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22 <br /> EXECUTIVE SUMMARY , <br /> consideration. Further evaluation of additional cost-effective treatment techniques, such as pre- <br /> oxidation with chlorine dioxide, is recommended(Chapter 4 and Appendix E). <br /> • Other Managenent Considerations. <br /> - Fish Population Management. The quantity and size of game fish(i.e., species popular with <br /> fishermen)in the reservoir will respond positively to improvements in the reservoir's water <br /> quality. There are, however, additional management actions, independent of water supply <br /> water quality protection, which could be undertaken to improve the game fish populations. <br /> Further monitoring of fish populations and habitat conditions(particularly dissolved oxygen <br /> concentrations in the shallow,near-shore areas) is recommended, followed by coordination <br /> with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to refine fishing limits at the reservoir(Chapter <br /> 4). <br /> - Microbial Pathogen Managenent. No instances of disease associated with key pathogens of <br /> concern, Cryptospon&=and Giardia, have been associated with the OWASA water supply. <br /> Monitoring information is limited,however, and actual presence of these pathogens in the <br /> reservoir is uncertain. Cryptosporidium remains a concern in the Cane Creek Watershed <br /> because it is associated with infected animals, particularly cows and beavers. Several factors, <br /> including watershed land management practices, physical characteristics of the reservoir, and <br /> treatment system operations used by OWASA mitigate the risk. Maintaining these barriers is <br /> important, along with improving real-time monitoring of particulate matter in finished water as <br /> an early indicator of potential problems(Chapter 4). <br /> - Nuisance Aquatic Weed Management. Aquatic weeds(macrophytes)have caused problems in <br /> a number of local water sources,but are not currently a problem in Cane Creek Reservoir. <br /> Preventing their introduction, however, requires continued vigilance. OWASA should <br /> maintain its prohibition of traiilered boats and continue inspection of allowed small boats and <br /> electric motors prior to launching. It is also recommended that OWASA establish a more <br /> formal surveillance program to locate and control localized outbreaks before they become <br /> threats to meeting management objectives(Chapter 4). <br /> (5) Management Selection <br /> Several management approaches have been identified which can meet the overall water quality goal established <br /> by OWASA. Each alternative, however, has significantly different implications for other goals such as <br /> minimizing impacts m waetsheci residents and OWASA customers. Completing a watershed management plan <br /> that meets all objectivea optimally can be accomplished only with additional public outreach and input. <br /> RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMPLETING A WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN <br /> To the extent possible, OWASA wants the Cane Creek Reservoir watershed management plan to be shaped, <br /> understood, and supported by the affected community. This report describes a number of alternative <br /> protection strategies to meet water quality management objectives. There is more work to be done, however, <br /> before a complete plan that meets all management objectives, including non-water quality objectives, is ready <br /> for implementation. <br /> E-7 <br />