The year-round requirements listed below are in effect unless they are replaced by additional limitations during a water shortage formally determined by OWASA and declared by the local governments. Please review the information below, save it for future reference and feel free to let us know if you have any questions or comments about the conservation standards.

Thank you for complying with the following requirements:


An automatic water faucet, which operates only when needed,
may be most practical in public, institutional and business facilities.

  • Conventional spray irrigation is limited to three days per week between 8:00 pm and 9:00 am and to one inch of watering per week. Spray irrigation is permitted at odd-numbered addresses on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; and at even-numbered addresses on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

    Spray irrigation is defined as “The application of water to landscaping by means of a device that projects water through the air in the form of small particles or droplets.”

    You can measure irrigation with a small container such as a tuna can. If you have an irrigation system, you may wish to have the control system adjusted by a company that installs or maintains irrigation systems.

    Because the soil in our community typically has large amounts of clay, irrigation systems should be adjusted to avoid applying excess water when the soil will no longer accept it. Excessive watering can be harmful to plants and will not encourage the deep root growth needed for healthy plants.

    The limit of one inch per week is a well-recognized rule of thumb for watering plants. However, less water may be adequate in many cases.
  • The year-round conservation requirements do not apply to newly sodded lawns and new landscaping within the first 30 days of planting, or to newly seeded turf within the first six months of planting. (However, restrictions would apply during a declared water shortage as indicated above.)
  • Watering with a hand-held hose or watering can or with underground, drip irrigation, micro spray, soaker hose or low precipitation “bubbler” watering systems is allowed on any day of the week and at any time of day, subject to the same limit of one inch per week as for spray irrigation.
  • All existing and newly installed irrigation systems must have automatic controllers and a rain or soil moisture sensor to prevent watering during rainfall or when there is sufficient moisture in the ground for plant health and survival.
  • Hoses for outdoor use must have automatic shut-off nozzles.
  • The use of low-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators is strongly encouraged where they are not already in place as required by current plumbing codes.
  • The use of rain barrels, cisterns, etc. to store rainwater for irrigation and other suitable purposes is strongly encouraged.
  • Dishwashers and clothes washers should be used only with full loads or with water level settings appropriate for the load size.
  • Restaurants and other dining facilities may serve water only if requested by a customer.
  • Hotels, motels, etc. shall change bed linens only upon request of the customer, upon customer changeover or every five days for long-term customers.
  • If we notify a customer that there is a leak in the customer’s water supply line, irrigation or plumbing system, etc., the customer must fix the leak within 10 days of receiving the notice.
  • Water waste is prohibited. Water waste includes using so much water that it runs onto adjacent properties or street right-of-way or causes ponding on impervious surfaces; failing to fix a leak that is easily repairable; and irrigation during rainfall or when soil moisture is already adequate.

Why and how were the new conservation standards prepared?

During and after the drought of 2002, OWASA received comments from customers about the water use restrictions then in effect and continued to monitored water demand as well as the level of our raw water supplies.


Cane Creek Reservoir -- 30% full -- October 2002

By the fall of 2002, it was apparent that some changes in the conservation ordinance were needed. In part, customers pointed out that watering by hand, with a can or with some kinds of watering systems is more efficient than conventional spray irrigation. In addition, the community’s water demand did not drop significantly until outdoor water use was essentially prohibited in September, 2002.

Therefore, we saw the need for greater flexibility in the conservation standards for both customers and OWASA. We needed measures that could achieve more conservation earlier in a drought while permitting some kinds of water uses with limited impact.

OWASA held a public “drought forum” on November 20, 2002; drafted a proposed new conservation ordinance; received comments from interested customers in several meetings of the OWASA Board; met with the Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Orange County governing boards on January 16, 2003 to discuss the proposal; received comments on a revised draft; and submitted the proposed new ordinance to the local governments in the spring of 2003.

The local governments adopted the new ordinance on an essentially uniform basis in June, 2003. However, we continue to welcome feedback and questions about the new ordinance. Please feel free to contact us at any time.

OWASA will review the conservation standards after about a year of experience.


The Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant has a peak
production capacity of 20 million gallons per day.

During droughts and other water supply emergencies

The water conservation ordinance also includes more stringent water use restrictions for use if there is a water supply shortage or emergency due to a drought, major storm, a water system malfunction, or other conditions which limit our ability to meet demand. Several levels of restrictions can be put into effect based on circumstances at a given time.

Under water shortage or emergency conditions, the local governments will formally declare a water shortage and OWASA will publicize the restrictions when they go into effect.

OWASA’s overall approach to managing water resources

The water conservation ordinance is an important part of our overall approach to water supply and demand management, which also includes:

Evaluating, with the University, the feasibility of reusing highly treated wastewater for appropriate purposes.

