A RESOLUTION OF GENERAL SUPPORT FOR INTERLOCAL WATER CONSERVATION STRATEGIES INCLUDING OWASA’S PURSUIT OF WATER USE EFFICIENCY CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, AND DIRECTING STAFF TO CONTINUE COLLABORATIVE WORK ON THESE INITIATIVES (2008-05-19/R-6)

WHEREAS, an adequate and high quality water supply is fundamental to the well-being and sustainability of our community; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill desires to continue working collaboratively with the Town of Carrboro, Orange County and OWASA to ensure the quality and adequacy of our local water resources; and

WHEREAS, water conservation and water use efficiency are cornerstones of our community’s water resource demand management strategy and complement Chapel Hill’s commitment to sustainable growth and development; and

WHEREAS, on February 14, 2008 the OWASA Board of Directors received and strongly endorsed Recommendations regarding Water Conservation Priorities and Initiatives for collaborative action by the Town of Chapel Hill, Town of Carrboro, Orange County and OWASA;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council does hereby:

  1. Express support for the OWASA Board of Directors’ February 14, 2008 recommendations to local governments regarding collaborative water conservation strategies including OWASA’s proposal to consider establishing water use efficiency requirements as conditions of receiving OWASA water and sewer services for all new development and redevelopment; and
  2. Direct the Town of Chapel Hill staff to work with staff from the Town of Carrboro, Orange County and OWASA to more fully develop and evaluate potential implementation strategies, a list of proposed water use efficiency standards and conditions of service, appropriate roles and responsibilities, resource needs and timetable for implementation, etc. 
  3. Request that OWASA provide a report on the proposed approach and implementation plan for the water use efficiency conditions of service strategy.

This the 19th day of May, 2008.