Carrboro, N.C. — Water customers in Chapel Hill and Carrboro will see prices increase starting Monday, when a surchage goes into effect. The Orange Water and Sewer Authority is instituting higher rates to encourage water conservation.

Beginning Monday, residential customers with individual meters who use up to 2,000 gallons per month will pay $1.98 per 1,000 gallons.

• Customers who use 3,000-5,000 gallons per month will pay $5.875 per thousand gallons.
• Customers who use 6,000-10,000 gallons per month will pay $11.06 per thousand gallons.
• Customers who use 11,000-15,000 gallons per month will pay $22.38 per thousand gallons.
• Customers who use more than 16,000 gallons per month will pay %52.20 per thousand gallons.

Stage Three usage restrictions remain in effect.

• OWASA customers may only hand-water non-grass plants three days per week.
• Drinking water is not to be used outdoors for any reason not necessary to maintain public helath, safety or welfare.
• Drinking water may not be used to wash cars or buildings, or in swimming pools.
• Restaurants may serve water only on request of a customer.
• Hotels, motels and other facilities providing sleeping accommodations shall change bed linens only upon request of the customer, or upon customer changeover, or every five days for long-term customers.
• Drinking water may not be used for fire department training or equipment testing.

Water levels in OWASA reservoirs have increased 17 percent since March 1 as a result of increased conservation and recent rains. However, the community’s primary water source, the Cane Creek Reservoir, remains less than half full.

The next meeting of the OWASA board of directors is scheduled for March 27.