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OWASA Quarterly Report 5 <br /> January 26, 2022 <br /> Page 4 <br /> OWASA's mission, vision, and values to help guide the next steps developing a new strategic <br /> plan. <br /> OWASA staff will continue to provide updates to stakeholders and the community throughout <br /> the strategic planning process. <br /> Lead and Copper Rule: <br /> A revised Lead and Copper Rule from the Environmental Protection Agency is moving forward, <br /> including new guidelines to reduce lead in drinking water. <br /> OWASA has selected a consultant to assist in developing a lead service line inventory for our <br /> community and a strategy for removing any identified lead service lines. Where possible, <br /> OWASA will look to leverage federal and state funding from the Infrastructure and Jobs Act to <br /> assist in addressing any identified issues. <br /> For over 20 years, samples of water leaving OWASA's Water Treatment Plant have tested below <br /> the detectable level for lead of 3 parts per billion(ppb). One update in the new Lead and Copper <br /> Rule is a lower detection limit, which means samples must be analyzed using a method that can <br /> measure lower levels of lead than before. In anticipation of this change, OWASA began testing <br /> our latest round of regulatory sampling carried out from June to September 2020 at the new <br /> threshold; all of those samples have been below this updated detection level of 1 ppb. <br /> OWASA will continue to work with stakeholders throughout the implementation of this new <br /> rule. More information is available on the OWASA website. <br /> Long-Range Water Supply Plan: <br /> OWASA is continuing the process of updating the community's Long-Range Water Supply <br /> Plan. <br /> The OWASA Board of Directors is moving forward with Jordan Lake options as the alternative <br /> to augment existing supplies, including the expansion of the Quarry Reservoir. The Board will <br /> continue these discussions to update the community's Long-Range Water Supply Plan. <br /> Before making any final decisions on OWASA's Long-Range Water Supply Plan, OWASA will <br /> once again reach out to the community. We will work collaboratively with our community <br /> partners to ensure that our customers have high-quality, sustainable water resources for <br /> generations to come. <br /> Care to Share Day: <br /> OWASA's third-annual Care to Share Day was held on November 18, 2021. The annual event is <br /> focused on raising awareness of and funds for the Care to Share bill-assistance program, which is <br /> administered in partnership with the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service. <br /> This year's event included a news post on OWASA's website, messages on social media, and <br /> OWASA's Wonderful Water segment on WCHL. Partner agencies—including area local <br />