OWASA 2022 Recreation Season Dates and Guidelines

Orange Water and Sewer Authority is pleased to announce that the 2022 recreation season will open at Cane Creek Reservoir and University Lake on Saturday, March 26, 2022. The opening of the recreation season at the reservoirs will follow the same guidelines that were in place at the close of the 2021 season.

OWASA will have boats available for rent this season. Boat rentals will include the vessel and paddles; no boat motors will be rented at this time. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for use on the lakes. Electronic payment is strongly preferred for lake use and rental fees.

A permit application will remain in place for visitors who would like to reserve a boating space at either Cane Creek Reservoir (open Fridays and Saturdays) or University Lake (open Friday through Sunday) and will arrive between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Permit applications will be available each Monday and Tuesday on the Recreation page of the OWASA website for the upcoming weekend. OWASA will notify applicants of their permit status each Wednesday by email.

Gates will remain open after 10 a.m. for visitors without a reservation. After 10 a.m., all visitors will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis, until we reach our standard boating capacity at either reservoir.

Visitors who are interested in bank fishing or picnicking can visit either reservoir without a reservation beginning at 6:30 a.m. Reservations are only required for boating permits.

More information about boating permits and general visitor guidelines is available below. OWASA is excited to welcome visitors back to the reservoirs for the 2022 season and thanks visitors for following OWASA’s guidelines.

Boating:

A boating permit will allow for the individual receiving the permit and one guest to visit the selected reservoir; the visitor can either be in the permit-holder’s boat or bring their own boat. Boaters can supply their own equipment or rent a boat from OWASA. OWASA staff will continue to inspect equipment before allowing it to be used on the lakes.

If you receive a boating permit, the gates will open for your arrival between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. After 10 a.m. all visitors will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis.

General:

All visitors will be required to follow our existing rules and regulations concerning use of our facilities. The recreational offices will remain closed to the public. Restroom facilities will be open to the public.