Agenda - 02-17-2009 - 6b - Laserfiche WebLink

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OWASA ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY Quality Service Since 1977 MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Directors FROM: Ed Kerwin DATE: December 30,2008 SUBJECT: Regional Planning Regarding the Jordan Lake Water Supply Since my September 11th and 25th updates to the Board, I have participated in several meetings with senior staff from the city of Durham,Chatham County,Orange County and other jurisdictions regarding a potential regional approach to further develop the Jordan Lake water supply (possible western intake). Within the next month or so, I expect to execute on behalf of OWASA a Memorandum of Understanding with our regional partners(Durham as the lead)to continue our regional water supply planning work with the goal of collaboratively defining Jordan Lake's role as a sustainable water supply for our region. Our first key task will be to examine the region's long-term water supply and demand projections (including conservation, reuse and alternative supplies). This information will help determine the • potential role for Jordan Lake to meet regional needs. After this planning work is complete, it is likely that individual utilities(such as Chatham County and the city of Durham)will request increased(or new) Jordan Lake water supply storage allocations from the Environmental Management Commission. OWASA's current water supply storage allocation from Jordan Lake equates to about five million gallons per day(5 MGD). Once the regional planning has been completed and the water supply allocation process with the State is underway, it is likely that some entities (particularly Durham and Chatham County) will begin discussions on how (institutionally, financially and technically) to proceed with developing a western intake at Jordan Lake. Depending on the design and location of the intake, as well as the potential need for a new water treatment plant on the western side of the Lake, OWASA's land at Jordan Lake may or may not be a valuable asset to the participating entities. We will not know OWASA's role (if any) in the actual development of a western intake and/or use of our property until our own long-term (2060) water supply planning work has been completed next year and we have received input from our local governments regarding our options for ensuring a safe, secure and sustainable water supply for our community's future. Participants in this collaborative process will jointly fund certain support services required for this effort. I expect the costs for our participation in the regional planning work to be minimal, but essential. In keeping with the Board's direction, we will continue to play an active role as we work with our partners to ensure the optimal use of our regions limited water resources. Ed Kerwin Executive Director 400 Jones Ferry Road Equal Opporrurorr Emplorr Voice(919)965-4421 PO Box 366 Priti£ed no Reveled Piper FAX(919)968-4464 Carrbaro,NC 27510 0 36b $4 owase orq