Water

Several types of water systems are managed as utilities in Energy Services.

Water and Wastewater Systems

Energy Services’ Water Resources Manager acts as the University’s liaison to the local provider of public water and sewer services, Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA). Water Systems also works with Facilities Services’ Energy Management department on water conservation measures.

Non-Potable Water Systems

Energy Services operates a utility that combines reclaimed water from OWASA and harvested rainwater from cisterns to serve non-potable water uses. The major uses are the cooling towers operated by Energy Services – Chilled Water Systems and by UNC Hospitals. Other uses include athletic field irrigation, landscape irrigation and toilet flushing. Non-potable water systems have resulted in a drop in potable water use of over 30% since implementation. The Water Resources Manager and other staff in Energy Services manage this utility.

Stormwater Systems

Energy Services runs the utility and the engineering components of the stormwater program. Other aspects of the program are run by Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) and Grounds Services. The campus stormwater system is comprised of thousands of inlets, manholes, and outfalls; miles of piping and hundreds of stormwater control measures (SCMs).