Obtaining the right to use an expanded Stone Quarry Reservoir west of Carrboro by 2030 and having an allocation of water supply from Jordan Lake for future use if necessary.

Reviewing our long-term demand projections and options for additional future water supply.

Implementing seasonal water conservation rates in May, 2002.

Implementing the new water conservation ordinance

Our approach is to emphasize informing customers rather than formal enforcement. When we become aware of violations or apparent violations of the conservation standards, we will contact and provide information to the customer involved as the first step.

If you see water being wasted, we encourage you to call us at 968-4421 or send us an e-mail (webmaster@owasa.org) so that we can follow up with the customer.

Average residential water use

In our community, water consumption in single-family homes averages about 6,000 gallons per month over a full year. Water use in apartments is somewhat less. If your monthly bill shows consumption of more than 6,000 to 8,000 gallons in a given month, your consumption is above average and you likely have some good opportunities to conserve—and save on your water and sewer bills.

Residential water use

What are the best ways to conserve water?

Below is a list of conservation measures that may be suitable for many residential and business customers. This list is intended as a summary; please feel free to contact us for more detailed information.

Indoor conservation

Check your water consumption on our monthly bills for unexpected increases that may indicate a leak somewhere in your water system. A leak in a water pipe, a sticking “flapper” in a toilet tank, etc. may waste many thousands of gallons of water in just one month and substantially increase your bill.

Regularly check your faucets, spigots, toilets, water pipes, washing machine and its hoses, dishwasher, irrigation system if you have one, etc. for leaks. In addition, check the area between the water meter and your residence or business for wet spots indicating a possible leak in the “supply” line from the meter.

One of the simplest ways to check for leaks is to listen carefully for the sound of running water at night or another quiet time when no faucets or fixtures are in use.

Toilets are one of the most common places for leaks. To check your toilet: put food dye in the tank, don’t flush for 15 to 30 minutes and look for dye in the toilet bowl. If there is dye in the bowl, there is probably a leak in the flapper at the bottom of the tank or the “fill valve” may be leaking or malfunctioning.

If a leak needs to be fixed or a flapper needs replacement, etc. the work should be done by someone who can do the work properly. Improper work can result in water loss and waste.

If your toilet was installed before 1994, it probably uses 2 to 3 times as much water as the low-flush toilets required under current plumbing codes.

We strongly encourage replacement of old toilets with a new low-flush model. The cost depends on the model you choose, but you can buy a new toilet and have it installed for about $200.

If you do not replace an old toilet, there are several ways to reduce its flush volume:

  • Lower the water level in the toilet tank by adjusting the fill valve. (Adjustment is not possible for some types of fill valves.)
  • Replace the fill valve with one that involves a lesser flush volume.
  • Install a quick-closing flapper in the tank. We give away this type of flapper in our offices at 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro.
  • Put a “dam” in the toilet tank to reduce the flush volume. The dam works by holding some of the water in the tank instead of letting it flow into the bowl.
  • Put a bottle or other container of water in the tank. You can help keep the container stable by putting some sand in it; please make sure that the container does not interfere with operation of the flapper, etc.

 

FOCUS ON SHOWERS AND SHOWERHEADS - NEW!

Showers account for about 20% of indoor residential water use. You can save water, energy and money by taking shorter showers and installing water-saving showerheads if you do not already have them. At our office at 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro, we give away showerheads that use only about 2 gallons per minute. Under plumbing codes, showerheads installed since 1994 are required to use no more than 2.5 gallons per minute.However, showerheads installed before 1980 may use 5 to 8 gallons per minute, and those dating to 1980-1993 may use 3 to 5 gallons per minute. Therefore, replacing old showerheads is a significant conservation opportunity in many older homes.

How much water can a household with three people save with low-flow showerheads? The answer depends on several factors, but here are some annual estimates based on research indicating thatshowering timeaverages about 4.8 minutes per day per person.

Showerhead’s water flow rate

Est. gallons of use per year by 3 people

Est. water and sewer cost

8 gallons per minute

42,000

$370

5 gallons per minute

26,300

$230

3 gallons per minute

15,800

$140

2 gallons per minute

10,500

$90

A 3-person household that replaces showerheads using 5 gallons per minute with new ones that use 2 gallons per minute could save more than 15,000 gallons per year, with a potential water and sewer bill savings of $140. Also, the related energy savings from reduced heating of water may equal or even exceed the OWASA bill savings.When you replace a showerhead, please get help from someone who is familiar with how to do so if you are not. Improper installation can result in leaks. It is necessary to use a sealant such as thin plastic  tape (Teflon tape) on the threads of water supply pipe where the showerhead will be installed.

Of course, we also recommend taking shorter showers. You can shut off the water while soaping and shampooing, and then turn the water on to rinse. This method can reduce your shower water use by more than 75%!

