Agenda - 03-11-2008-2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Attachment 2 Ig __ 1 RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE POLICY BOARDS AND MANAGEMENT OF CARRBORO, CHAPEL HILL, ORANGE COUNTY, AND OWASA REGARDING WATER CONSERVATION PRIORITIES AND INITIATIVES Prepared and submitted by the Planning and Resource Management staffs of the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill, Orange County, and OWASA January 28, 2008 Purpose and Background This summary report represents the consensus of an interlocal staff work group that was convened by OWASA in August 2006 to consider potential water conservation strategies. Following the receipt of information from OWASA in February 2006 about projected water supply and demand trends and the increasing importance of conservation in meeting long-term water needs, the elected boards of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Orange County .asked that OWASA staff work with their respective staffs in developing information and recommending specific actions that would enable the Towns, County, and OWASA to promote greater conservation of the community's water resources. This summary is drawn from a more comprehensive document prepared by OWASA staff and reviewed by the joint staff work group (Collaborative Water Conservation Strategies for Joint Consideration by Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Orange County -Draft, January 2008). That report provides substantial detail about a range of opportunities in addition to those specifically recommended in this summary report by the joint staff work group. Over=Arching Comments Water conservation and demand management are critical components .of OWASA's long-term strategy for ensuring a sustainable water supply for the citizens and businesses of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and the UNC community. OWASA has achieved significant progress over the past several years through its seasonal and tiered rates, process water recycling at the water treatment plant, and the reclaimed water partnership with the University. The Towns and County enacted uniform conservation ordinances that are among the most proactive and innovative in North Carolina. UNC has implemented extensive conservation measures throughout all sectors of its Chapel Hill campus and has agreed to pay more than $10 million for OWASA's reclaimed water system that will initially serve the main campus. The recommendations of the joint staff work group are intended to complement and reinforce the very significant accomplishments already achieved in our community. The work group strongly supports and encourages OWASA to continue its efforts to promote increased water efficiency through effective public education and targeted technical assistance to customers, aggressive conservation pricing, and utility management practices, such as the use of reclaimed water for non-potable needs. OWASA is encouraged to consider additional measures, including but not limited to financial incentives, such as reductions in water and sewer availability fees for water efficient buildings, rebates, credits, and low-interest loans, to further promote conservation by current and future customers. The work group also recommends that the OWASA Board of Directors and the elected boards of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Orange County consider additional strategies to complement OWASA's ongoing efforts. The Towns, County, and OWASA should adopt new water