Agenda 4-a - OWASA Annual Update Presentation

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11 Meeting Summary January 30, 2019 Page 2 2018, our customer service team provided approximately 1,600 leak notifications to OWASA customers. We are averaging about 220 notifications per month. To enable customers to track their own water use, we are in the process of implementing a web portal where customers will be able to track their water use data and learn conservation tips. The Agua Vista customer portal is scheduled to launch in March 2019. Penny Rich and Mark Marcoplos noted the value of Agua Vista to assist the community to save water and money. They suggested that when informing customers of a rate increase, the message should include conservation tips to help customers lower their water usage, thereby offsetting the impact of a rate increase. The public may also find useful how OWASA's rates compare with others in the region. Sewers for Historic Rogers Road Area Ray DuBose said OWASA is providing project management services to oversee the construction of 18,000 feet (almost 3.5 miles) of sewer pipes and about 70% of the pipes for the project have been installed. The contractor encountered underground rock along the path of the piping in the Rogers Road area, which is requiring low intensity blasting to the south and north of Tallyho Trail in Carrboro. A public meeting was coordinated by the project partners before blasting commenced. Low intensity underground blasting is currently underway. The project is now anticipated to be complete in the Spring of 2019. Affordability Outreach Program Ray DuBose said 2018 marked the third full year of OWASA's Affordability Outreach Program. Through this program, OWASA engages with over 20 social service agencies to empower low- income customers and local agencies that serve them with information and tools to better manage their water consumption and reduce bills. Last year, we worked with our partners, as well as directly with customers, to share water conservation information and low-flow devices (showerheads, aerators, and leak detection tablets). o For example, we worked with Orange County Housing and Community Development to promote water conservation and provide low-flow devices at the Section 8 Tenant Engagement Session on Money Management, Budgeting, and Housekeeping. We distribute an infographic and motion graphic developed in Year 1 of the Program to engage all customers in water wise behavior. The infographic was developed in English and Spanish; the motion graphic was narrated in English, Spanish, Burmese, and Karen and can be found on OWASA's YouTube Channel.