, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   OWASA to Turn Off Irrigation-only Water Service : OWASA officials said Thursday that the utility will begin turning off irrigation-only water service Friday morning to more than 230 residential and non-residential customers who have that service. Because the Stage Two water use restrictions for OWASA customers include a ban on spray irrigation, customers with irrigation-only service should not be using their systems. More details...   10-25-2007: Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes More details...   Annual Review and Update of Strategic Trends : Annual Review and Update of Strategic Trends and Master Plan Issues. OWASA water sales and reservoir withdrawals for the past six years have remained below the historically high levels observed in 2001. Water withdrawals from University Lake and Cane Creek are 23 percent less in 2007 than were projected in OWASA’s 2001 Master Plan. More details...   OWASA Board Declares Stage 2 Water Shortage: In a special meeting on Thursday night, October 19th, the OWASA Board of Directors declared a Stage Two Water Shortage with the goal of reducing the community’s current water demand by at least 15%. OWASA serves the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community. More details...   10-18-2007: Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes More details...   Agenda 09-27-2007: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, October 11, 2007, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   09-27-2007: Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting More details...   09-13-2007: Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting More details...   Agenda 09-13-2007: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, September 13, 2007, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   Agenda 08-23-2007: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, August 23, 2007, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   08-23-2007: Board Minutes More details...   Second Cover Sheet: Standard Cover Sheet for Water Distribution and Waste Water Collection Systems More details...   07-09-2007: Board Minutes More details...   Comments on Jordan Reservoire Proposed Strategy : Letter to David H. Moreau, Chair of the North Carolina Environment Management Commission. More details...   Agenda 07-09-2007: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Monday, July 9, 2007, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   Annual Budget Fiscal Year 2007 - 2008: We are pleased to present the Annual Budget for the service year from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. This Budget is a sound financial plan for Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) and has been prepared in accordance with OWASA’s Strategic Financial Planning and Management Document, the Amended and Restated Bond Order adopted on September 13, 2001 and The Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act. More details...   Agenda 06-14-2007 : Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, June 14, 2007, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   06-14-2007: Board Minutes More details...   Procedures for Approval of W&S Extension Projects: Section 4 – Procedure for Approval of Water and/or Sewer Extension Projects More details...   Revision Summary Sheet: Section 4 – Procedures for Approval of Water and/or Sewer Extension Projects Revision Summary Sheet More details...   OWASA Board Meeting Summary: Orange Water and Sewer Authority Natural Resources and Technical Systems Committee May 30, 2007, 4:30-6:15 p.m. OWASA Boardroom Meeting Summary. More details...   Revision Summary Sheet: Div 02275 –Trenching, Backfilling and Compaction of Utilities Revision Summary Sheet More details...   05-24-2007: Board Minutes More details...   Agenda 05-24-2007: Agenda, Public Hearings and Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, May 24, 2007, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   Asset Evaluation Form: Orange Water and Sewer Authority 3rd Party Project Asset Evaluation More details...   2 1/2" to 10" DCV,DDCV Assembly (Undergrd Vault) : Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   2 1/2" to 10" DCV, DDCV, RPZ, RPDA Assy (Indoor): Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Agenda 05-10-2007: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, May 10, 2007, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   05-10-2007: Board Minutes More details...   Water Distribution Revision Summary Sheet: Div 02510 – Water Distribution Revision Summary Sheet More details...   Final Cover : Standard Specifications for Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Systems More details...   Measurement and Payment: Div 00950 – Measurement & Payment More details...   Sanitary Sewer Revision Summary Sheet: Div 02530 – Sanitary Sewer Revision Summary Sheet More details...   Water & Sewer Design Revision Summary Sheet: Section 3 – Water and Sewer Design Revision Summary Sheet More details...   Agenda 04-26-2007: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, April 26, 2007, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   04-26-2007: Board Minutes More details...   3/4" Single & 1" Dual Service Installation: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Sanitary Sewer Watertight Manhole Frame and Cover: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Standard 3/4" to 1" Water Tapping Detail : Use With OWASA Standards Specifications Only More details...   4" Sewer Tap& Stub-out Paved Application Clean Out: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Infi-Shield External Sealing Details: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Sanitary Sewer: Div 02530 – Sanitary Sewer More details...   