This month on “Wonderful Water” join 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell for a conversation with OWASA reservoir and land resources supervisor Johnny Riley about the 2021 recreation season at Cane Creek Reservoir and University Lake!

“There’s a lot to manage, you know, at both reservoirs. They’re big places. Thankfully I’ve got a wonderful staff that assists me,” said Riley. “Together, we manage the safety and security of the water supply. That’s kind of job number one. But that also means protecting the water and the reservoirs through land management, taking care of our natural resources. This time of year, our focus usually switches over to recreation.”

The Cane Creek Reservoir and University Lake are both open for recreation from spring to fall each year, pulling double-duty as primary drinking water supplies for OWASA’s service area and warm weather destination for folks looking to spend time outdoors — whether that means fishing, boating, birdwatching or simply enjoying time spent enjoying nature.

“With all the work we put in protecting the reservoirs and surrounding land there’s a lot of wildlife out here to see … each reservoir also is just a nice place to sit, be outside for a bit, if that’s what you’re looking to do,” said Riley. “And, if there’s something we can brag about at OWASA, it’s that the fishing at both reservoirs is wonderful. It’s something we’re really proud of, a healthy fish population.”

Starting Saturday, March 27, OWASA will formally open both recreational areas with new COVID-related restrictions in place to protect staff and visitors alike. The number of visitors allowed each day will be limited, access permits will be required, equipment cannot be rented, and face covering and social distancing guidelines must be followed.

(images via OWASA)

You can listen below for the full conversation between Brighton McConnell and Johnny Riley below, and visit the Wonderful Water page here for more interviews and stories about the work OWASA does. 


Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents use roughly 7 million gallons of water a day, and “Wonderful Water” is a monthly conversation sponsored by the Orange Water and Sewer Authority highlighting its work to keep our community growing and water flowing.