Ken Larsen's web site - Does Chapel Hill have an ample supply of water to support population growth?

 

During 2007-2008 Chapel Hill, NC suffered a lengthly drought.  The local water utility, OWASA, imposed stringent water restrictions. 

 

If the population of Chapel Hill continues to grow, could future droughts have a dire consequence?  If so, what can be done?

 

Good news:  OWASA has found new water sources:

• OWASA now has rights to the water in a quarry west of Carrboro.  OWASA did not have rights at that time of the 2007-2008 drought.  They also have the opportunity for more fixed capacity based on interconnects to Jordan via Durham and Chatham.

• A separate pipeline was installed to the UNC campus to supply recycled water from sewage treatment plant to cooling water towers and for irrigation for grass fields.  This separate pipeline significantly reduced demand since the last drought on the two lakes in OWASA (which is the inlet to the water treatment plant).  

However, we still have to be cautious.  [details]