What's New? Annual change in water disinfection in March: In March, we temporarily change our drinking water disinfection process by using chlorine instead of chloramines. In accord with a State requirement, we use chlorine one month a year to help ensure a high level of disinfection in the community’s network of water mains. Some customers may notice that our water will have a chlorine taste or odor in March. However, our water will be safe to drink as at other times of year. More details...   Sustainable forestry management: Summary of our community meeting on February 24th and related background information regarding plans for sustainable management of our forest lands. OWASA staff submitted to the Board of Directors on January 14th a draft forestry plan for our 490-acre property west of Buckhorn Road north of the Cane Creek Reservoir. More details...   Account adjustments when leaks are repaired: On January 28th, the Board of Directors changed OWASA's policy on account adjustments when customers fix certain non-irrigation water leaks. Under the revised policy, our charge for excess water use due to a leak is reduced to our lowest retail water rate ($2.36 per 1,000 gallons). 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...   For new customers: A summary of our services and policies; how to start service; our monthly bills and rates; how to contact us; drinking water treatment, testing and quality; water conservation benefits, methods and standards; plumbing system/ maintenance information; etc. More details...     Our commitments to excellence in customer service: A formal statement of our customer service commitments. Adopted by the OWASA Board of Directors on October 22nd, 2009.   Why our rates are increasing: Information on the reasons for the rate increase that went into effect in October, 2009; our cost reduction program; fixed costs in our budget; and current projections for future rate increases.   Understanding our residential water and sewer bill: An electronic brochure about our bills for individually-metered residences. Includes information on our fixed monthly service charges based on meter size, our water and sewer use (volume) charges, rounding down our meter readings to the nearest thousand gallons for billing purposes, etc.   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.   Summary of water conservation standards: A one-page chart summarizing our "year-round" water conservation standards, which apoply in normal conditions; and additional requirements that apply in water shortages.   [ News Release Archives ]