https://thelocalreporter.press/owasa-water-rates-rise-12-to-finance-fight-against-forever-chemicals/

CARRBORO—Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) plans to increase monthly rates by $12.32 starting Oct. 1. More than half of the increase would be spent removing toxic “forever chemicals” from the local water supply.

OWASA representatives told Carrboro Town Council members on June 4 that smaller rate increases would follow in the next few years. The utility company provides water to Chapel Hill and Carrboro, and rates are OWASA’s primary funding source, although they are hunting for alternatives.

The council members agreed forever chemicals needed to go but worried about what rising rates would do to financially struggling town residents. Councilor Eliazar Posada also said OWASA needed to do better publicizing its plans. “I quite honestly didn’t know that was happening myself and I’m a customer.”