HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem - Agenda w-Hillsborough 03-22-2004MEMORANDUM
TO: County Commissioners
COPIES: John Link, County Manager
FROM: Paul Thames, PE, County Engineer
DATE: March 18, 2004
SUBJECT: Hillsborough water conservation /drought ordinance item for
March 22, 2004 joint meeting with Hillsborough
ATTACHMENTS: Draft Report on Eno River Capacity Use Agreement, water
conservation /drought ordinances, Hillsborough water rate
issues
As per the request of the Manager, I have attached a draft report touching on a potential
item of discussion on the agenda for the March 22, 2004 joint meeting between the
BOCC and the Hillsborough Town Board. The report remains in draft form and is
submitted for information and review only by Commissioners, the Manager and the
Attorney until I finalize it in response to input or questions from the BOCC or individual
Commissioners, the Manager and Attorney. Although the report is only in draft form, the
Manager and I felt that it is proper that Commissioners have access to this information
prior to facing a discussion on a proposed modification or complete overhaul of the
Town's water conservation/drought ordinance (and the County's ordinances if they are to
continue to tract together) and the implications of the proposal relative to BOCC goals
and values pertaining to water use, conservation and development.
If I may provide additional information, please advise.
MEMORANDUM.- draft
TO: County Commissioners
COPIES: John Link, County Manager
Geof Gledhill, County Attorney
David Stancil, ERCD Director
Craig Benedict, Planning Director
FROM: Paul Thames, PE, County Engineer
DATE: March 18, 2004
SUBJECT: Eno River Capacity Use Agreement, water conservation /drought
ordinances, Hillsborough water rates
ATTACHMENTS: Eno River Capacity Use Agreement, proposed (by the Town's Water
Sewer Advisory Committee) outline of a water use restriction ordinance
applicable to Town water customers, existing County Water
conservation /drought Ordinance
General
As per the request of the Manager, this report providing information related to history and
the use of water from the Eno River and involving the interests of both the County
Commissioners and the Town of Hillsborough is provided for BOCC review. Only one of
these issues and interests represents the driving motivation for providing the BOCC with
all of this information at this time: the Town of Hillsborough wants the Town and County
water conservation /drought ordinances to be modified to allow more water consumption by
Town water customers (as opposed to all water customers) during periods of low flow in
the Eno basin. The Town wishes to consider the proposed modifications for adoption in
the next few months (prior to the onset of the low flow period) and has requested that the
BOCC review and comment on proposed modifications. As the County water
conservation /drought ordinance governs water use by Town customers living outside the
Town, the Town hopes that the County will modify its own water conservation /drought
ordinance to track with the Town ordinance. However, discussion of water
conservation /drought ordinances must be put in context with other issues that are related
and are of concern to the BOCC. Accordingly, information on and /or County staff
analysis of issues involving the Eno River Capacity Use Agreement, Hillsborough utility
rates and water conservation issues is also provided. The specific topics of this report
are:
• The history and implementation of the Eno River Capacity Use Agreement
• The integration of Hillsborough's west fork reservoir into Capacity Use Agreement
• Hillsborough's water /utility rates
• Coordination /Modification of County and Town water conservation /drought ordinances
• Water conservation of Eno River water supplies
draft
The manner and extent to which these issues and topics are interrelated can be inferred
by and through general "statements of fact" as outlined below:
1. The Eno River Capacity -Use Agreement controls how much water can be drawn from
the Eno /Lake Orange system and under what conditions.
2. Other than a requirement for an instream flow release /contribution, the Capacity Use
Agreement does not control how much water can be drawn from the Eno/West Fork
Reservoir system.
3. Historically, the County and Town of Hillsborough water conservation /drought
ordinances have tracked fairly closely to one another and with the Capacity Use
Agreement, although the Agreement functions to limit how much water the utility
systems can use while the ordinances function to limit how much water individual
customers/ consumers can use.
4. The Town has very high water rates as a consequence of the combination of recently
incurred high dollar capital costs (West Fork Reservoir and water plant improvement
and expansion) and dramatically reduced water sales (loss of +/- 40% of water
sales /demand with closing of Flint Fabrics).
5. The Town hopes to bolster water demand (and generate lower water rates) by relaxing
the provisions of its own drought ordinance — applicable to half of its customer base -
and convincing the County to do likewise, at least to the portion of the County
ordinance applicable to the remaining half of its customer base (as opposed to the
portion of the County ordinance applicable to the Orange- Alamance customer base).
6. The Town or the Town's Water and Sewer Advisory Committee proposes that the
drought ordinance be modified whereupon voluntary water restrictions would be
implemented when it has less than 180 days of water supply remaining (counting water
supply from both the West Fork and Lake Orange reservoirs) and mandatory
restrictions would be implemented when it has less than 135 days of water supply
remaining (under the Town's current water demand rate, Lake Orange would be empty
or nearly empty before mandatory restrictions would be implemented).
7. The BOCC has historically placed a high value on water conservation as in accordance
with its general emphasis of environmental protection. The Board's concerns related
to water conservation have been raised to even higher levels as a consequence of the
recent severe drought. The BOCC has expressed deep concern and sympathy for the
Town of Hillsborough's out -of -town water customers who have complained to the
Board of the very high (double in -town' rates) water /sewer utility rates they pay.
Unfortunately, water conservation measures generally have the effect of increasing
water /sewer unit costs /rates in that a utility's high fixed costs (salaries, capital costs,
etc.,) must then be spread out over fewer units sold.
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8. The BOCC has expressed a goal or at least an serious interest in adopting a
comprehensive and cohesive water conservation /drought ordinance that uses common
terms and sets common conditions for water use restrictions and conservation
measures applicable to all OWASA, Town of Hillsborough and Orange - Alamance
water customers falling under County jurisdiction.
It is clear that there are a number of contradictory concepts or elements contained in
above the "statements of fact ". It is likewise clear that it will be very difficult to refine or
modify these contradictory elements to achieve some level of congruity.
Eno River Capacity Use Aqreement
According to the 1987 Capacity Use report, the historical roots of the impetus to evaluate
and control water use in the Eno basin stemmed from the total dewatering of the Eno
riverbed below Lake Ben Johnson (Hillsborough's run of the river reservoir and raw water
intake location) for prolonged periods "particularly after 1977 ". In 1979, Orange County
established a water resources task force to address water supply issues. The task force
report issued in 1981 alluded to the possible designation of the Eno as a capacity use
area. Growth, rising water demand and riverbed dewatering problems continued unabated
in subsequent years. In July 1986 the County adopted its water conservation /drought
ordinance which limited water use by individual water customers /consumers on the basis
of the amount of water storage remaining Lake Orange; and, in November 1986, the
BOCC formally requested that the NC Division of Water Resources initiate a full capacity
use investigation. The capacity use investigation culminated with the completion in
September 1987 of the "Report on the Eno River Area Capacity Use Investigation ". This
report recommended, among other things, that the entire Eno basin upstream of the
confluence of the Eno and Little Rivers in central Durham County be designated a surface
and ground water capacity use area. During the period of time between the completion of
the report and May of 1989, the stakeholders in the Eno water use issue (Orange County,
Town of Hillsborough, Orange - Alamance Water System, Piedmont Minerals, and NC
Division of Water Resources [DWR]) entered into a voluntary "Eno River Capacity Use
Agreement" which dealt only with surface water use at and upstream of Hillsborough.
In accordance with the provisions of the Capacity Use Agreement, Hillsborough, Orange
Alamance and Piedmont Minerals have voluntarily committed to a process in which
limitations on the quantity of raw water withdrawn from the Eno are initiated by a specific
naturally occurring low instream flow condition. That is, when natural instream flow (flow
not supplemented by releases from Lake Orange) falls below a daily average of 10 cubic
feet per second [cfs] or approximately 6.5 million gallons per day [mgd] for seven
consecutive days, the first level of withdrawal limits are implemented. Each of the
individual withdrawal allocations is specified as a daily withdrawal (ex. Hillsborough at 1.51
mgd) but is actually calculated as a daily average over a seven -day period (for example,
Hillsborough's daily withdrawal rates could [and often do] vary between 0.9 mgd and 1.8
mgd over a seven -day period but still average 1.5 mgd or less for the week). Individual
withdrawal allocations from the Eno River are further reduced according to water levels
(and water storage remaining) at Lake Orange (for example, Hillsborough's allocation is
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reduced to 1.36 mgd when the Lake Orange water level drops to two feet below full).
Orange County's role in the agreement is to coordinate the overall operational activities
related to water withdrawals; to release water from Lake Orange as necessary to meet the
withdrawal demands; and to maintain a minimum rate of instream flow (1.7 cfs [1.1 mgd]
specified to be an instantaneous minimum flow target) in the river as measured at the
Hillsborough gage (a USGS operated stream flow gage located south of Town, below the
last point of withdrawal but above the point where the Town discharges treated
wastewater into the river).
In the months and years since the agreement was first ratified, it has been modified in
terms of operational requirements to allow for reasonable controls and to account for
instream releases from Hillsborough's West Fork Reservoir. Specific operational changes
include: 1) modifying the low instream flow trigger (requiring seven consecutive days of
low instream flow) initiating withdrawal restrictions and the high instream flow trigger
(requiring seven consecutive days of high instream flow) curtailing withdrawal restrictions;
2) allowing withdrawing entities to share unused portions of their allocations with sufficient
notice; and 3) allowing essentially unlimited water withdrawals during periods of restriction
when short -term (at least 24 hours) but high (above 10 cfs) instream flows exist as a
consequence of intense and prolific thunderstorms; and 4) providing for higher instream
flows by requiring and instream flow contribution from the west fork reservoir.
Over the fifteen years that the Eno River Capacity Use Agreement has been in effect, the
specified system of controlling withdrawals and releases has worked fairly well. In general,
capacity use restrictions are in effect for a period ranging, on average, from early July to
late December. Significant deviations to the usual low flow (dry) period include the
summer /fall of 1989 and 2003 which were sufficiently wet that Capacity Use restrictions
were not implemented at all and the drought of 2002 when the low flow period spanned
from the beginning of April until the end of October.
There have been occasions numerous occasions when operational difficulties have been
encountered in the effort to limit withdrawals and maintain instream flow. Often the
outcome of these difficulties has been a period of time when there was either too much or
too little water was released for instream flow. Many of the problems have been related to
equipment failure: the water release gates at Lake Orange and power outages and other
failures at the USGS stream flow gage, for example. There have also been instances
where excessive amounts of water were withdrawn for weeks at time.
