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5 <br /> OWASA Quarterly Report <br /> January 2026 <br /> Page 4 <br /> Following the meeting, conversations continued between OWASA staff and residents of the impacted <br /> neighborhoods. Noticing many questions about flood control and the University Lake Dam, it was clear <br /> that a community meeting at the dam would be helpful to improve understanding of the structure and <br /> identify OWASA's role in supporting the community on this issue. <br /> This meeting, held on November 20, illuminated the need for further guidance on how to address <br /> community flooding issues. In response, OWASA reached out to state and federal elected officials for <br /> insight, and organized a meeting of local leaders, initially scheduled for January 26,to discuss potential <br /> ways to address flooding concerns and provide guidance for concerned residents of these <br /> neighborhoods.The meeting was rescheduled for February 16 due to the recent winter storm.The goal <br /> of this meeting is to identify the best course of action for residents concerned about future flooding, and <br /> what entities should be involved in flood management for these communities. <br /> OWASA's Standards and Specifications for Developers, Contractors and Engineers <br /> In early December, OWASA announced changes to its design standards and specifications. Changes <br /> include: <br /> • revisions to specific details of fire hydrant construction requested by fire chiefs; <br /> • conformity of certain roadway details to Town standards; <br /> • irrigation system connection configuration to facilitate water conservation response; <br /> • clarification of rules regarding dumpster pads; <br /> • encroachments into OWASA easements for new construction; and <br /> • private master-metered systems and private collection systems. <br /> Southern Area Sewer Planning Study <br /> In November, OWASA began a planning study for the expanded OWASA service area adjacent to US <br /> Highway 15-501 on the south side of Chapel Hill.The study is being funded by the Town of Chapel Hill <br /> and will evaluate potential routes and design criteria for the sewer collection system to serve this <br /> recently expanded urban services area. A progress report for the study will be presented to the OWASA <br /> Board in mid-February, and the study is expected to be finalized in March. <br /> Considerations on Reimbursement for Water and Sewer System Development/Extension <br /> In November, OWASA staff provided the Board background information related to the potential <br /> development of an expanded reimbursement policy to cover extensions to the OWASA water and sewer <br /> system.The Board expressed general support for having staff propose a policy that would more <br /> equitably distribute the cost of main extensions to the parties benefiting from those extensions; support <br />