Agenda - 05-22-1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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five studies conducted between 1969 and 1980. Most of the sites were not seriously considered because of inadequate yield, significant amounts of development in the drainage basin, transmission distance from existing systems, or other circumstances which rendered a site unsuitable for reservoir development. Because if the physical characteristics necessary for adequate reservoir development are well known, it is unlikely that any major sites were overlooked by these studies. Four of the most promising sites were fully detailed in the 1987 Orange County Water Supply Study. Since that time, the Orange County Commissioners and the Town of Hillsborough Board of Aldermen have indicated that a new impoundment on Seven-Nile Creek is the preferred alternative. Discussions regarding the planning and management of this facility are currently underway. Because Orange County is at or near the headwaters of major drainage basins, the sub-basins from which county suppliers can draw are small. This results in potential reservoir yields that are, at best, modest. It is clear that Orange County does not have the sites with a potential to supply large amounts of water over long periods of time. Sven with the Cane Creek Reservoir, the County as a whole could face a demand deficit before the year 2008. The County and individual water suppliers must think in regional terms for planning future long-term sources. Not only do surrounding counties have sites larger than those in Orange County, but joint action among water users can increase the cost effectiveness of source development. The largest of the sites in neighboring counties is Jordan Lake, with 100 mgd available as a drinking water supply. The allocation process was begun by the Division of Water Resource, NC Department of Natural Resources and Community Development in mid 1988 with actual allocations to be made as early as January 1989. Local governments and agencies in Orange County have requested 30.5 mgd, in Level II allocations, allocations that would not be used for at least five years. In late 1988, County governments/agencies were allocated a proportion of this future major supply. The City of Durham has recently completed of the Little River • Reservoir in northern Durham County. The project adds an additional 25 mgd of water supply to the Durham system, more than doubling its capacity. Once filled, the reservoir will give Durham a surplus beyond the year 2010. The water from this reservoir is in an upland watershed, most of which lies 2.3 text 6