Recreation
We provide seasonal boating and fishing at our University Lake and Cane Creek Reservoirs. Since OWASA's reservoirs are sources for drinking water, recreation is limited and controlled.
Our 2011 lake recreation season began on Saturday, March 26th and will end on Sunday, November 13th.
During our lake recreation season, our lakes are normally open on the following schedule:
- University Lake - Friday-Sunday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM* 919-942-8007; e-mail: University Lake
- Cane Creek Reservoir - Saturday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM* 919-942-5790; e-mail: Cane Creek
* Recreation at the lakes is not allowed before dawn or after dusk in any month and we may close due to bad weather.
Directions to University Lake | Vicinity Map
From the east: follow Main Street west through Carrboro to Jones Ferry Road; turn left onto South Old Fayetteville Road; go 400 feet and turn right onto University Lake Road, the entrance road to University Lake.
From the west: follow NC 54 or Jones Ferry Road east and turn right (south) onto Old Fayetteville Road; follow Old Fayetteville to University Lake Road, the entrance road to University Lake.
Directions to the Cane Creek Reservoir | Vicinity Map
From the east: follow NC 54 west of Carrboro for about eight miles from Carrboro Plaza. The Cane Creek entrance is on the right (north) side of NC 54 about a mile west of Stanford Road.
From the west: follow NC 54 east and go about one mile past Mebane Oaks Road to the Cane Creek entrance on the left (north) side of NC 54.
Lake recreation fees (effective in March, 2011)
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Service
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OWASA Customer or
Orange County Resident
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Other Citizens
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Boat rental fee
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$4.50 plus lake use fee(s) per person
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$8 plus lake use fee(s) per person
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Lake use fee, ages 12 to 64
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$4.50 per person
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$5.50 per person
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Lake use fee--child or senior citizen
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$2 per person
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$2.50 per person
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Launch fee for a private boat (for inspection by OWASA)
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$3.50 plus lake use fee(s) per person
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$7 plus lake use fee(s) per person
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Electric trolling motor rental
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$15
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$22
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Individual pass for boat rentals
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$80
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not offered
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Individual pass for lake use
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$45
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Individual pass for renting a boat and electric motor
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$160
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Group pass for 3 people--boat rental
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$240
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Group pass for 3 people--boat and electric motor rental
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$240
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Boating
We offer canoes and flat-bottomed boats for rent at both lakes. Citizens may use small private boats if they are brought in or on a car or truck; are clean of mud, vegetation, etc.; and are inspected by the lake staff. (Boats on trailers are not permitted.) These limits on private boats are intended to help prevent aquatic weeds, which cause problems for fish and water treatment, from getting into the reservoirs. To help protect water quality, we allow only electric motors at University Lake and the Cane Creek Reservoir. You may use your own electric motor after we inspect it for aquatic weeds, etc. or you may rent an electric trolling motor from us.
Fishing
Our reservoirs are stocked with bass, crappie, catfish, bluegills and a variety of sunfish.
Fishing Licenses
Under State law, a fishing license is necessary for anyone 16 or older except on July the Fourth. For more information on licenses, please contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission at 888-2huntfish (888-248-6834), send e-mail to licenses@ncwildlife.org or see the license information on the Commission's website, www.ncwildlife.org. You can purchase a State fishing license by mail or on-line through the NC Wildlife Commission's website, and at locations including Wal-Mart and Dick's Sporting Goods.
Swimming is Not Allowed (because our lakes are public water supplies)
Picnicking
We have free picnicking and sunbathing areas at both lakes. The Cane Creek Reservoir also has a nature trail with about 60 identified plants.
Pets
In order to protect water quality, pets are required to be on a leash at all times at our lakes. No pets are allowed in our boats and domestic animals are not allowed within 50 feet of the water.
Safety at the lakes
All citizens who use the lakes are encouraged to put safety first.
Life jackets are available for adults and children at no charge. Under Federal and State rules, all lake users are required to use a properly fitted lifejacket or equivalent flotation device suitable for the person’s size and weight.
We have life jackets, but people with unusual size requirements or other special circumstances may need to bring their own. We have a few life jackets for infants. We may not have the sizes needed by some adults.
University Lake and the Cane Creek Reservoir are alcohol-free facilities.
For people with disabilities
Citizens with disabilities can receive assistance from OWASA staff as needed to enjoy boating and other recreation at our lakes. University Lake has a fishing dock for use by people with disabilities.