When the Orange Water and Sewer Authority meets Thursday, they will consider a partnership that would allow them to tap about 5 million gallons per day from Jordan Lake in Chatham County.

OWASA serves about 80,000 people in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and UNC Hospitals. The primary water source for those customers, the Cane Creek Reservoir, is down to about 40% capacity. Officials predict that water would last about six months if it doesn't rain.

OWASA is expected to consider increased restrictions and fees on water use as well.

Jordan Lake is the primary water source for Cary and Apex. It also provides 2 million gallons per day to Durham.