Mission Statement

OWASA will provide our customers with high quality water and wastewater services through responsible, sustainable, and creative stewardship of the resources and assets we manage.  We will do this with a productive, empowered, talented, and diverse work force, which strives for excellence.

Our Values

·         Quality Drinking Water

We will provide the highest quality drinking water for our customers through proactive and sustainable watershed management, and the effective and reliable operations and maintenance of the water supply, treatment, and distribution system.

·         Environmental Responsibility

We will protect the environment through the effective and reliable operation and maintenance of the wastewater collection, treatment, and recycling systems.  We will manage our resources and assets in an environmentally responsible manner, maintaining or exceeding any regulatory requirements or mandates.

·         Excellence in Customer Service

We are dedicated to excellence in serving customers in all aspects of our business services.  We will be leaders in keeping our customers informed and will provide them meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions that are important to the community.

·         Employees

We value our employees as our most important resource and we will provide them competitive compensation and benefits, and maintain a safe and rewarding work environment.  We will promote diversity and equal opportunity for development and advancement for all employees.

·         Efficiency and Value

We will perform all services in a financially sound and responsible manner with sufficient revenues to properly operate and fully maintain the water and wastewater system.  As OWASA relies solely on user fees, we will continue to be guided by cost-of-service principles with regards to our rates, fees, and charges, and operate the water and sewer system at the lowest rates consistent with our obligation to provide proper and efficient services, now and in the future.  We remain committed to continuous improvement in all of our services and will provide high value to our customers.

·         Sustainability

We will proactively plan, construct, operate, maintain, and finance the water and wastewater system in a manner consistent with the principles of environmental, social and economic sustainability.  We will work hard to meet the needs of our current and future customers, community, and environment without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.  We will strive to make the highest and best use of our local water resources and we will adopt practices which encourage conservation of water, energy, and other natural resources.

·         Local Government Compatibility

We will manage our responsibilities in a manner consistent and compatible with the adopted growth management policies and land use plans of the Town of Carrboro, the Town of Chapel Hill, and Orange County.  We will maintain open and positive communications with our local governments.  We will also maintain open and positive communications with neighboring water utilities and cooperate in regional initiatives where appropriate and consistent with OWASA's commitment to its member governments.

·         Innovation and Creativity

We will seek innovation and creativity in accomplishing our mission and enhancing our services.  We will invest in ongoing research and development for new and improved ways to accomplish our mission.