Orange Water & Sewer Authority

The Carrboro-Chapel Hill region is supplied by four water resources within the Shawl Fear River watershed:

• Walking Cane Creek Reservoir located approximately 8 miles west of Carrboro on NC-54's north side just beyond Stanford Road (approximately 3 billion gallon capacity)
• University Lake situated on Carrboro's western edge (approximately 450 million gallon capacity)
• Quarry Reservoir positioned about 2 miles west of Carrboro along NC-54's northern side (approximately 200 million gallon capacity)
• Jordan Lake in Chatham County, where the NC Environmental Administration Commission has allocated us 5 million gallons daily capacity for emergency use during severe droughts

We can access treated water from Jordan Lake through the Town of Cary and City of Durham water systems, which are interconnected to facilitate water transfers. By 2030, we plan to expand the Quarry Reservoir to at least 2.2 billion gallon capacity, though complete filling will require several years.

Many customers have questions about their tap water quality. Here are some frequently asked questions:

What is considered a safe level of lead in municipal water?

There is no safe level of lead in water. Regulations require 90% of samples to have less than 15 parts per billion (ppb), which is considered an Action Level. If exceeded, water providers must educate customers and offer lead exposure reduction tips. Our city's samples have consistently met regulatory requirements, with 90% having lead levels below 15 ppb.

How is water sampling conducted?

Fifty samples are collected from homes throughout the distribution system. Residents receive sample bottles and instructions to collect water first thing in the morning before any household water use. This captures stagnant water that has remained in pipes for at least 6 hours, which is more likely to contain lead due to extended contact with pipes and fixtures. Results are shared with sampled households and published in annual reports.

What causes lead in tap water?

The most common sources are old lead service lines, with lesser contributions from brass fixtures, fittings, and lead-soldered joints in household plumbing. Water leaving treatment plants and water mains (typically made of ductile iron, cast or galvanized steel) are not sources of lead.

How can consumers reduce lead exposure?

• Test your tap water - contact the Water Quality Lab at (302) 571-5148
• Flush your taps after periods of non-use until water runs noticeably cooler
• Remember to flush EACH drinking water tap after long periods of disuse
• Use the flushed water for non-drinking purposes like watering plants
• Only use cold water for cooking, drinking and baby formula preparation

What measures protect residents from lead exposure?

The city adds Zinc Orthophosphate, a corrosion inhibitor, before water leaves the treatment plant. This creates a protective coating inside water mains, service lines, and plumbing fixtures to reduce lead leaching. This approach is considered one of the most reliable methods for lead corrosion control.