Recreation
We offer boating and fishing at University Lake and the Cane Creek Reservoir from late March to mid-November. Because OWASA's reservoirs are sources for drinking water, recreation is limited and controlled.
Our 2013 lake recreation season began on Saturday, March 23rd and will end on Sunday, November 10th. In 2013, our lakes will normally be open as follows during the recreation season:
University Lake: Saturday-Sunday, 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM*
919-942-8007; e-mail: University Lake
Cane Creek Reservoir: Friday (starting on April 5th)-Saturday, 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM*
919-942-5790; e-mail: Cane Creek
* For safety, recreation at the lakes is not allowed before dawn and we close in bad weather. Our lakes close for the Good Friday holiday (March 29, 2013) but are open for the Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day holidays.
Boating
We offer canoes and flat-bottomed boats for rent at both lakes. (Please see the fees listed below.)
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 our lake staff. (Boats on trailers are not permitted.)
The 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 OWASA electric trolling motor.
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 | Large scale location map including NC 54 east to Carrboro; Smaller scale map showing selected roads near the Cane Creek Reservoir
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, 2013
We accept payments in cash and by check with proper identification. An identification card with a photo is required for renting a boat.
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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 (under 12)
Lake use fee--senior (65/older)
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$2 per person
$0 per person
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$2.50 per person
$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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$82
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not offered
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Individual pass for lake use (ages 12-64)
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$46
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Individual pass to rent a boat and electric motor
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$163
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GROUP pass for 3 people--boat rental
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$163
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GROUP pass for 3 people--boat and electric motor rental
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$245
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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
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.
- UNIVERSITY LAKE AND THE CANE CREEK RESERVOIR ARE ALCOHOL-FREE FACILITIES.
- Life jackets are available in various sizes for adults and children at no charge. We have a few life jackets for infants. People with unusual size requirements or other special circumstances may need to bring their own life jackets. 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.
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.