Minutes - 20020820 - Laserfiche WebLink

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They also use a lot of well water. OWASA will continue public awareness by using a hand out (colored photo booklet). This same presentation will be given for Carrboro and Chapel Hill and the media will be used to spread efforts to conserve water. They have had joint meetings with other entities and have joined forces to help this cause. Commissioner Halkiotis asked about the worst-case scenario and Mr. Greene said that if they continue to use 11 million gallons a day, they would only have 123 days of water left. If usage is reduced to 9 million gallons a day, then available days of storage goes up to 150 days. Commissioner Brown asked about students returning and how this will harm the water supply. Mr. Greene stated that UNC has so many programs in the summer and a lot of students are still here; therefore, it is not too drastic when the students come back. Commissioner Brown asked about OWASA's program and the comparison with Cary's program, which has some kind of water restriction on a permanent basis. Mr. Greg Seller stated that Cary has year round water restrictions. Chair Barry Jacobs asked if Cary did conservation rates. Mr. Seller answered that Cary has a two-tier rate structure. Commissioner Brown suggested that we have another water summit for both ground water and surface water and its limitations and what it means for the future of the area in terms of growth. Commissioner Gordon expressed concern about the drought. She thinks that we need to consider a meeting of the minds and that OWASA may be willing to meet. She asked about OWASA's long-term plans. Mr. Greene said that they are meeting on this now. Commissioner Brown asked if the Manager would address emergency issues with Hillsborough. Chair Jacobs said that the staff would address this later in this meeting and at the Work Session on August 29`h. He said that we need to talk about alternatives and limitations on water use—it is not an endless supply. Commissioner Brown stated that before she came on the Board that the Board had invested wisely in a groundwater study to incorporate it into the County's planning. She thanked the Board for having this foresight. Commissioner Gordon said that 30-40% of residents use groundwater supply. She said that we do have three studies of groundwater and we need to put together the groundwater and surface water information. She stated that she is quite worried about the drought because the trees are dying and turning early. Commissioner Carey said that in our discussions with OWASA, we can focus back on water re-use. He said that OWASA had done studies on re-use. Perhaps we need to be more serious about a re-use system. Mr. Green stated that OWASA is looking at three re-use projects–filter backwash water with the Co-Generation facility, a project with the Botanical Gardens, and a project with Finley golf course. The biggest cost is for the infrastructure. Chair Jacobs said that groundwater issues may come up later this evening. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered as the Board addressed the items on the agenda below.) 2. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Gordon congratulated the Orange County School system on the opening of Cedar Ridge High School. She also wants to say that she is personally sorry that the neighbors bordering the Tuscany Ridge subdivision did not know about the subdivision; but when it came before the Board of County Commissioners and no one spoke against it, she thought it was okay. She had no idea that the neighbors were not notified and she is very sorry. Commissioner Gordon said that she sent information to all County Commissioners about the Transportation Advisory Committee 2025 transportation plan and at the TAC's next meeting they will be discussing a preferred alternative and there will be public comment for 45 days. Then the adopted plan will go in for air conformity analysis. It is important that the County Commissioners get involved and give their opinions.