             


Several models of low-flow showerheads (shown above) can be used. They cost as little as $3.
Or, you can pick up a low-flow showerhead at the OWASA offices at 400 Jones Ferry Road.

 


Install a faucet aerator with a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute or less.

Install an automatic facet, which only flows when needed. (Good for businesses.)

 

Faucet aerators come in several types. The one pictured above has a simple flow control valve, and the spray direction is adjustable.

Don’t leave water running while brushing your teeth, shaving, etc.

When you plan to buy a new washer for clothes or dishes, consider buying a new high-efficiency model that saves both water and energy. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s/Department of Energy’s www.energystar.gov website has information on water- and energy-efficient models such as front-loading clothes washers.

Before hot water comes through a faucet or showerhead, catch and use the lukewarm water for plants, etc.

Make sure that you know the location of and have easy access to the water shut-off valve for your plumbing system so that you can turn off the water quickly if you have a major leak.

Consider installing a special sensor and shut-off device that would detect a major leak in your plumbing system and turn off your water automatically even if no one is in the home or business.

Outdoor conservation

Check your outdoor spigots and hoses for leaks when you check your indoor plumbing system for leaks.

Water before 9 am or after 8 pm.

An irrigation system must have a rain or moisture sensor to prevent wasteful irrigation, especially during and immediately after rainfall.

If you have an irrigation system, it must have an automatic control system to set the frequency and duration of watering. Similarly, outdoor water hoses must have an automatic shut-off.

If you have an irrigation system, limit the length of watering cycles so that irrigation does not occur when water cannot be absorbed into the soil. The clay soils prevalent in our community absorb water slowly, and excessive watering can occur easily. You may wish to get expert advice from an irrigation system company, turf or garden specialist, etc. about optimum watering duration and frequency.

Regularly inspect and maintain irrigation systems to find and fix leaks, adjust and correct timers as needed, replace malfunctioning parts, etc.

In planning a landscape area:

Prepare the soil properly by tilling and enriching it with organic material to achieve a good root system and overall plant health.

Choose native, drought-resistant, non-invasive plants. (Please see the list of websites below for more information.)

Plants with similar watering needs should be grouped together.

If you install an irrigation system for plants or gardens, use a soaker hose, bubbler, micro-spray or drip irrigation system instead of a conventional spray irrigation, which loses more water due to evaporation.

Plan your site grading and drainage so that you can capture, store and reuse rainwater that falls on your land.

Purchase a rain barrel or install a cistern to reuse rainwater. (Rain barrels are available locally and in the Triangle region.) Locally, rain barrels may be available from the following:

Boy Scout Troop #39, Jim Mackorell, Chapel Hill (942-4830)
Dickinson’s Garden Center, East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill (942-4458)
Southern States, North Greensboro Street, Carrboro (942-3857)
Whole Foods Market, Elliott Road, Chapel Hill (968-1983)
Mark Ray Enterprises, Hillsborough (636-1690)

Use 2 to 4 inches of mulch around trees and shrubs to conserve moisture in the soil. Mulch is especially important for dogwoods, azaleas and other plants with shallow roots.

Consider converting lawn or turf areas to a native, drought tolerant groundcover, a drought-tolerant grass such as Bermuda, or landscaping with trees, shrubs and mulch. An alternative to grass may be especially appropriate where shade (or intense sun exposure), foot traffic, poor drainage or soils do not allow healthy grass.


A flower garden adds beauty and is an alternative to a conventional lawn area.

If you are having sod installed, the soil beneath it should be tilled to a depth of about 6 inches and enriched with organic material to help ensure a healthy lawn and root system. If the soil where roots will grow is not prepared, the grass will likely need more water to become established and in future years.

Cut grass to a height of at least two inches (at least one inch for Bermuda grass) to encourage good root growth and to help shade and thus retain moisture in the soil. Avoid cutting more than 40% of the height of grass, as that weakens the roots.

If your mower leaves small grass clippings, leave them on the lawn to enhance the soil.


Websites for more information

Conservation in general:

Waterwise landscaping:

Rainwater reuse and harvesting:

A “Water Smart” house:

Low-flush toilets:

Appliances: www.energystar.gov (US EPA/Department of Energy site).

Atención:

Para recibir tradución de esta información, llame por favor a la Impresa de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado de Orange al 968-4421.

Questions and comments?

We encourage you to visit, call or write to us with any comments or questions you may have about water conservation, the conservation standards and any related items.


The Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) is the nonprofit, community-owned water and sewer utility serving the Carrboro-Chapel Hill community. The Chapel Hill Town Council, Carrboro Board of Aldermen and Orange County Board of Commissioners appoint OWASA’s nine-member Board of Directors.

OWASA 400 Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro, NC 27510
(919) 968-4421; fax: 968-4464; Website: www.owasa.org; e-mail: webmaster@owasa.org