The processes of adjusting the release of water from Lake Orange (it is often 24 hours or
more before such adjustments become evident as an increase or decrease in flow at the
Hillsborough gage) and predicting when the users must reduce their Eno water
withdrawals and supplement their water demand by other sources are often unwieldy and
inaccurate. However, regardless of the various operational problems, stream -watch
monitoring of macro - invertebrate populations and water quality parameters in the Eno
River below Hillsborough has shown.the river to be more healthy during dry times than the
upper reaches of the Little and Flat Rivers, which have much larger drainage areas and no
water withdrawals upstream of the monitoring points. Addition indications of the efficacy
of the Capacity Use Agreement may found by evaluating how the system worked during
the 2002 drought in which this area, including the Eno basin, experienced the most severe
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drought conditions evident in more than 75 years of official rainfall /streamflow record
keeping. Although a critical water supply shortage was narrowly averted, the drought
eventually came and went without completely emptying Lake Orange and with several
months of water supply (sufficient to meet at least Hillsborough's demand) remaining in
the West Fork reservoir.
Insofar as the West Fork Reservoir is concerned, the Capacity Use Agreement does not
specify any limit on Hillsborough withdrawals from the reservoir. With the exception of the
requirement for an instream flow contribution, the agreement treats water from the
reservoir as if it were an outside the Eno basin water supply similar to Hillsborough's
historical purchases of treated water from OWASA or the City of Durham.
West Fork Reservoir
Construction of the Phase I reservoir (impounding approximately 786 million gallons of
water when filled to an elevation of approximately 633.0 feet MSL, surface area of 204
acres) was essentially completed in the fall of 2000. The net fifty year safe yield of the
Phase I reservoir (not including releases for instream flow) has been estimated to be 1.8
million gallons per day, giving the Town a total raw water availability of approximately 3.2
mgd under the first stage of Eno River Capacity Use Agreement withdrawal limitations.
Note: the term "50 -year safe yield" represents a statistical projection or extrapolation that essentially means that, at a daily
draft of 1.8 million gallons, there is a 100% probability that the reservoir will be completely depleted once in a 50 year period
and /or a 2% probability that it will be depleted in any given year. The Town began filling the reservoir in
early 2001 after a resolving several problems that allowed water to leak out of the
reservoir through its intake /release structure. In spite of the severe drought of 2002, the
reservoir has been filled to capacity since December 2002. Releases from a partially filled
(approximately 60 %) reservoir during the summer and early fall of 2002 helped prevent
the total draw -down of Lake Orange during the drought of 2002 and afforded the Town a
reliable supply of raw water when its Eno allocation had been significantly reduced and no
water was available for transfer from either the City of Durham or OWASA.
The plethora of permitting requirements imposed on the construction /development of the
reservoir by permitting authorities (US Army Corps of Engineers, US and NC Fish and
Wildlife, NC Division of Land Quality — Dam Safety section, NC Division of Water
Resources) include only one condition which modifies the terms and conditions of the Eno
River Capacity Use Agreement. Hillsborough is required to constantly release an amount
of water, ranging from 4.0 cfs (2.6 mgd) to 1.0 cfs (650,000 gallons per day [gpd]) to the
Eno, based on the time of year and the amount of water impounded at the time of release.
The 4.0 cfs is measured near the outlet from the dam intake /release structure occurs
during the month of April if the reservoir is filled to 60 percent or more of its capacity. The
1.0 cfs minimum release (which includes an additional release to account for in- channel
loses) is measured at the Hillsboro gage irrespective of the time of year or quantity of
water stored in the reservoir. The Capacity Use Agreement has been modified only to
incorporate the minimum 1.0 cfs release.
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There are no dam /reservoir permitting conditions requiring that Hillsborough use the water
in the West Fork reservoir to do anything other than supplement its previously existing Eno
River raw water supply. According to the Capacity Use Agreement, the Eno water supply
is and has been available with only one restriction during high flow periods (total
withdrawal cannot exceed an amount that equals the first stage of Eno water restrictions
plus water supply available from a source outside the Lake Orange /Eno system) and with
limitations during periods of low flow instream flow. There are no requirements that
Hillsborough use water from its reservoir to meet its water supply demand in lieu of using
its Eno allocation during low flow periods. Under permitting and Capacity Use conditions,
Hillsborough may limit its releases from its reservoir to those sufficient to provide for:
a) minimum instream flow release requirements; and b) the difference between its raw
water demand and the water withdrawal limits specified by the Capacity Use Agreement.
It is conceivable that a situation could arise in which the Hillsborough reservoir remains full
or nearly full while Lake Orange has been virtually emptied.
It is unlikely that Hillsborough would have ever undertaken the development of its reservoir
and the associated expense if it had been required to use the new water supply as
anything other than a supplement to its allocation from the existing Eno /Lake Orange
system. The 1.8 mgd yield of the reservoir is not large and, absent the water supply from
Lake Orange, would not serve to meet the Town's needs far into the future. Under such
circumstances, developing the reservoir would not have been economically feasible.
Furthermore, the practical effect of a requirement that Hillsborough use the water from its
reservoir rather than that from Lake Orange would be that Hillsborough's new water supply
would be used to sustain elevated levels of water use by the Orange- Alamance Water
System and Piedmont Minerals as well as the normal instream flow release. This situation
would arise because the elimination or reduction of releases for Hillsborough would allow
the water level in Lake Orange to remain high for longer periods of time. As the Capacity
Use specified instream flow and withdrawal rates for the other users are tied to the water
level at Lake Orange, those rates would also remain at higher levels for longer periods.
Thus, Hillsborough would be subsidizing those other water demands.
Hillsborough Water /Utility Rates
Over the past few years, the BOCC has been approached by individuals and groups who
are Town of Hillsborough utility customers living outside of the Town boundaries. These
individuals and groups have expressed strong discontent with Town utility rates and the
Town's practice of charging double rates to those utility customers living beyond the
corporate boundaries. Furthermore, these individuals and groups can demonstrate that
that the Town's utility rates are much higher than the norm for this area. And finally, out -
of -town utility customers have argued that there is no economic justification for charging
Hillsborough's out -of -town customers — no matter where they live — twice the utility rate for
in -town customers, no matter where they live.
That the Town's utility rates are very high a matter of common knowledge and is freely
acknowledged by Town officials. The Town's utility rates increased dramatically several
years ago coinciding with the Town's expending the funds necessary to improve its utility
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infrastructure and develop the west fork Eno River reservoir and its loss of utility revenues
with the closing of the Town's largest utility customer (Flint Fabrics, approximately 40% of
the Town's total water consumption). The Town's Water and Sewer Advisory Committee
has further acknowledged that it is difficult, perhaps even impossible, for the Town to fully
justify the use of double utility rate for out -of -town customers
The standard financial model for North Carolina municipal water /sewer utilities is that of an
enterprise operation or one in which all utility costs (capital reserve, equipment
replacement, debt service, personnel, maintenance, power, chemicals, billing, etc.) are
recovered entirely through a utility's rate and fee structure. It is not uncommon, however,
for shortfalls in utility revenues or a municipal utility fund to be addressed by transferring
funds from a municipality's general fund or fund balance reserves. Furthermore, some
portion of most utilities' capital and operating costs have historically been subsidized by
sales tax revenues legislatively earmarked for that purpose for from other municipal
funding sources such as bonds or grants.
Anecdotal evidence indicates that charging double or nearly double the in -town utility rates
for out -of- customers is the norm for nearly every municipally owned and operated utility in
North Carolina. Utilities local to Orange County (with the exception of OWASA, which in
independent of a local government) including Durham, Oxford, Mebane, Graham,
Pittsboro, and Burlington utilize a utility rate structure in which the out -of -town rate
approaches or even exceeds double the in -town rate.
The historical precedents of utility funding and rate - setting procedure are undoubtedly a
primary cause for continuing the practice of charging out -of -town customers a much higher
rate than in -town customers. Aside from the fact that any municipality's general fund is
the ultimate guarantor of the solvency of its utility operation, there is unlikely to be
significant present -day evidence that would demonstrate that the cost of providing utility
service to out -of -town customers is more than marginally greater than providing service to
in -town customers for most municipal utilities. In general, capital costs incurred in the
extension of utility service to new out -of -town development are paid in full by that
development (and recovered in sale /rental prices of new homes and building space).
Capital costs incurred in the extension of utility service to existing out -of -town
developments or neighborhoods are paid or by assessments on the individual property
owners in those existing neighborhoods. Capital costs associated with improvements to or
expansion of treatment facilities are generally captured by capital facilities fees. Actual
operating costs for a collection sub - system generally depend on the type of collection
system, the topography and geology of the service area(s) and its physical proximity to a
utility's maintenance facilities (out -of -town service areas could actually be closer than
across -town but still in -town areas).
The BOCC has communicated its concern and Hillsborough's out -of -town water
customers have communicated outright dissatisfaction to Town officials as to the Town's
practice of applying double utility rates to out -of -town customers. However, the Town has
continued to decline to modify the practice. The Town's decisions against changing the
rate structure is not particularly counter - intuitive in the sense that, with half the customer
base in town and half out, modifying the rate structure such that in -town customers receive
a 50% rate increase would provide out -of -town customers with only a 25% rate decrease.
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The Town's Water and Sewer Advisory Committee (citizen committee) working with Town
officials has conceived a strategy that it believes could reduce utility rates for all classes of
ratepayers. Specifically it believes that an increase in water consumption and sales
sufficient to restore or even exceed that lost by the closing of the Flint Fabrics plant would
lessen the need to charge the current high utility rates. With stabilized fixed costs (already
incurred capital costs for plant expansion, reservoir, etc.) and less significant incremental
costs (power, treatment chemicals, maintenance) applied to a higher quantity of sales,
rates could decline somewhat. Some increase in consumption will be achieved as the
Town moves to serve new development' Waterstone, Churton Grove and others. The
Town also proposes to relax the restrictions on water consumption during dry periods to
take advantage of its additional water supply, the cost of which has already been factored
into its rate structure.
Coordination /Modification of County and Town Water Conservation /Drought
Ordinances
When comparing dates of adoption or approval, the County and Town water conservation/
drought ordinances predate the Eno River Capacity Use Agreement by more than two
years. The Capacity Use Agreement limits how much water can be withdrawn from the
Eno, based on water levels — and quantity of water remaining in storage — at Lake Orange.
The water conservation /drought ordinances limit how individual water consumers/
customers can actually use water, based on water levels at Lake Orange. The primary
theory behind the ordinances is that a prohibition on non- or less- essential water -
consuming activities such as watering lawns and washing cars will lessen the demand on
the Eno system. Consequently, water for essential uses, primarily those uses involving
direct human consumption, bathing, etc., will be conserved and thus available for a longer
period of time. Accordingly, the ordinances work by first establishing a level or stage of
voluntary reduction of non - essential water uses and then establishing stages of mandatory
reductions which are increasing restrictive on non - essential and finally less- essential water
uses. Ultimately, the water conservation /drought ordinances raise (but do not describe or
legislate the procedures and practices) the specter of water rationing.
