OWASA Lakes: the water’s fine

ENVIRONMENT

By Randy B. Young
Correspondent

Water seems to be the one thing we love to forget. After strenuous activity, we either slake our thirst with sugary sports drinks or forego hydration altogether. After workouts, we toss back a beer or a caffeinated soda, intensifying our thirst.

“Water” we thinking?

Even when we choose how to spend a beautiful spring afternoon, water reflects perhaps the two best kept secrets in local recreation: OWASA’s University Lake and Cane Creek Reservoir, which have both officially opened for the season.

Orange Water and Sewer Association (OWASA) officially opened the lakes for recreation, boating, and fishing this past weekend as Lightning Brown Day, honoring the late community activist and member of the OWASA Board of Directors in the mid-1990s. The lakes were open for free boating, fishing, picnicking, sunbathing, and other recreation (though swimming is not allowed at the reservoirs).

Recognized by the North Carolina Independent as 1984 “Citizen of the Year” for his distinguished and selfless service to the community, Brown served as a Member of the Chapel Hill Planning Board and Chair of the Chapel Hill Greenways Task Force during the mid-1980s.

The OWASA website (www.owasa.org) states that it is a public, non-profit agency that provides water, sewer, and reclaimed water services to the Carrboro-Chapel Hill community.

Water, water everywhere, and all of it fit to drink

This past weekend marked the beginning of the OWASA lakes’ recreation season, which will run through October 25. Cane Creek Reservoir is open on Fridays and Saturdays, and University Lake is open Fridays through Sundays from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The lakes will be open on Easter and Memorial Day and closed on Good Friday.

“Attendance last year was 6,091 for both lakes, up a little from previous year,” an OWASA press release stated, noting that University Lake had had 3,356 visitors, while Cane Creek had 2,735.

Of the lakes’ visitors, over 60% hail from Orange County.

OWASA Reservoir and Land Resources Supervisor and Lakes Warden since 2013, Johnny Riley said that the lakes were full and brimming with fish.

“As far as the lake itself, the fishing is still good, the levels are fine, as you can tell where we’re completely full right now,” he said. “It’s like a quarter of an inch over full.”

“Usually in the fall, the water’s down, and but by spring, this is what you see right here,” Riley said. “We haven’t really had any kind of drought issues since I’ve been here.”

The Warden at both OWASA lakes, Riley said Justin Blankinship was the onsite supervisor at University Lake.

“I’m technically the supervisor of all the lake staff,” he said, “but I usually stay out here because Justin does such a fantastic job at University Lake.”

Loose change: new in 2025

As has been the case for several years, boating permits will be required before 10 a.m. The OWASA website stated that permit registration will open every Monday and Tuesday for the duration of the recreation season. Shore fishing and boating after 10 a.m. do not require a permit.

“If you want to come to the reservoir and get on this water before 10:00 a.m., you need a reservation,” Riley said. “You apply for it on Mondays and Tuesdays. When you submit the application, we effectively put their name in the hat. The computer draws out names on that Wednesday—it doesn’t matter if you registered first or last—and then it send emails to the winners: it’s a true lottery.

“Even if you get a thumbs down, you can still come to the reservoir after 10 a.m. And if there’s any boats left to rent, you’re welcome to rent them.”

OWASA Lakes no longer rents trolling motors or batteries anymore, however.

“We’ve sort of been wanting to kind of get out of that business,” Riley said. “It’s a liability issue, and it’s a mechanical issue. I mean we’re just repairing everything all the time.”

A young fisherman and boaters enjoy an afternoon at University Lake on the OWASA Lakes’ 2025 opening weekend. Photo by Randy B. Young

Lake activities: testing the waters

While swimming is not allowed in the lakes, OWASA encourages visitors to both lakes to engage in safe boating, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and more.

Riley said the fish should be plentiful this year.

“We really have too many fish in here,” he said, “so we’re encouraging folks to help us harvest fish: we’re encouraging people to fish. We’ve got (largemouth) bass, brim, crappie, carp, some catfish, and in the sunfish family we’ve got blue gills and shell crackers. So, the fishing’s great here: these fish readily bite.”

The OWASA website stated that visitors may bring their own boats to fish, and bank fishing is permitted in designated areas. Both Cane Creek and University Lake have fishing docks that are accessible to those with disabilities.

A fishing license is necessary for anyone 16 or older, except on the Fourth of July. You can purchase a state fishing license by mail, through the N.C. Wildlife Commission’s website, or at many sporting goods stores.

“Visitors may use small private boats that are clean of mud and vegetation,” the website stated, though no more than 75 boats are allowed on the water at Cane Creek at any time. “OWASA permits neither boats on trailers nor gas motors. You may use your own electric motor after a quick inspection. Also, all lake visitors are required to use a properly fitted flotation device suitable.

“People come to Cane Creek to fish, though,” Riley said. “We do get some people who want to paddle a kayak around for a few hours. We get some people who want to sit and read a book, throw a Frisbee, or have a picnic. But fishing is more often what people come to Cane Creek to do.”

For those who prefer their feet squarely on dry ground, there are picnicking and sunbathing areas at both lakes, and Cane Creek Reservoir also has a quarter-mile nature trail, the OWASA website stated, providing ample opportunities for birders to witness 200 unique species of everything from songbirds and waterfowl to raptors, ospreys, and bald eagles.

OWASA does impose restrictions, however, when could impact their lake water. Swimming is not allowed, nor are float tubes, paddleboards, and sailboards, or gas motors. Additionally, pets must be on a leash and are not allowed in boats or within 50 feet of the water.

“Every once in a while, I have to put on my warden hat,” Riley said. “That’s the least favorite part of my job. I’d rather sit here and talk with some fishermen. But if you get caught doing certain things here, there can be consequences.”

A great day, at any rate…

For all recreation fees, OWASA accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and checks. A photo ID is required for renting a boat. The minimum age for renting a boat is 16.

The lake usage fees are $4.50 for Orange County residents aged 13-64; children under 13 are $2.00, and those over 65 are always free. Rentals of flat-bottom boats and canoes are an additional $4.50; kayak rentals are $15 plus the lake fee. Private boat launches are $3.50 plus the lake fee. Individual season passes are available for lake use fees, boat rentals, or kayak rentals.

“The take-home message is that this is something OWASA is very proud of, and we love sharing this with our community,” Riley said. “We take great pride in how we take care of the place. If you can find me a prettier place in Orange County than this right here, take me: I want to go with you.”

A Dartmouth College graduate, Randy B. Young first worked as an award-winning advertising copywriter in New Hampshire, then in communications at UNC for over 30 years. He maintained an award-winning newspaper feature covering Recreation and Exercise in the Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Orange County. Retired and living in Chapel Hill, Randy continues to write for regional publications both locally and in New England, and his book, And the Stars Flew With Us, is available through Amazon and at independent bookstores. He coaches track at Chapel Hill High and has a photography business, Pierless (sic) Photography. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocal Reporter.press