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3 <br /> OWASA Quarterly Report <br /> January 2026 <br /> Page 2 <br /> for PFAS, along with regulatory uncertainty and limited space on the campus, has slowed our timeline to <br /> better consider implementing additional PFAS treatment. <br /> At their special meeting on January 22, OWASA's Board of Directors agreed to a process for evaluating <br /> options for the new Clearwell to ensure its timely and necessary construction. It is anticipated that the <br /> Board will reach a final decision on the location of the Clearwell in April 2026, after which detailed <br /> design can begin.The Board has deferred the design of an advanced granulated activated carbon (GAC) <br /> water treatment facility to remove PFAS and other contaminants, in order to consider it with a more <br /> holistic PFAS management strategy. <br /> PFAS in Local Drinking Water Wells <br /> PFAS in local private drinking water wells in Orange,Alamance, and Chatham counties will be studied <br /> after resident-requested water quality testing showed elevated levels of PFAS in some wells. In May <br /> 2025, OWASA received results from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality testing of PFAS in <br /> drinking water wells adjacent to some farms where OWASA and other utilities land-apply biosolids. <br /> OWASA organized a working group to discuss the issue with public and environmental health experts <br /> from the three counties,the UNC Institute for the Environment, staff and leadership from the N.C. <br /> Department of Environmental Quality, and the N.C. Collaboratory.The group identified the need for a <br /> study to evaluate PFAS levels in additional wells and potential sources as a top priority. <br /> An interdisciplinary team at UNC is developing a pilot study that will launch in 2026. More details will be <br /> shared when they become available. Due to legacy application of biosolids in the area by other utilities, <br /> and other unknown potential sources of PFAS, it is important to study the PFAS distribution in the area <br /> more broadly to get a holistic view of how PFAS is reaching drinking water wells. The study's results will <br /> inform residents of the safety of their drinking water, identify potential sources of PFAS, and help <br /> affected residents determine whether they need to treat their drinking water. OWASA staff continue to <br /> work with this group as the study develops. <br /> Additionally,the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality continues to offer PFAS testing for private <br /> drinking water wells through the Bernard Allen Emergency Drinking Water Fund. <br /> Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at OWASA <br /> This quarter, our Wastewater Treatment Apprentice finished their year-long training, and new <br /> apprentices began their training at the water and wastewater treatment plants. OWASA's apprentice <br /> program provides opportunities for underrepresented communities in the water and wastewater <br /> industries, broadening the overall pool of candidates in the industry and opening doors for people of <br /> varied backgrounds. <br />