Historically, the County and Hillsborough water conservation /drought ordinances have
been nearly identical, calling for similar restrictions on water use at the same water levels
at Lake Orange. However, in February 2002, the Town amended its water use ordinance
to reflect the availability of water supplies to the Town from its West Fork Reservoir. The
specific change was to delay going into mandatory restrictions from the Level III condition
at Lake Orange (Level 1 =full, Level 11 =24" below full, Level III =37" below full, Level IV =70"
below full) to the Level IV condition. Orange County's ordinance was not changed and did
not remain consistent with the terms of the Town ordinance.
Since the time of Hillsborough's ordinance change, there has been only the period of the
2002 drought in which the differences in the County and Town could have caused serious
confusion and conflict (neither Capacity Use or Drought ordinance restrictions had to be
implemented during the normally dry months of 2003). During the short period in 2002
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when the County was in mandatory water use restriction while the Town was in voluntary
restrictions, the County and Town reached a temporary agreement to address the
conflicts. The County agreed to forgo enforcing its mandatory restrictions against the
Hillsborough water customers under County jurisdiction while the Town agreed to provide
additional (above Capacity Use requirements) water releases from the West Fork
Reservoir to supplement releases from Lake Orange. In essence, the arrangement
preserved and actually enhanced the integrity of the Lake Orange water supply for the
short period (water levels in Lake Orange dropped from the Stage III to the Stage IV level
in just 30 days [6/17/02 — 7/17/02] due to the unseasonably hot and dry conditions) in
which the ordinance restrictions were disparate.
The Town has been approached by some of its water customers who have asked that
water restrictions be relaxed (given the availability of additional water supplies from a
source - the West Fork Reservoir - the cost of which is already included in the water rates)
or that utility rates be reduced and /or equalized between in- and out -of -town customers.
The Town's response has been to seek input on these issues from its Water and Sewer
Advisory Committee. As indicated earlier, the advisory committee has recommended a
strategy that includes restoring the water demand /sale lost with the closing of Flint Fabrics.
One method of increasing water sales — relaxing water use restrictions during the normal
summer dry period — has the potential to address both complaints raised by Town water
customers. For example, the Town has calculated that water restrictions imposed in 2002
cost it loss water sales more than $500,000 or 11 % of its total annual water revenues. In
all probability, had the Town's proposed water use restriction imposing mandatory
restrictions only when its total water supply (Lake Orange and West Fork Reservoirs) falls
below 135 days of supply had been in effect in 2002, Hillsborough water customers would
not have faced any water restrictions during the drought (storage in the West Fork
Reservoir never fell below 150 days of supply). Consequently, the Town would not have
lost the $500,000 in utility revenues. Although the Town would have incurred the
incremental treatment costs, its rates could theoretically have been reduced by an amount
approaching 10% overall (or by 20% to out -of -town customers with no off - setting rate
increase to in -town customers).
Water Conservation of Eno River Water Supplies
Water conservation, including conservation of the very scarce Eno River water supply, has
long been a stated value of the BOCC. Insofar as the Eno is concerned, it has been the
Eno River Capacity Use Agreement that has actually accomplished this goal since its
inception. Customer demand on the Hillsborough and Orange - Alamance water utilities
has historically exceeded the Capacity Use specified water supply allocation of each
(although Hillsborough's water demand subsequent to the close Flint Fabrics has
generally been less than its Stage IV allocation). Historically, demand /Eno availability
shortfalls have been addressed by acquiring water from other sources — ground water
wells and purchases of treated water from Mebane, Graham and Burlington through Haw
River in the case of Orange - Alamance and treated water purchases from OWASA and
Durham in Hillsborough's case. It now appears that both Hillsborough (which has little
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interest in water conservation in the near term) and Orange - Alamance have developed a
sufficient water supply availability (generally at significant impact to their water rates) to
meet their demands for at least the near term, regardless of the outcome of County -
initiated water conservation /drought ordinances or other efforts.
Conclusion
While developing a comprehensive drought ordinance has been an ideal of the BOCC, it
appears to be increasingly unlikely that the County will be able to create and adopt an
ordinance specifying conditions and restrictions that address the widely varying conditions
applicable to the OWASA, Hillsborough and Orange - Alamance water supplies. The
process developed by OWASA to determine the water use restrictions applicable to its
customers depends on a complex probabilistic risk - assessment model developed by its
own staff (using historic stream flow /rainfall data in combination with demand /draw
down /evaporative loss /storage projections). Given that Hillsborough has two water supply
sources - one of which is shared by two other large scale users (and perhaps more given
water use by the upstream turf farm) and regulated by the Capacity Use Agreement and a
desire /need to sell more rather than less water, it is unlikely that a model or process
similar to those used by OWASA would be acceptable to or practical for the Town. Given
that Orange - Alamance has its Eno supply, three high -yield wells, contracts to purchase
significant quantities of treated water, and 60% of its customer base outside of Orange
County, it is questionable how much effect a County water use ordinance has on Orange -
Alamance's Eno River demand under any circumstances.
The water conservation goals of the BOCC are likewise in some degree of conflict with a
Town of Hillsborough short -term goal of generating greater use of its water resources.
This may be a conflict of limited duration as the Town recognizes that it will need to
become more conservative with its water resources as its current excess capacity is
exhausted. Town staff has also indicated the Town's recognition of the need to become
more conservative than indicated by the drought ordinance proposal in the event that the
onset of a water supply shortfall occurs early in the season (as with the 2002 drought) as
opposed to late in the season (as is the norm).
It appears that in the near term, Orange County should focus its water conservation efforts
on continuing to: a) monitor and comply with the limitations imposed by the Eno River
Capacity Use Agreement; and b) educate water consumers — those using well -water in
addition to those connected to municipal water systems — as to water conservation
technology (low flow toilets, shower heads, leak detection, rain barrels) and low water
demand or xeriscaped ornamental landscaping and planting techniques. The County's
drought ordinance would become less of a tool for water conservation efforts in the near
term in that it would basically allow each water provider to dictate water use restrictions for
its own customers. The new ordinance could essentially follow the concept of the existing
ordinance by providing one set of conditions for the customers of the OWASA system and
another set applicable to Hillsborough and Orange- Alamance customers.
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With continued growth, Hillsborough will eventually use up its existing excess water supply
capacity as well as that provided by developing the addition capacity available from
completing the second phase of the West Fork Reservoir. It is difficult to project what may
befall elements of Orange- Alamance's water supply components as its wells may
ultimately be exhausted with prolonged use and its water suppliers may find they no longer
have surplus water supply capacity. OWASA may too eventually exhaust much of the
excess water supply capacity that it now enjoys. In any event, the County's water
conservation /drought ordinance will have to be revisited as necessary to adapt to
changing conditions in the water supply situation. Ultimately, the County's water
conservation /drought ordinance may again become an important tool in the effort to insure
that the customers of the County's public water utilities do not face a water shortage
related public health crisis.
If I may provide additional information or clarification of that information provided herein,
please advise.
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Town of Hillsborough - Proposed Water Restriction Stages
July 24, 2003 Revision
These restrictions apply to Town of Hillsborough municipal water supply usage only.
Stage 0 — "No Stage" - Normal Conditions
Stage 1- Voluntary Restrictions
Implementation -This stage begins when the usable water capacity remaining is less than 180 days of supply.
Recommendations:
• Provide water saving devices to the public.
• Provide daily or weekly reservoir level and water usage statistics.
• Recommend water usage reduction techniques through water bills, fliers, notices, town web page and media.
• Recommend a usage reduction of 10% for all customers.
Stage 2 - Mandatory Restrictions
Implementation -This stage begins when the usable water capacity remaining is less than 135 days of supply.
Requirements & recommendations:
• Require water usage reduction techniques listed in Stage 1 and limited outdoor water use.
• Recommend a usage reduction of 20% for all customers.
• No private car washing (commercial car washing is permitted).
• No pressure washing.
• Alternating day outdoor water use based upon street address (odd or even).
Stage 3 — Rationing
Implementation -This stage begins when the usable water capacity remaining is less than 90 days of supply.
Requirements & recommendations:
• Require usage reduction of 30% for both residential and business (allow special medical exemptions)
• No outdoor water usage other than emergency /fire protection.
• Customers will not be required to use less than the billing minimum.
Enforcement:
• Use billing system stop checks to catch violators (1000 bills per month).
• Allow deferral of 1 st violation if achieved 50% of goal. Waive this fine if goal is reached in the second
month
• Graduated fines: 1`t offense= S50 Fine + Y Civil Penalty (not to exceed 32000), 2 offense = SJG Fire + 2Y
Civil Penalty (not to exceed $400), P offense = S50 Fine + 3Y Civil Penalty (not to exceed 5600), 4t' offense
= Discontinuation of water service until restrictions end, or until all fines are paid and assurance given that
they will not violate restriction again, and subject to Town Board approval. "Y" equals the violating
customer's average water bill.
Proposed Town of Hillsborough Policy for Out -of -Town Violator Enforcement
• Town of Hillsborough to notify Orange County Sheriff's Department for citations to be issued.
• Orange County Sheriff's Department issues citation ONLY upon complaint from the Town of Hillsborough.
• Orange County to notify the Town of Hillsborough (732 -2104) about complaints received regarding water restriction
violators (applies to any department that receives complaint)
NORTH CAROLINA
ORANGE COUNTY
ENO RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT
THIS MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
entered
into this
the
day
of , 1988 among
Orange
County,
North
Carolina
(hereinafter "County), the Town of Hillsborough, North Carolina
(hereinafter "Hillsborough "), Orange - Alamance Water System, Inc.
(hereinafter "Orange- Alamance "), and Piedmont Minerals, Inc.
(hereinafter "Piedmont Minerals ") for the purpose of implementing
the Eno River Water Management Plan:
WI T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources
and Community Development, after a capacity use investigation,
recommended to the North Carolina Environmental Management
Commission (hereinafter the EMC) that the Eno River watershed
area upstream from the confluence of the Eno River with the
Little River be designated a capacity use area pursuant to the
North Carolina Water Use Act of 1967 (G.S. 143 -215 et seg.); and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources
and Community Development conducted a public hearing regarding
the proposed designation of a capacity use area and consulted
with affected water users and reservoir owners; and that after
these consultations, the Department recommended to the EMC that
Eno River water users and reservoir owners be given the
1
opportunity to achieve the same goals that would be accomplished
under a capacity use designation by voluntary compliance with a
water management plan; and
WHEREAS, the EMC, in its Resolution No. 88 -13, dated
September 8, 1988, accepted the Eno River Capacity Use
Investigation Hearing Officer's Report, made upon consideration of
the recommendation of the North Carolina Department of Natural
Resources and Community Development; and
WHEREAS, the Eno River reservoir owners and water users
expressed willingness to follow the proposed Water Management Plan
for the Eno River; and
WHEREAS, the EMC endorsed the Water' Management Plan
recommended by the Department and by the Hearing Officer and
directed the Division of Water Resources to monitor compliance and
make periodic reports to the EMC; and
WHEREAS, the parties to this agreement are either major water
users or otherwise have an important role in the Water Management
Plan; and
WHEREAS, a failure on the part of the water users and
reservoir owners to comply with the Water Management Plan will
likely result in the designation by the EMC of the upper Eno River
watershed as a capacity use area and subsequent loss of local
control.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to the following specific
Obligations and responsibilities:
1. Water withdrawals and reservoir releases are subject to
controls and limitations as outlined in Table 1, which table is
2
attached to this agreement and made a part of it. Water users
affected by controls and limitations under the water management
operations plan are as follows:
a) County - release from Lake Orange, Corporation
Lake, and Lake Ben Johnston to meet downstream
withdrawals and in- stream flow requirements.
b) Hillsborough - Lake Ben Johnston withdrawal and
reservoir release (as instructed by the County) ,
and the Hillsborough wastewater treatment plant
discharge.
c) Orange - Alamance - Corporation Lake withdrawal and
reservoir release (as instructed by the County).
d) Piedmont Minerals - Eno River withdrawal and
discharge.