Precast Concrete Doghouse Manhole: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   3" to 8" Water Meter With Bypass (Undergrd Vault): Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   3" to 8" Water Meter With Bypass (Undergrd Vault): Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Low Profile Vault / Oversized Access: Low Profile Vault / Oversized Access (3" to 8" Underground Meter Vault) Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   1" or 2" Irrigation Meter : 1" or 2" Irrigation Meter on a 3" to 8" Underground Meter Vault Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Sanitary Sewer Manhole Frame and Cover: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Standard Water Manhole Frame and Cover: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Standard Eccentric Manhole Detail: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Gate Valve (16" and larger) in Precast Manhole: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Butterfly Valve (16"and larger) in Precast Manhole: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   04-12-2007: Board Minutes More details...   Agenda 04-12-2007 : Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, April 12, 2007, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   Water and Sewer Design: Section 3 - Water and Sewer Design More details...   Agenda 03-08-2007: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, March 8, 2007, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   03-08-2007: Board Minutes More details...   Agenda 02-22-2007: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, February 22, 2007, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   02-22-2007: Board Minutes More details...   02-08-2007: Board Minutes More details...   Agenda 01-25-2007: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, January 25, 2007, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   01-25-2007: Board Minutes More details...   Agenda 01-11-2007: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, January 11, 2007, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   01-11-2007: Board Minutes More details...   2006 Drinking Water Test Results Summary: 2006 Drinking Water Test Results Summary More details...   2006 Water Quality Report Card:: In 2006, the Laboratory staff at our Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant tested our drinking water more than 60,000 times in accord with State and Federal requirements. There were no violations of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act or related State and Federal standards. More details...   Sewer Use Ordinance: This ordinance sets forth uniform requirements for users of the Publicly Owned Treatment Works for the Orange Water and Sewer Authority, hereinafter referred to as OWASA, to comply with all applicable State and Federal laws, including the Clean Water Act (33 United States Code § 1251 et seq.) and the General Pretreatment Regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 403). More details...   OWASA Sewer Use Ordinance: This ordinance sets forth uniform requirements for users of the Publicly Owned Treatment Works for the Orange Water and Sewer Authority, hereinafter referred to as OWASA, to comply with all applicable State and Federal laws, including the Clean Water Act (33 United States Code § 1251 et seq.) and the General Pretreatment Regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 403). More details...   Agenda 12-14-2006: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, December 14, 2006, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   12-14-2006: Board Minutes More details...   Project Fact Sheet: Orange Water and Sewer Authority Project Fact Sheet More details...   11-09-2006: Board Minutes More details...   Agenda 11-09-2006: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, November 9, 2006, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   10-26-2006: Board Minutes More details...   Agenda 10-26-2006: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, October 26, 2006, 6:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   Agenda 10-12-2006 : Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, October 12, 2006, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   10-12-2006: Board Minutes More details...   Agenda 09-28-2006: Agenda, Annual Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, September 28, 2006, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   09-28-2006: Board Minutes More details...   Agenda 09-14-2006 : Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, September 14, 2006, 5:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   09-14-2006: Board Minutes More details...   Agenda 08-24-2006: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, August 24, 2006, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   08-24-2006: Board Minutes More details...   Agenda 07-13-2006: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, July 13, 2006, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   07-13-2006: Board Minutes More details...   Agenda 06-08-2006: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, June 8, 2006, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   06-08-2006: Board Minutes More details...   05-25-2006: Board Minutes 05-25-2006 More details...   Agenda 05-25-2006: Agenda, Public Hearing and Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, May 25, 2006, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   05-11-2006: Board Minutes 05-11-2006 More details...   04-27-2006: Board Minutes 04-27-2006 More details...   Agenda 04-27-2006: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, April 27, 2006, 6:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   04-13-2006: Board Minutes 04-13-2006 More details...   Agenda 04-13-2006 : Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, April 13, 2006, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   Agenda 03-23-2006: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, March 23, 2006, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   03-23-2006: Board Minutes 03-23-2006 More details...   