OWASA reservoirs are 79 percent full as of Sept. 1, compared with 68 percent on Sept. 1 2007, OWASA officials told the Carrboro Board of Aldermen on Tuesday.

In addition, customer demand has been lower thus far in 2008 than in 2007, with an average 8.4 million gallons withdrawn from the reservoirs each day, compared with 9.4 million gallons in 2007.

“Demand is much, much improved, and that is an important part of our success story,” said Ed Kerwin, OWASA executive director.

However, a rate increase will take effect Oct. 1, partially because of the decrease in demand.