2. Table 1 establishes the maximum allowable surface water
withdrawals and minimum flow requirements at, the Eno River
Hillsborough gauge, based on the level of Lake Orange. Table 1
was approved by the EMC as a part of the Eno River Water
Management Plan. The parties agree (1) to comply with the water
withdrawal restrictions shown in Table 1, (2) to keep in- stream
flow levels at or above the. minimum required in Table 1, and ( 3 )
to work together to improve water retention in Lake Orange and to
maintain operational drawdowns at Corporation Lake and Lake Ben
Johnston to improve the total water supply yield of the reservoir
system.
3
3. At no time will users withdraw more than the amount
allocated in Table 1 at the 100 percent level of Lake Orange
unless the user has a water purchase contract with a source
outside the basin. Any such contract shall be valid only after
it is fully executed and filed with the Division of Water
Resources. If such a contract exists, withdrawals in excess of
the amount allocated (up to the contracted purchase amount) may
be made when the streamflow gauge at Hillsborough registers
greater than 10 cfs.
As stated in one of the notes to Table 1, withdrawals in
excess of the amount indicated by Table 1 may be made when the
USGS streamflow gauge at Hillsborough registers greater than 3
cfs. In no event, however, may the total daily withdrawal exceed
that allocated at the 100 percent level of.Lake Orange.
All withdrawals will be averaged over a 7 day period (Sunday
through Saturday) and compliance with the Table 1 permitted
withdrawals will be based on this weekly average. The in- stream
flow target at the Eno River Hillsborough streamflow gauge,
however, must be maintained at all times. No averaging of
streamflow targets are permitted.
Schedules of water. being purchased, and how such purchases
will affect withdrawals, must be provided to County at least one
week before the purchase. The purchase amounts for each day will
be sent with monthly reports of daily withdrawals to the Division
of Water Resources. Emergency withdrawals which would cause the
withdrawer to be out of compliance with the requirements of Table
4
1 must be documented and justified in writing and submitted with
the monthly report to the Division of Water Resources.
Subsequent conservation and reduced Eno River withdrawal may be
required to mitigate lost water reserves.
4. County shall have the following specific
responsibilities in addition to those stated or implied in Table
l:
a) Coordinating the withdrawal, release and retention
of water at Lake Orange, Corporation Lake, Lake
Ben Johnston, and Piedmont Minerals to achieve the
water management plan requirements and to insure
the in- stream flow required by Table 1;
b) Informing the water withdrawers of the Lake Orange
level and the Hillsborough gauge reading when Lake
Orange is less than full;
c) Informing the Division of Water Resources when any
problems are occurring in achieving in- stream flow
or meeting withrawal limitations;
d) Accurately reading the USGS gauge at Hillsborough;
e) Maintaining and operating the retention and
release of water at Lake Orange. Maintenance and
operation shall include, but is not limited to:
i) legible scales
_- ii) clear functioning gates
iii) effective operation of valves and gates
5
iv) a flow gauge at Lake Orange (to be obtained
and installed);
f) Initiating regular meetings of all parties to
review the management plan's operations. Any
party or the State can call a special meeting of
all parties based on need, and;
g) Developing a chart of water use and a summary of
operations
as a
report for
water users and the
Division of
Water
Resources
on a monthly basis.
5. Hillsborough, Orange - Alamance, and Piedmont Minerals
shall have the following specific responsibilities in addition to
those stated or implied on Table 1:
a) Maintaining and operating their respective
equipment, including, but not limited to:
i) legible scales
ii) clear functioning gates
iii) effective operation of valves and gates
iv) flow gauges downstream from their withdrawal
points;
b) Providing withdrawal schedules to the County at
least one week in advance and notifying the County
immediately regarding emergencies and other
necessary changes in the withdrawal schedule;
c) Providing,-on a monthly basis, withdrawals for
each day in million gallons per day to the
L
Division of Water Resources and to the County,
and;
d) Adjusting gates, valves, and other appropriate
equipment in response to County instructions to
assure in- stream flow.
6. As directed by the EMC in its Resolution No. 88 -13, the
Division of Water Resources shall provide technical assistance to
County and water users to assure that the management plan is
being conducted in a technically correct way.
7. This Implementation Agreement shall remain in effect
for so long as the Eno River Water Management Plan approved by
the EMC is in effect. The Implementation Agreement may be
amended consistent with the Eno River Water Management Plan upon
agreement of the parties.
Executed on behalf of the parties to this agreement by the
officers and officials below upon the authority of duly adopted
resolutions of the governing boards or boards of directors of the
parties, as appropriate.
H
Table 1
Maximum Allowable Surface Water Withdrawals
Based on Lake Orange Level
Drawdown Allowable S.irface Water Wi `hdrawal
Percent of in feet -- - - - - -- gallons per
Storage from from top
Remaining at of 1 -ft. Town of Orange- Piedmont Instream Flo
Lake Orange flashboard Hillsborough Alamance Minerals Reouireme.
>
100 spilling * * ** 1,100,00o
100
- 80 0.0 lr6401000 690,000 430,000 1,100,000
80
- 60 2.0 11480,000 620,000 380,000
650,000,
60
- 50 4.3 11390,000 590,000 360,000
450,000
50
- 40 5.8 1,3901000 590,000 ; 320,000
450100:
40
- 30 7.4 11230,000 520,000 190,000
0
<=
30 9.3 740,000 3101000 0
0
notes:
*
- adjusted to reflect outside source agreement. for
Billsborough and Orange- Alamance.
- Excess withdrawals from Eno River based on outside source
agreement can be made when flows at Hillsborough Gage are
10 cfs and above, regardless 'of water level in Lake Orange.
haximum withdrawals will be limited to the total of the
contract amount and the allocated amount.
- When flows are between 10 cfs and 3 cfs at the Hills-
borough Gage, withdrawals from the Eno River will be
limited to the 100 -80 percent of storage remaining amount-
shown above, regardless of water level in Lake Orange.
- When flows are less than 3 cfs at the Hillsborough Gage,
withdrawals will be limited to amounts shown above for
percent of storage remaining.
**
- For Piedmont Minerals Inc: When flows at the Hillsborough
gage are 14 cfs and above, withdrawals from the _no Rive
will be limited to 900,000 gallons per day (gpd) . Between
14 cfs and and 4 cfs, withdrawals will be limited to
430,000 gpd, regardless of water level in Lake-Orange.-
Below 4 cfs, withdrawals will be limited to amounts shown
above for percent of storage remaining.
i
Revised March 1.989
Table 1
Maximum Allowable Surface Water Withdrawals
Based on Lake Orange Level
Drawdown Allowable Surface Water Withdrawal
Percent of in feet -- - - - - -- gallons per day---------- -
Storage from top
Remaining at of 1 -ft. Town of Orange- Piedmont Instream Flow
Lake Orange flashboard Hillsborough Alamance Minerals Requirement
> 100
spilling
*
*
**
11100,000
100 - 80
0.0
11510,000
820,000
430,000
1,100,000
80 - 60
2.0
11360,000
740,000
380,000
650,000
60 - 50
4.3
11280,000
700,000
360,000
450,000
50 - 40
5.8
1,280,000
700,000
320,000
450,000
40 - 30
7.4
11130,000
620,0;00
190,000
0
<= 30
9.3
680,000
370400
0
0
notes:
* - Adjusted to reflect outside source agreement for
Hillsborough and Orange - Alamance .
Excess withdrawals from Eno River based on outside source
agreement can be made when flows at Hillsborough Gage are
10 cfs and above, regardless of water level in Lake Orange.
Maximum withdrawals will be limited to the total of the
contract amount and the allocated amount.
- When flows are between 10 cfs, and 3 cfs at the Hills-
borough Gage, withdrawals from the Eno River will be
limited to the 100 -80 percent of storage remaining amount
shown above, regardless of water level in Lake Orange.
- When flows are less than 3.-cfs at the Hillsborough Gage,
withdrawals will be limited to amounts shown above for
percent of storage remaining.
** - For Piedmont Minerals Inc: When flows at the Hillsborough
gage are 14 cfs and above, withdrawals from the Eno River
will be limited to 900,000 gallons per day (gpd). Between
14 cfs and and 4 cfs, withdrawals will be limited to
430,000 gpd, regardless of water level in Lake Orange.
Below 4 cfs, withdrawals will be limited to amounts shown
above for percent of storage remaining.
di
Qu,w
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
James G. Martin, Governor
William W. Cobey, Jr., $ecretary
July 3, 1990
Mr. Paul Thames, P.E.
Orange County Engineer
106 E. Margaret Lane
Hillsborough, NC.27278
Dear Mr. Thames:
John N. Morris
Director
.Attached is a copy of the revised table-which accompanies the
Eno River Voluntary Water Management Agreement. This table
reflects the implementation procedures discussed and agreed upon
at our meeting of June 22, 1990. The changes reflect the method
by which a low flow period, indicated by average daily flows less
than 10 cfs, will be initiated and terminated.
Also attached is a form which you may fill out and send to
Ms. Jeanne Robbins at the following address.
Jeanne C. Robbins, P.E.
Division of Water Resources
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611
Your completion and return of the attached form will indicate
that you understand and accept the amended agreement.
