Capital Improvements Program
The Capital Improvements Program (CIP) manages the design and construction of all capital projects funded by OWASA. These include projects in all operational areas — from OWASA’s reservoirs to our reclaimed-water system. Our five-year CIP is revised annually. In general, projects are funded and managed through the CIP if they are expected to cost more than $10,000 and if the installed equipment or materials have an expected lifespan of over five years.
We use a qualification-based selection process to procure engineering consulting services. We select contractors and consultants in compliance with all local, state and federal regulations. Bids may be solicited through an informal or formal process, depending upon the expected value of the work and based on our needs. We select the lowest responsive and responsible bid in all instances.
Development Services Projects
Development Services projects are designed, funded, constructed, and managed by outside entities that dedicate the facilities to OWASA for ownership and maintenance upon completion. Typically, these are drinking water and wastewater projects, and they represent most of the growth of our overall system. Development Services projects must comply with OWASA policies, ordinances, and other requirements, including our Manual of Specifications, Standards, and Design, Sewer Use Ordinance, and Cross Connection Control Manual (linked at the bottom of this page). Regulatory oversight of these projects includes engineering design review, construction inspection, and acceptance of the new facilities.
Online Forms and Permit Applications
- Map Request and Critical Infrastructure Release Form: Fill out and submit this form to receive information on water and sewer infrastructure.
- Backflow Prevention Permit Application A backflow prevention device is required on the service line of all buildings and facilities, with the exception of a domestic service to a single-family residence without a swimming pool or in-ground irrigation system on the property.
- Grease and Oil Control Permit Application A grease interceptor or oil sand separator is required on all sewer serices discharging grease and oils.
- Inspection and Site Visit Request Form for Third-Party Projects Required for developers or contractors to schedule onsite inspection, review, testing or sampling from OWASA for Development Services projects. We will schedule the site visit only after the site is prepared with all necessary supplies and equipment and is fully ready for the test or sampling to occur.
- Service Availability Request Form This form provides proof of water and/or sewer availability to a property to meet Town of Chapel Hill and Town of Carrboro building permit requirements.
Minority Outreach Program
At OWASA, we are committed to diversity, and we maintain a highly diverse staff. As a reflection of our commitment to diversity, this core value extends to the businesses with whom we work.
We actively encourage any and all qualified and minority-owned businesses to bid on OWASA projects. If you’ve never worked with OWASA before, you can find links to our standards, specifications, forms and more below to become more acquainted with our practices. For more information or to place a bid, email our project manager or call (919) 537-4229.
Contact
More Information
Bids & Active Projects
Standards, Policies & Forms
Call Before You Dig
OWASA Standard Specifications
Preconstruction Comments
Application for Registration Required Before Receiving Sensitive OWASA System Information
Policy on Excess Capacity Credits
OWASA Sewer Use Ordinance (Updated March 2021)
Grease and Oil Control Standards
Rainwater Harvesting Systems — Requirements and Charges
Plan Review Checklist
Improving Purity Sample Results for Water Lines
Purity Sampling FAQ
Dechlorination Plan for Flushing and Discharging Super-Chlorinated Water
Project Fact Sheet
Meter Request Form