Agenda 03-09-2006: Agenda Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, March 9, 2006, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   03-09-2006: Board Minutes 03-09-2006 More details...   02-09-2006: Board Minutes 02-09-2006 More details...   Agenda 02-09-2006: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, February 9, 2006, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   Agenda 01-26-2006 : Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, January 26, 2006, 7:00 P.M. Chapel Hill Town Hall More details...   01-26-2006: Board Minutes 01-269-2006 More details...   01-12-2006: Board Minutes 01-12-2006 More details...   Agenda 01-12-2006: Agenda, Meeting of the OWASA Board of Directors Thursday, January 12, 2006, 7:00 P.M. OWASA Community Room More details...   OWASA testing confirms continued compliance: Testing of water from 30 homes in Chapel Hill and Carrboro shows that the utility's tap water continues to be better than the drinking water standards for lead. In each of the 30 water samples gathered from July through late September, lead testing results were below the detectable level of 3 parts per billion. One part per billion corresponds to 1 penny in $10 million. (OWASA had publicized the test results for the first 28 of the home water samples in September and committed to releasing the results from the final two tests when they were received from an outside laboratory.) More details...   Sanitary Sewer Manhole Plugging Detail: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Purity Sampling Connection Details 2"Blow-off Line: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Purity Sampling Connection Details at Backflow Prv: Purity Sampling Connection Details - at Backflow Preventer More details...   Purity Sampling Connection Details on Fire Hydrant: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Thrust Collar & Blocking : Thrust Collar and Blocking with Wedge Action Restrainer Gland (Meg-A-Lug Thrust Ring) Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Pump Station Service Panel Detail: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Yard Hydrant (Non-Freeze): Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Typical Chain-Link Fence Detail - 8 FT. High: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Typical Emergency Pump Connection: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Typical Submersible Pump Station Site Lay Out: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Combination Air Valve Air Release Manhole: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Sewer Line Crossing Beneath Stream Bed: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Stream Crossings for Private Service Lines: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Detail of Bracing for Channel Crossings: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Concrete Pier Detail: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Concrete Collar Detail: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Concrete Pier Saddles Detail: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   3/4" to 2" DCV, RPZ Assembly (Indoor) : Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Valve Box Stabalizing Pad Details: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   1" Air Release File & Manhole (Pipe 2" to 12") : Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   2" Air Release Valve & Manhole (Pipe 16" & larger): Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   The Rod Anchors Datum Chart: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Thrust Footing Detail : Use With OWASA Standards Specifications Only More details...   Line Abandonment Detail: Use With OWASA Standards Specifications Only More details...   4" to 12" Standard Tapping Sleeve & Valve Assembly: Use With OWASA Standards Specifications Only More details...   Typical Sewer Easements Detail: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Blocking Detail for PVC Pipe In-Line Valve: Use With OWASA Standards Specifications Only More details...   Standard Screw Valve Box Detail: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Blocking Detail for Horizontal Bends and Tee: Use With The OWASA Standards Specifications Only More details...   3/4" to 2" DVM, RPZ Assembly (Above Ground): Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   3/4" or 1" DCV Assembly (Alternate Undergrd Box): Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   3/4" to 2" DCV Assembly (Underground Vault): Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   2 1/2"to 10" DCV, DDCV, RPZ, RPDA Assy (Above Grd): Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Backflow Prevention Tanker Truck : Backflow Prevention Tanker Truck (Air Gap & Reduced Pressure) Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Typical Detail for Bore Under Paved Roads/Highways: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Standard Vertical Bend Detail: Use with OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Earth Fill Over Sewer Pipe Detail: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Detail of Rock Excavation: Use with the OWASA Standards Specification Only More details...   3" to 8" Water Meter with Bypass (Undergrd Vault): Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Introduction to Manual: Forward More details...   Typical Fire Hydrant Streets with Bar Ditch: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Permanent 2" Blow-Off Assembly for Mains Up To 8": Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Structure Protection Unfinished Road Grade: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Temporary 2" Blow-Off Assembly for Mains up to 24": Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Permanent Blow-off Assembly for Mains 12" & Larger: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   3/4" Gang Service Domestic Meter Installation: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Sanitary Sewer Bedding Detail: Use With the OWASA Standard Specifications Only More details...   Introduction - Definitions: Introduction to Definitions More details...