Sincerely,
,f
'John D. Wray
Deputy Director
P.U. Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 -7687 Telephone 919- 733 -4,064
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer
Revised July 1990
Table 1
r,laxJ-- m-i, -r, Allowable Surface Wat-er Withdrawals
Based on Lake Orange Level
Drawdown Allowable Surface Water Withdrawal
Percent of in feet -- - - - - -- gallons per day---------- -
Storage from top
Remaining at of 1 -ft. Town of Orange- Piedmont Instream Flow
Lake Orange f lashboard Hillsborough Alamance Minerals Requirement
> 100 spilling * * ** 111001000
100 - 80 0.0 1,510,000
820,000
430,000
1,100,000
80 - 60 200 11360,000
740,000
380,000
650,000
60 - 50 4.3 11280,000
700,000
360,000
450,000
50 - 40 5.8 1,280,000 700,000 320,000 450,000
40 - 30 7.4 11130,000 620,000 190,000 0
<= 30 9.3 680,000 370,000 0 0
Notes:
* - Adjusted to reflect outside source agreement for Hillsborough and Orange- Alamance.
- Excess withdrawals from Eno River based on outside source agreement may be made when
flows at the Eno River at Hillsborough Gage are 16 cubic feet per second (cfs) and
above, regardless of the water level in Lake Orange. Maximum withdrawals shall be
limited to the total of the contract amount and the allocated amount. .
- A low flow period will begin on the 7th consecutive day of the average daily flow at
the Hillsborough Gage dropping below 10 cfs. On the 4th day, the Orange County
Engineer will request that affected parties prepare for a low flow period.
- When flows are between 10 cfs and 3 cfs at the Hillsborough Gage during a low flow
period, withdrawals from the Eno River shall be limited to the 100 -80 percent of
storage remaining amount shown above, regardless of water level in Lake Orange.
- When flows are below 3 cfs at the Hillsborough Gage during a low flow period,
withdrawals shall be limited to amounts shown above for percent of storage remaining
at Lake Oi ange .
- A low flow period will be terminated when average daily flow at the Hillsborough Gage
registers 10 cfs or greater for a period of -7 consecutive days. The Orange County
Engineer will notify affected parties when the low flow period is terminated.
** - For Piedmont Minerals Inc.: When flows at the Hillsborough gage are 14 cfs and above,
withdrawals from the Eno River will be limited to 900,000 gallons per day (gpd)..
Between 14 cfs and 4 cfs, withdrawals will be limited to 430,000 gpd, regardless of
water level in .Lake Orange. Below 4 cfs, withdrawals will be limited to amounts-
shown above for percent of storage remaining.
�'ii ti's _ = , _ ••'.' ':,—: � ?� ;:i`�, ;:y:.`�::>:
�4 RAJ
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
Mr. Paul Thames
Orange County Engineer
109 Court Street
Hillsborough, NC 27278 -0566
March 29, 2000
RE: Amendment of Eno River Water Management Plan
Dear Mr. Thames:
The pending operation of Hillsborough's West Fork Eno Reservoir has required
changes to Table 1 in the Eno River Water Management Plan, which is the table that
specifies the maximum allowable surface water withdrawals based on water levels in Lake
Orange. Specifically, Table 1 has been revised to reflect (1) Hillsborough's additional
withdrawals of water supply releases from their West Fork Eno Reservoir and (2) the
additional 1.0 cfs (650,000 gpd) of instream flow at the Hillsborough gage being released
from the reservoir. All other provisions of Table 1 are unchanged.
Comments on these revisions were requested at our September 1999 users
meeting. In addition, a follow -up request for comments was made in December 1999 by
letter. No comments were received, so no further revisions were made.
Please acknowledge receipt of, and agreement with, the attached revised Table 1,
dated March 2000, by signing and returning this transmittal letter in the envelope provided
by April 15, 2000. This March 2000 version will supersede any previous version of Table
I in the Eno River Water Management Plan. Also, please keep a copy of this signed
transmittal for your records.
Thank you for your assistance with this matter. If you have any questions, please
contact me at 919- 715 -0390 or tonyyoung@ncmail.net.
Sincerely,
Tony Young, P.E.
Chief, Water Supply Planning Section
Enclosure
1,2- dock
Signature of "ent Date
P.O. BOX 27687, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27611-7687
PHONE 919-733-4064 FAX 91 9- 733 -3558
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY /AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER - 50% RECYCLED /1 O% POST- CONSUMER PAPER
Eno River Water Management Plan Table 1 Revised March 2000
Maximum Allowable Surface Water Withdrawals Based on Lake Orange Water Level
Notes:
t Allowable withdrawals for Hillsborough shown above do not include withdrawals of water supply releases from West Fork Eno Reservoir.
* - Adjusted to reflect outside source agreement for Hillsborough and Orange- Alamance.
- Excess withdrawals from Eno River based on outside source agreement may be made when flows at the Eno River at Hillsborough Gage are 10
cubic feet per second (cfs) and above, regardless of water level in Lake Orange. Maximum withdrawals shall be limited to the total of the
contract amount and the allocated amount.
- A low flow period will begin on the 7" consecutive day of the ,average daily flow at the Hillsborough Gage dropping below 10 cfs. On the 4`'
day, the Orange County Engineer will request that affected parties prepare for a low flow period.
- When flows are between 10 cfs and 3 cfs at the Hillsborough Gage during a low flow period, withdrawals from the Eno River shall be limited to
the Stage 1 amount shown above (100 -80 percent of storage remaining), regardless of water level in Lake Orange.
- When flows are below 3 cfs at the Hillsborough Gage during a low flow period, withdrawals shall be limited to amounts shown above for percent
of storage remaining at Lake Orange.
- A low flow period will be terminated when average daily flow at the Hillsborough Gage registers 10 cfs or greater for a period of 7 consecutive
days. The Orange County Engineer will notify affected parties when the low flow period is terminated.
* *For Piedmont Minerals: When flows at the Hillsborough Gage are 14 cfs and above, withdrawals from the Eno River will be limited to 900,000
gallons per day (gpd). Between 14 cfs and 4 cfs, withdrawals will be limited to 430,000 gpd, regardless of water level in Lake Orange. Below 4
cfs, withdrawals will be limited to amounts shown above for percent of storage remaining.
Allowable Surface Water Withdrawal
Instream Flow Requirement at Hillsborough Gage
Percent of
Drawdown
(gallons per day)
(gallons per day)
Storage
Remaining
in feet from
From
Total Flow at
at Lake
top of 1 -ft.
Town of
Orange-
Piedmont
From
West Fork Eno
Hillsborough
Orange
flashboard
Hillsborought
Alamance
Minerals
Lake Orange
Reservoir
Gage
> 1 00
spilling
p g
*t
*
**
1,100,000
650,000
1,7507000
Stage 1
100-80
0.0
1,510XOt
820,000
4307000
121001,000
650,000
1,750,000
Stage 2
80-60
2.0
1,360,0001
740,000
380,000
6502000
650,000
1,300,000
Stage 3
60-50
4.3
1,280,0001
700,000
3605000
4503000
650,000
1,100,000
Stage 4
50-40
5.8
1,280,000t
700,000
320,000
4507000
650,000
1,1001000
Stage 5
40-30
7.4
1,130,000t
620,000
190,000
0
6501000
6505000
Stage 6
<= 30
9.3
68030001
370,000
0
0
6502000
650,000
Notes:
t Allowable withdrawals for Hillsborough shown above do not include withdrawals of water supply releases from West Fork Eno Reservoir.
* - Adjusted to reflect outside source agreement for Hillsborough and Orange- Alamance.
- Excess withdrawals from Eno River based on outside source agreement may be made when flows at the Eno River at Hillsborough Gage are 10
cubic feet per second (cfs) and above, regardless of water level in Lake Orange. Maximum withdrawals shall be limited to the total of the
contract amount and the allocated amount.
- A low flow period will begin on the 7" consecutive day of the ,average daily flow at the Hillsborough Gage dropping below 10 cfs. On the 4`'
day, the Orange County Engineer will request that affected parties prepare for a low flow period.
- When flows are between 10 cfs and 3 cfs at the Hillsborough Gage during a low flow period, withdrawals from the Eno River shall be limited to
the Stage 1 amount shown above (100 -80 percent of storage remaining), regardless of water level in Lake Orange.
- When flows are below 3 cfs at the Hillsborough Gage during a low flow period, withdrawals shall be limited to amounts shown above for percent
of storage remaining at Lake Orange.
- A low flow period will be terminated when average daily flow at the Hillsborough Gage registers 10 cfs or greater for a period of 7 consecutive
days. The Orange County Engineer will notify affected parties when the low flow period is terminated.
* *For Piedmont Minerals: When flows at the Hillsborough Gage are 14 cfs and above, withdrawals from the Eno River will be limited to 900,000
gallons per day (gpd). Between 14 cfs and 4 cfs, withdrawals will be limited to 430,000 gpd, regardless of water level in Lake Orange. Below 4
cfs, withdrawals will be limited to amounts shown above for percent of storage remaining.
-
! : ... + A .
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
Mr. Paul Thames
Orange County Engineer
109 Court Street
Hillsborough, NC 27278 -0566
March 29, 2000
RE: Amendment of Eno River Water Management Plan
Dear Mr. Thames:
The pending operation of Hillsborough's West Fork Eno Reservoir has required
changes to Table 1 in the Eno River Water Management Plan, which is the table that
specifies the maximum allowable surface water withdrawals based on water levels in Lake
Orange. Specifically, Table 1 has been revised to reflect (1) Hillsborough's additional
withdrawals of water supply releases -from their West Fork Eno Reservoir and (2) the
additional 1.0 cfs (650,000 gpd) of instream flow at the Hillsborough gage being released
from the reservoir. All other provisions of Table 1 are unchanged
Comments on these revisions were requested at our September 1999 users
meeting. In addition, a follow -up request for comments was made in December 1999 by
letter. No comments were received, so no further revisions were made.
Please acknowledge receipt of, and agreement with, the attached revised Table 13
dated March 2000, by signing and returning this transmittal letter in the envelope provided
by April 15, 2000. This March 2000 version will supersede any previous version of Table
l ian the Eno River Water Management Plan. Also, please keep a copy of this signed
transmittal *for your records.
Thank you for your assistance with this matter. If you have any questions, please
contact me at 919- 715 -0390 or tonyyounga)ncmail.net.
Sincerely,
Lie
To Young, P.E.
Chief, Water Supply Planning Section
Enclosure
. 2 dam
Signature of R lent Date
P.O. BOX 27687, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 2.7611-7687
PHONE 919-733-4064 FAX 91 9- 733 -3558
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY /AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER - SO% RECYCLED /10% POST - CONSUMER PAPER
Eno River Water Management Plan Table 1 Revised March 2000
Maximum Allowable Surface Water Withdrawals Based on Lake Orange Water Level
Notes:
t Allowable withdrawals for Hillsborough shown above do not include withdrawals of water supply releases from West Fork Eno Reservoir.
* - Adjusted to reflect outside source agreement for Hillsborough and Orange - Alamance.
- Excess withdrawals from Eno River based on outside source agreement may be made when flows at the Eno River at Hillsborough Gage are 10
cubic feet per second (cfs) and above, regardless of water level in Lake Orange. Maximum withdrawals shall be limited to the total of the
contract amount and the allocated amount.
