Orange County, North Carolina: drinking water report. Orange County – Chapel Hill and Hillsborough – serves about 150,000 residents.
Orange County – Chapel Hill and Hillsborough – serves about 150,000 residents. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) draws from University Lake and Cane Creek Reservoir. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the county's largest water customer.
OWASA's small, locally managed reservoirs provide clean source water with active watershed protection. UCMR5 data shows minimal PFAS detections. According to NC DEQ's 2024 data, OWASA met all federal standards with margin.
The system's primary vulnerability is drought – the relatively small reservoirs have limited storage compared to large regional systems. During the 2002 and 2007 droughts, OWASA imposed strict water use restrictions.
Orange County's water quality is excellent. Supply during drought is the primary concern rather than contamination.
Check your water for current data. A basic carbon filter handles chlorine taste. Our water filter guide covers options. Pull your detailed report, and visit our North Carolina page for statewide data.