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constraints on access to OWASA's Jordan Lake allocation and to ensure a <br /> reliable and sustainable water supply for the future." <br /> Need for Jordan Lake? <br /> • Recent droughts have emphasized the need for a diverse water supply "portfolio" as we <br /> face increasingly uncertain future conditions of climate, land use, and hydrology. <br /> • Provides a crucial supply in the event of critical system failure, planned or unplanned <br /> maintenance, or other unforeseen situations <br /> • Jordan Lake is by far the most cost-effective option <br /> Key Actions Needed <br /> 1. Clarify the Water and Sewer Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement <br /> 2. Retain OWASA's Jordan Lake allocation; convert access from Level II ("future") to <br /> Level I ("current") <br /> 3. Work cooperatively with neighboring utilities to develop and implement necessary <br /> actions to secure OWASA's permanent, cost-effective access to its Jordan Lake <br /> allocation <br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked about Carrboro's hesitation. Executive Director of <br /> OWASA Ed Kerwin said that, in listening to the discussion, the concern was living within the <br /> means of the current water supply. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked what would happen if all of the partners did not approve it. <br /> Craig Benedict said that the plan is for all to approve on good faith. The plan is to provide <br /> Carrboro with additional information about how Orange County has been known to protect its <br /> own water supply and the water supplies of its neighbors. <br /> County Attorney John Roberts said that unless all parties agree, the amendment <br /> cannot take effect. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked about the plans to engage Carrboro and Craig Benedict <br /> said that Carrboro is not finished considering this. The dialogue with Carrboro will continue. <br /> Commissioner Gordon asked about the rewording of the agreement with respect to the <br /> language which she had questioned at a previous meeting. John Roberts said that the <br /> previous language could have been construed to apply to the entire agreement. He spoke <br /> with the other attorneys and they are satisfied with the revised language. <br /> Public Comment <br /> Carolyn Efland was representing UNC-Chapel Hill. She said that the University is <br /> OWASA's largest customer and a strong supporter of water conservation. She said that there <br /> is a 38% reduction in water use by reclaimed water. The conservation successes do not <br /> diminish the need for the University and UNC Hospitals to have an adequate, reliable water <br /> supply with the capacity to meet future needs. To provide that supply, OWASA needs <br /> increased resilience to catastrophic events and droughts. OWASA has only one treatment <br /> plant. Also, the reclaimed water system is not a loop system and is more vulnerable to failure. <br /> She said that not providing OWASA the ability to purchase water according to this new supply <br /> plan and driving up customer costs as a result creates a hardship for the University and all <br /> customers. In summary, the University's operation depends upon OWASA to provide an <br /> adequate supply of water at a reasonable and predictable cost. <br /> Kristen Smith, staff inember at the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Chamber of Commerce and an <br /> Orange County native, said that she was speaking on behalf of Aaron Nelson, President and <br /> CEO of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Chamber of Commerce. She said that the Chamber believes <br /> that water is a critical element of infrastructure. The Chamber trusts OWASA to be the expert. <br />