- A low flow period will begin on the 7' consecutive day of the .average daily flow at the Hillsborough Gage dropping below 10 cfs. On the 4`'
day, the Orange County Engineer will request that affected parties prepare for a low flow period.
- When flows are between 10 cfs and 3 cfs at the Hillsborough Gage during a low flow period, withdrawals from the Eno River shall be limited to
the Stage 1 amount shown above (100 -80 percent of storage remaining), regardless of water level in Lake Orange.
- When flows are below 3 cfs at the Hillsborough Gage during a low flow period,. withdrawals shall be limited to amounts shown above for percent
of storage remaining at Lake Orange.
- A low flow period will be terminated when average daily flow at the Hillsborough Gage registers 10 cfs or greater for a period of 7 consecutive
days. The Orange County Engineer will notify affected parties when the low flow period is terminated.
* *For Piedmont Minerals: When flows at the Hillsborough Gage are 14 cfs and above, withdrawals from the Eno River will be limited to 900,000
gallons per day (gpd). Between 14 cfs and 4 cfs, withdrawals will be limited to 430,000 gpd, regardless of water level in Lake Orange. Below 4
cfs, withdrawals will be limited to amounts shown above for percent of storage remaining.
Allowable Surface Water Withdrawal
Instream Flow Requirement at Hillsborough Gage
Percent of
Drawdown
(gallons per day)
(gallons per day)
Storage
Remaining
in feet from
From
Total Flow at
at Lake
top of 1 -ft.
Town of
r
Orange-
Piedmont
From
West Fork Eno
Hillsborough
Orange
flashboard
Hillsborought
Alamance
Minerals
Lake Orange
Reservoir
Gage
> 100
spilling s illin
*t
*
**
111002000
650,000
1317501000
Stage 1
.100-80
0.0
1,510,000t
820,000
430,000
1,10011000
650,000
1,750,000
Stage 2
80-60
2.0
1,360,000t
740,000
3801000
6502000
650,000
1,300,000
Stage 3
60-50
4.3
1,280,000t
700,000
360,000
450,000
6503,000
1,100,000
Stage 4
50-40
5.8
1,280,000f
70000
320,000
450,000
650,000
1,1003000
Stage 5
40-30
7.4
131303000t
6203000
190,000
0
650,000
650,000
Stage 6
<= 30
9.3
6801000t
3701000
0
0
650,000
650,000
Notes:
t Allowable withdrawals for Hillsborough shown above do not include withdrawals of water supply releases from West Fork Eno Reservoir.
* - Adjusted to reflect outside source agreement for Hillsborough and Orange - Alamance.
- Excess withdrawals from Eno River based on outside source agreement may be made when flows at the Eno River at Hillsborough Gage are 10
cubic feet per second (cfs) and above, regardless of water level in Lake Orange. Maximum withdrawals shall be limited to the total of the
contract amount and the allocated amount.
- A low flow period will begin on the 7' consecutive day of the .average daily flow at the Hillsborough Gage dropping below 10 cfs. On the 4`'
day, the Orange County Engineer will request that affected parties prepare for a low flow period.
- When flows are between 10 cfs and 3 cfs at the Hillsborough Gage during a low flow period, withdrawals from the Eno River shall be limited to
the Stage 1 amount shown above (100 -80 percent of storage remaining), regardless of water level in Lake Orange.
- When flows are below 3 cfs at the Hillsborough Gage during a low flow period,. withdrawals shall be limited to amounts shown above for percent
of storage remaining at Lake Orange.
- A low flow period will be terminated when average daily flow at the Hillsborough Gage registers 10 cfs or greater for a period of 7 consecutive
days. The Orange County Engineer will notify affected parties when the low flow period is terminated.
* *For Piedmont Minerals: When flows at the Hillsborough Gage are 14 cfs and above, withdrawals from the Eno River will be limited to 900,000
gallons per day (gpd). Between 14 cfs and 4 cfs, withdrawals will be limited to 430,000 gpd, regardless of water level in Lake Orange. Below 4
cfs, withdrawals will be limited to amounts shown above for percent of storage remaining.
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CONSERVATION OF WATER DURING A
WATER SHORTAGE, RESTRICTING THE USE OF WATER AND WATER
WITHDRAWALS, AND ALLOCATING AUGMENTED STREAMFLOW FROM RESERVOIRS.
WHEREAS, University Lake is a significant source of raw water
from which the orange Water and Sewer Authority supplies water to
Orange county; and
WHEREAS, a critical water supply condition exists on the upper
Eno River with only Lake Orange to rely upon in times of
drought as a significant reserve water source for (a)
supplying Hillsborough, Orange Water and Sewer
Authority, and Orange Alamance, and for (b) augmenting
streamflow in the Eno River to assimilate waste
discharge from the Town of Hillsborough Wastewater
Treatment Plant; and
WHEREAS, the level of both University Lake and Lake Orange must
be managed to insure that orange County citizens have
essential supplies of water in these reservoirs can
extend the time and availability of suplies for all
users during critical periods; and
WHEREAS, some degree of demand reduction and cooperation by the
users of the water in these reservoirs can extend the
time and availability of supplies for all users during
critical periods; and
WHEREAS, no user has the right to withdraw a disproportionate
share of the augmented flow nor reduce natural
streamflow such that other downstream riparian needs and
instream needs cannot be satisfied; and
WHEREAS, General Statutes section 153A -121 authorizes owners of
stored water to set rules to govern water allocation during
drought periods; and WHEREAS, Orange County has developed
conservation rules and an allocation plan based upon monthly raw
water withdrawal records, modeling of streamflow conditions as
have existed over a 40 year period by the North Carolina Division
of Water Resources, and calculation of the 7 -day 10 year low flow
at Lake Ben Johnson.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of County Commissioners-of Orange
County, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes Section 153A-
121, ORDAINS:
ARTICLE 1. Water Shortaqe and Withdrawal /Conservation
Restrictions.
A. While water is flowing over the Lake Orange spillway normal
conditions will be deemed to exist with no withdrawal or
conservation restrictions to be enforced.
A water shortage shall be declared to exist with respect to
Lake Orange, whenever the level of Lake Orange reaches the
second of seven stages shown on Table 1 or whenever
emergencies develop such that citizens cannot be supplied
with water to protect their health, safety and welfare
without curtailing the water demand. Conservation measures
and a limit on withdrawals shall be instituted upon reaching
the alert stage and made more restrictive through successive
stages of drought in an effort to prolong the availability of
water. Each public water user must make allowance to pass
below its intake facilities the prescribed minimum flow
established for its service area plus the proportionate share
of other water users' share plus instream flow need cal-
culated for the Eno River below Lake Ben Johnson. Water
withdrawal rates for public water users and in stream flow
releases shall be instituted in the amounts and per the
conditions shown in Table II.
B. A water shortage shall be deemed to exist, with respect to
University Lake, whenever the level of University Lake
reaches the second of the six stages shown on Table 1, or
whenever emergencies develop such that citizens cannot be
supplied with water to protect their health, safety and
welfare without curtailing the water demand.
C. In the event of a water shortage in either University Lake or
Lake Orange or both, the Chairman of the Board of County
Commissioners is authorized, empowered, and directed to issue
a public proclamation declaring to all persons the existence
of such state and the severity thereof, and place in effect
the restrictive provisions authorized in Article 3 of this
ordinance.
ARTICLE 2. Unlawful to Use Water Contrary to Provisions of this
Ordinance.
The streamflow requirements of the Eno River set forth in
Table II shall be in effect at all times from the effective date
of this ordinance. From the effective date of this ordinance it
shall be unlawful and a violation of this ordinance for any water
user to cause the streamflow to be reduced below ive written
substantiation of the need for the exception with its request.
In the event the Chairman of the Board of County
Commissioners issues any proclamation authorized by Article 1,
then it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to
use or permit the use of water from the Eno River through the
facilities of the Orange - Alamance Water System, Inc., the Town of
Hillsborough, or the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (when
supplied by the Town of Hillsborough) and water from any raw
water supply within Orange county used by the Orange Water and
Sewer Authority, in violation of any of the mandatory
restrictions contained in'the proclamation until the Chairman, by
public proclamation, has declared a particular stage of the water
shortage to be over and the restrictions applicable to it no
longer in effect.
In light of the many benefits that.can be derived by
conserving water, all persons, firms, or corporations in Orange
County using any of the water supplies which are the subject of
this ordinance should follow water conservation practices
regardless of the time of year or whether or not a water shortage
exists. Water conservation should be followed during all phases
of construction - related activities. Water needed should be
obtained from supplemental sources other than the Eno River
portion lying above the Hillsborough Waste Treatment Plant. Where
water for construction is needed from the Eno River written
permission shall be obtained from a water providing utility. All
such water shall be considered as a portion of the utility's
water allocation. A copy of the written approval shall be
delivered to the Orange County Manager immediately.
ARTICLE 3. Restrictive Measures in Effect at Each Stage of a
Water Shortage
The severity of the water shortage shall be determined by
the emergency or the level of University Lake and Lake Orange as
shown on Table 1.
A. In the event the water level of University Lake declines
to a stage II level above mean sea level, in feet, a
stage II water shortage ALERT shall be deemed in effect.
In the event the water level of Lake Orange declines to
a stage II elevation of water below Lake Orange
spillway, in feet, a stage II water shortage ALERT shall
be deemed in effect. When a water shortage ALERT is in
effect the following voluntary water restrictions are
imposed:
1. Use shower for bathing rather than bathtub and limit
shower to no more than four (4) minutes.
2. Limit flushing of toilets by multiple usage.
3. Do not leave faucets running while shaving or rinsing
dishes.
4. Limit use of clothes washers and dishwashers and when
used, operate fully loaded.
5. Limit lawn watering to that which is necessary for
plants to survive.
6. Water shrubbery the minimum required, reusing
household water when possible.
7. Limit car washing to the minimum.
8. Do not wash down outside areas such as sidewalks;
patios,etc.
9. Install water flow restrictive devices in shower
heads.
10.Use disposable and biodegradable dishes.
11.Install water saving devices such as bricks, plastic
bottles or commercial units in toilet tanks.
12.Limit hours of operation of water - cooled air
conditioners..
B. In the event the water level of University Lake declines
to a stage III level above mean sea level, in feet, a
stage III water shortage WARNING shall be deemed in
effect. In the event the water level of Lake Orange
declines to a stage III elevation of water below Lake
Orange spillway, in feet, a stage III water shortage
WARNING shall be deemed in effect, and in addition to
the restrictions heretofore imposed, the following
moderate mandatory water restrictions shall be in
effect. It shall be unlawful to use water from the
public water system supplied by the Town of
Hillsborough, Orange Alamance Water System or the Orange
Water and Sewer Authority for the following purposes:
1. To water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flower and
vegetable gardens except as follows:
a. Customers located outside the OWASA Service Area
may water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flowers
and vegetable gardens during Saturday or Sunday
evenings between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00
p.m.
b. Customers within the OWASA Service Area located to
the south of the centerline of NC 54 West, Main
Street in Carrboro, Franklin street, and us 15/501
Boulevard may water lawns, grass, shrubbery,
trees, flower and vegetable gardens on Saturday
evening between the hours of 6: 00 p. m. and 9: 00 p. m .
