Thanks to OWASA

The Orange County Board of Health would like to express its appreciation to OWASA for its commitment to ensuring that their customers have safe drinking water.  Following a recent lead investigation involving a few buildings at UNC, OWASA offered to test all customers’ tap water for lead at no charge.  Exposure to high levels of lead can lead to serious health consequences for children and pregnant women.

OWASA’s collaboration with UNC as it investigated possible sources for lead in the water in some of their buildings was swift and thorough.  The follow-up community initiative to test for lead in water and to further examine how disinfection processes can be improved to prevent lead leaching is an outstanding example of excellence in public health practice.  OWASA’s discoveries in this area and the application of any needed changes in treatment will help improve best practices across the state.
We are indeed fortunate to have a public water utility that goes above and beyond what is required to serve our residents and protect the public’s health.   We applaud OWASA’s staff and board .

Matthew Vizithum, Chair
Orange County Board of Health