Customers located to the north of the centerline
of NC 54 West, Main street in Carrboro, Franklin
Street, and us 15/501 Boulevard may water lawns,
grass, shrubbery, trees, flower and vegetable
gardens on Sunday evening between the hours of
6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
c. All such watering is to be done by hand -held hose
or container or drip irrigation system.
2. To fill newly constructed swimming and /or wading
pools or refill swimming and /or wading pools which
have been drained. A minimal amount of water.may be
added to maintain continued operation of pools which
are in operation at the time the provisions of a
stage III WARNING are placed into effect.
.3. To operate water - cooled air conditioners or other
equipment that does not recycle cooling water, except
when health and safety are adversely affected.
4. To wash automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats,
airplanes, or any other type of mobile equipment,
including commercial washing.
5. To wash -down outside areas such as streets,
driveways, service station aprons, parking lots,
office buildings, exteriors of existing or newly
constructed homes or apartments, sidewalks, or
patios, or to use water for other similar purposes.
6. To operate or introduce water into any ornamental
fountain, pool or pond or other structure making
similar use of water.
7. To serve drinking water in restaurants, cafeterias,
or other food establishment, except upon request.
8. To use water from public or private fire hydrants for
any purpose other than fire suppression or other
public emergency.
9. To use water for dust control or compaction.
10. To intentionally waste water.
The owner or occupant of any land or building which receives
water from Orange Water and Sewer Authority and that also
utilizes water from a well or supply other than that of Orange
Water and Sewer Authority shall post and maintain in a prominent
place thereon a sign furnished by Orange Water and Sewer
Authority giving public notice to the use of the well or other
source of supply.
It shall be unlawful to use water from the Eno River through
the facilities of the Town of Hillsborough, the Orange - Alamance
Water System, Inc., and the Orange Al'amance Water Corporation for
the following purposes:
1. To water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flower and
vegetable gardens except between the. hours of 6:00
p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
2. To fill newly constructed swimming and /or wading
pools or refill swimming and /or wading pools which
have been drained. A minimal amount of water may be
added to maintain continued operation of pools which
are in operation at the time the provisions of a
stage.III WARNING are placed into effect.
3. To operate water - cooled air conditioners or other
equipment that does not recycle cooling water, except
when health and safety are adversely affected.
4. To wash automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats,
airplanes, or any other type of mobile equipment,
including commercial washing.
5. To wash down outside areas such as streets,
driveways, service station aprons, parking lots,
office buildings, exteriors of existing or newly
constructed homes or apartments, sidewalks, or
patios, or to use water for other similar purposes.
6. To operate or introduce water into any ornamental
fountain, pool or pond or other structure making
similar use of water.
7. To serve drinking water in restaurants, cafeterias,
or other food establishment, except upon request.
8. To use water from public or private fire hydrants for
any purpose other than fire suppression or other
public emergency.
9. 'To use water for dust control or compaction.
10. To intentionally waste water.
The owner or occupant of any land or building which receives
water from the Orange - Alamance Water System, Inc, or the Town of
Hillsborough and that also utilizes water from a well or supply
other than that of Orange - Alamance Water system, Inc. or the Town
of Hillsborough shall po -t.and maintain -n a prominent place
thereon a sign furnished by Orange County g -v -ng publ -c not -ce to
the use of the well or other source of supply.
C. In the event the water level of University Lake declines
to a stage IV level above mean sea level, in feet, a
stage IV water shortage DANGER shall be deemed in
effect. In the event the water level of Lake Orange
declines to a stage IV elevation of water below Lake
Orange spillway, in feet, a stage IV water shortage
DANGER shall be deemed in effect, and in addition to the
restrictions heretofore imposed, the following severe
mandatory water restrictions shall be in effect. It
shall be unlawful:
1. To wat.er or sprinkle any lawn.
2. To water any vegetable garden or ornamental shrubs
except during the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on
Saturday.
3. To make any non - essential use of water for commercial
or public use, and the use of single service plates
and utensils is encouraged and recommended in
restaurants.
D. In the event the water level of University Lake declines
to a stage V level above mean sea level, in feet, a
stage V water shortage EMERGENCY shall be deemed in
effect. In the event the water level of Lake Orange
declines to a stage V elevation of water below Lake
Orange spillway, in feet, a stage V water shortage
EMERGENCY shall be deemed in effect, and in addition to
the restrictions heretofore imposed, the following
stringent mandatory water restrictions shall be in
effect, and in addition to the restrictions heretofore
imposed, the following severe mandatory water
restrictions shall be in effect. It shall be unlawful:
1. To use water outside a structure for any use other
than an emergency use involving fire.
2. To operate an evaporative air conditioning unit which
recycles water except during the operating hours of
the business.
3. To introduce water into any swimming pool.
E. In the event the water level of University Lake -
declines to a stage VI level above mean sea level, in
feet, a stage VI water shortage CRISIS shall be deemed
in effect. In the event the water level of Lake Orange
declines to a stage VI elevation of water below Lake
Orange spillway, in feet, a stage VI water shortage
CRISIS shall be deemed in effect, and a system of water
rationing shall be put in effect in addition to all
previously imposed restrictions. In the event of water
rationing in which water will be supplied in the minimal
quantities required for the health, welfare, and safety
of the citizens in accordance with a program determined
by Orange County:
1. It shall be unlawful to fail to act in accordance
therewith or use water in any manner or attempt to
evade or avoid such water rationing restrictions.
2. Fire protection will be maintained, but where
possible tank trucks shall use raw water.
ARTICLE 4. Penalties.
A. Any violation of the provisions of this ordiance shall
constitute a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by
a fine not to exceed $50.00 or imprisonment not to
exceed thirty days, as provided by N. C. General statute
section 14 -4. Any such violation may be enjoined,
restrained, or abated as provided by N. C. General
Statute section 153A- 123(d). and 153A- 123(e).
B. If any section, subdivision, clause or provision of this
ordinance shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication
shall apply only to such section, subdivision, clause,
or provision so adjudged, and the remainder of this
ordinance shall be deemed valid and effective.
C. All Ordinances and clauses of Ordinances in conflict
herewith are repealed on the effective date of this
Ordinance. The Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE
PROVIDING FOR THE CONSERVATION OF WATER DURING A WATER
SHORTAGE, AND RESTRICTING THE USE OF WATER DURING MORE
SEVERE SHORTAGES" and as amended, is repealed on the
effective date of this Ordinance. The adoption of this
Ordinance,however, shall not affect nor prevent any
pending or future prosecution of, or action to abate or
enjoin, an existing violation of said Ordinance.
D. This Ordinance shall become effective when adopted.
Adopted this the 10th day of JULY, 1986.
WATER CONSERVATION ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ADOPTED JULY 29, 1986
During ACTION STAGES II -VI of the Lake Orange Conservation
Stages, OWASA shall be allocated up to .50 MGD, which may be
withdrawn as prescribed in this Ordinance and as prescribed in
any contract between-OWASA and other water users named in this
TABLE II. Any such allocation shall only occur when the number of
usable days of water remaining from all other water supply
sources available to OWASA is less than the number of usable days
of water remaining in the water supply reservoirs of Lake Ben
Johnston, Corporation Lake and Lake Orange including augmentation
from other sources. The number of usable days of water remaining
in the water supply reservoirs of Lake Ben Johnston, Corporation
Lake and Lake Orange including augmentation from other sources
shall be determined using the water usage allocation limit,
including instream flow, established in this TABLE II.
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 8, 1987
SUBJECT: WATER CONSERVATION ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
DEPARTMENT: COUNTY MANAGER
ATTACHMENT(S):
TABLES I AND II
PUBLIC HEARING:
Action Agenda
Item No. G10
uw.�� el
INFORMATION CONTACT:MANAGER'S
OFFICE,X501
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
Hillsborough - 732 -8181
Chapel Hill - 968 -4501
Mebane - 227 -2031
Durham - 688 -7331
PURPOSE: Consideration of amending Tables I and II of the
Water Conservation Ordinance.
BACKGROUND:The Division of Water Resources has recomputed
elevation of water below Lake Orange spillway. The
existing ordinance computed elevation of water below
Lake Orange Spillway which did not include the "dead
pool (water that can not be drained from lake). The
new computations from the State include the dead pool
and account for the flashboard, which raises Lake
Orange one foot.
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Amend Water Conservation Ordinance to reflect changes
in Tables I and II which include dead pool and based
on spillway at 614 feet (Attachment II). Amend
ordinance to reflect increased water capacity based
on spillway at 615 feet (Attachment III) effective
January 1, 1988.
EXISTING ORDINANCE
(ATTACHMENT 1)
Lake Orange Conservation
Stage Determination
University Lake
Conservation Stage
Determination
n1evation of
V.-:giblm
14-ater TA(4A(,w
lb tn I
U-malble
I I
OM I'Kjf-1
StOt-0917- Vunbln
stora'r
Wbxm ff'-san U's-lble
Ln INS
loct
w
(.In
397.
TULL
427
I.• 1K)UMG
.(loot usable DLO-rage)
xi.,
AUMT
307
.21-4
349
347 (2 4
{C b. stot�a-gu)
Got nto mm)
ux
260
346 1 16-11
(101 PSI-A storage)
um-zab.iv titorago.)
230
t 611
'272
Tv,
DAI ME
192
69411
2.56
IV.
WA71m-
144 i!.5 (541f
3(501 gtoragm-)
(40t storaq'2)
I-X-AcAf MI)
V.
u--mv(;m;cY
3.5.3
7151"
222
V.
)3-TFJ'M=
341. [96"
'401 storaqtt)
stor"age)
ful.1)
vil
.115
9-14"
100
W.
cmSTS
341 (9611
(30.1
C20% storoge)
bnAw full)
UNUSAMB, S'1VMr-.V.
4.2
14,
85
C 1;jr,-iblee
orb
stomiga 9K1: T3 total loke
WIAmn les-0 tldead
13wd jw'1 Oqual-6 101 of t.6tal lake volum.
EXISTING ORDINANCE
(ATTACHMENT 1)
TABLE II
DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PLAN
ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
WITHDRAWAL REDUCTIONS THROUGH CONSERVATION & WATER TRANSFER
(ASSUMES NO TRANSFER FROM MEBANE /GRAHAM /BURLINGTON)
Water
Usage/
Aiioca-ci-yn
L1.1LLll. krl1JUj
Target percent
reduction through
Hillsborough
OWASA
Orange
Alamance
Piedmont
Minerals
Instream
Flow
Total
Action
Stages
Percent
of
Elevation
of water
Extent of
conservation
usable
below
conservation
I.Normal
storage
100%
spillway
0
None
None
1.80
0.50
0.80
0.15
1.10
4.35
(Below
normal
2.20 Lake
water)
II. Alert
80%
2'4 "
Orange
Voluntary
10% through
1.60
(A)
0.72
0.13
0.65
3.1
2.20
voluntary
restrictions
15% through
1.53
(A)
0.68
0.12
0.65
2.98
III. Warning
70%
3'9"
Mandatory
2.20
mandatory
restrictions
0.39
2.72
60%
5' 6"
17% severe
1.50
(A)
0.66
0.12
0.39
2.67
IV. Danger
50%
6'4"
Severe
Mandatory
mandatory
restrictions
2.20
24% stringent
1.37
(A)
0.60
0.11
0
2.08
V. Emergency
40%
7'5"
Stringent
Mandatory
mandatory
restrictions
55% water
0.80
(A)
0.36
0.06
0
1.22
VI. Crisis
30%
9'4"
Rationing
rationing
VII. Usable
10%
14'
Storage
(A) During ACTION STAGES II -VI of the Lake Orange Conservation Stages, OWASA shall be allocated up to 0.50 MGD, which may be withdrawn
as prescribed in this ordinance and as prescribed in any contract between OWASA and other water users named in this TABLE 11. Any such
allocation shall only occur when the number of usable days of water remaining from all other water supply sources available to OWASA is less
than the number of usable days of water remaining in the water supply reservoirs of Lake Ben Johnston, Corporation Lake and Lake Orange
EXISTING ORDINANCE
(ATTACHMENT 1)
including augmentation from other sources. The number of usable days of water remaining in the water supply reservoirs of Lake Ben
Johnston, Corporation Lake and Lake Orange including augmentation from other sources sail be determined using the water usage allocation
limit, including instream flow, established in this TABLE II.
EXISTING ORDINANCE
(ATTACHMENT 1)
REVISION OF ORDINANCE
TO REFLECT INCORRECT
COMPUTATIONS
(ATTACHMENT II)
TABLE I
Lake Orange County
Conservation Stage
Determination
University Lake
Conservation Stage
Determination
Usable
Elevation
Total
Usable
Usable
Level above
Usable
storage
of water
storage
days left
storage
mean sea
days left
(in
below Lake
(in
(in
level (in
millions)
Orange (in
millions)
millions)
feet)
inches)
I.
NORMAL (100°%
384
FULL
427
I.
NORMAL (100%
FULL
usable storage)
storage)
II.
ALERT (80%
307
22"
341
II.
ALERT (60%
347 (24"
usable storage)
storage)
below full)
III.
WARNING (70%
269
35"
299
III.
WARNING (50%
346 (36"
usable storage
storage)
below full)
(60% usable
231
49"
256
storage)
IV.
DANGER (50%
192
67"
213
IV.
DANGER (40%
344.5 (54"
usable storage)
storage)
below full)
V.
EMERGENCY (40%
154
85"
171
V.
EMERGENCY (30%
341 (96"
usable storage)
storage)
below full)
VI.
CRISIS (30%
115
107"
128
VI.
CRISIS (20%
341 (96"
usable storage)
storage)
below full)
VII.
UNUSABLE
38
168"
43
VII.
STORAGE (10%
and below)
REVISION OF ORDINANCE
TO REFLECT INCORRECT
COMPUTATIONS
(ATTACHMENT II)
TABLE II
DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PLAN
ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
WITHDRAWAL REDUCTIONS THROUGH CONSERVATION & WATER TRANSFER
(ASSUMES NO TRANSFER FROM MEBANE /GRAHAM /BURLINGTON)
Water
Usage /Allocation
Limit (1R3u)
Hillsborough
OWASA
Orange
Alamance
Piedmont
Minerals
Instream
Flow
Total
Action
Stages
Percent
of
usable
storage
Elevation
of water
below
spillway
Extent of
conservation
Target percent
reduction through
conservation
1.80
0.50
0.80
0.15
1.10
4.35
I.Normal
(Below
normal
water)
100%
0
None
2.20 Lake
Orange
None
1.60
(A)
0.72
0.13
0.65
3.1
II. Alert
80%
22"
Voluntary
2.20
10% through
voluntary
restrictions
35"
Mandatory
2.20
15% through
mandatory
restrictions
1.53
(A)
0.68
0.12
0.65
2.98
III. Warning
70%
0.39
2.72
IV. Danger
60%
49"
1.50
restrictions
(A)
0.66
0.12
0.39
2.67
50%
67"
Severe
Mandatory
2.20
17% severe
mandatory
1.37
mandatory
restrictions
(A)
0.60
0.11
0
2.08
V. Emergency
VI. Crisis
VII. Usable
Storage
400 %
8 5r
Stringent
Mandatory
24% stringent
0.80
(A)
0.36
0.06
0
1.22
%
300
107"
Rationing
55% water
rationing
10%
168"
(A) During ACTION STAGES II -VI of the Lake Orange Conservation Stages, OWASA shall be allocated up to 0.50 MGD, which may be withdrawn
as prescribed in this ordinance and as prescribed in any contract between OWASA and other water users named in this TABLE II. Any such
allocation shall only occur when the number of usable days of water remaining from all other water supply sources available to OWASA is less
REVISION OF ORDINANCE
TO REFLECT INCORRECT
COMPUTATIONS
(ATTACHMENT II)
than the number of usable days of water remaining in the water supply reservoirs of Lake Ben Johnston, Corporation Lake and Lake Orange
including augmentation from other sources. The number of usable days of water remaining in the water supply reservoirs of Lake Ben
Johnston, Corporation Lake and Lake Orange including augmentation from other sources sall be determined using the water usage allocation
limit, including instream flow, established in this TABLE II.
REVISION AFTER FLASHBOARD
CONSTRUCTION
(ATTACHMENT III)
TABLE
Lake Orange County
Conservation Stage
Determination
University Lake
Conservation Stage
Determination
Usable
Elevation
Total
Usable
Usable
Level above
Usable
storage
of water
storage
days left
storage
mean sea
days left
(in
below Lake
(in
(in
level (in
millions)
Orange (in
millions)
millions)
feet)
inches)
I.
NORMAL (100%
427
FULL
474
I.
NORMAL (100%
FULL
usable storage)
storage)
II.
ALERT (80%
341
24"
379
II.
ALERT (600
347 (24"
usable storage)
storage)
below full)
III.
WARNING (70%
298
37"
331
III.
WARNING (50%
346 (36"
usable storage
storage)
below full)
(60% usable
256
52"
284
storage)
IV.
DANGER (50%
213
70"
237
IV.
DANGER (40%
344.5 (54"
usable storage)
storage)
below full)
V.
EMERGENCY (40%
170
89"
189
V.
EMERGENCY (30%
341 (96"
usable storage)
storage)
below full)
VI.
CRISIS (30%
128
112"
142
VI.
CRISIS (20%
341 (96"
usable storage)
storage)
below full)
VII.
UNUSABLE
42
175"
47
VII.
STORAGE (10%
and below)
REVISION AFTER FLASHBOARD
CONSTRUCTION
(ATTACHMENT III)
TABLE II
DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PLAN
ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
WITHDRAWAL REDUCTIONS THROUGH CONSERVATION & WATER TRANSFER
(ASSUMES NO TRANSFER FROM MEBANE /GRAHAM /BURLINGTON)
water
usa e_ /1j.11uUdLlv11
1J ilLti 1- `L "1171J�
Action
Percent
Elevation
Extent of
Target percent
Hillsborough
OWASA
Orange
Piedmont
Instream
Total
Stages
of
of water
conservation
reduction through
Alamance
Minerals
Flow
usable
below
conservation
storage
spillway
I.Normal
100%
FULL
None
None
1.80
0.50
0.80
0.15
1.10
4.35
(Below
normal
2.20 Lake
water)
Orange
II. Alert
80%
24"
Voluntary
10% through
1.60
(A)
0.72
0.13
0.65
3.1
2.20
voluntary
restrictions
III. Warning
70%
37"
Mandatory
15% through
1.53
(A)
0.68
0.12
0.65
2.98
2.20
mandatory
restrictions
0.39
2. 72
60%
52 "
IV. Danger
50%
70"
Severe
17% severe
1.50
(A)
0.66
0.12
0.39
2.67
Mandatory
mandatory
restrictions
2.20
V. Emergency
40%
89"
Stringent
24% stringent
1.37
(A)
0.60
0.11
0
2.08
Mandatory
mandatory
restrictions
112"
Rationing
55% water
0.80
(A)
0.36
0.06
0
1.22
VI. Crisis
30%
rationing
VII. Usable
10%
175"
Storage
(A) During ACTION STAGES II -VI of the Lake Orange Conservation Stages, OWASA shall be allocated up to 0.50 MGD, which may be withdrawn
as prescribed in this ordinance and as prescribed in any contract between OWASA and other water users named in this TABLE II. Any such
allocation shall only occur when the number of usable days of water remaining from all other water supply sources available to OWASA is less
than the number of usable days of water remaining in the water supply reservoirs of Lake Ben Johnston, Corporation Lake and Lake Orange
REVISION AFTER FLASHBOARD
CONSTRUCTION
(ATTACHMENT III)
including augmentation from other sources. The number of usable days of water remaining in the water supply reservoirs of Lake Ben
Johnston, Corporation Lake and Lake Orange including augmentation from other sources sail be determined using the water usage allocation
limit, including instream flow, established in this TABLE II.
USABLE STORAGE
(Without Mebane /Graham)
volume In ruiiiuii5
Lake Orange
Corporation Lake
Ben Johnston
Total
Total Volume
427
25
1,9.2
471.2
Usable Volume at
341
18.5
10
369.5
Full
Present 7/10/86
272
14.8
.8
287.6
At 18" below full
80%
800
800
USABLE DAYS OF SUPPLY REMAINING
FROM JULY 10, 1986
Supply of Three Reservoirs Conservation Assuming Days Left
287 If loo saving 3.1 MGD 102
3.6 MGD 88
4.6 MGD 68
287 315 If 15% saving 3.1 MGD 106
3.6 MGD 92
4.6 MGD 72
3.1 (1.6 Hillsborough, .72 Orange - Alamance, .13 Piedmont Minerals, .65 Instream Flow)
4.6 (1.6 Hillsborough, .72 Orang - Alamance, .13 Piedmont Minerals, .65 instream flow, 1.50 OWASA
3.6 (1.6 Hillsborough, .72 Orange - Alamance, .13 Piedmont Minerals, .65 instream flow, .50 OWASA