So now, Owasa is going to be “Awasha” in cash after announcing “stage three” restrictions, in a desperate attempt to reduce water consumption and/or raise money in their service area. To me, stage three is a “number 1” plus a “number 2” metaphorically if not mathematically speaking. Here's why:

OWASA's Stage two campaign had a conservation goal of 15%. Here are the reduction numbers in recent history(provided by OWASA):

November: 12% December:10% January:6% February:12%

Note that these numbers include the fact that 20k or so UNC-CH students “go home” in December and early January for Xmas break….so that makes things even less pretty for the immediate future.

So now, we are going to Stage 3, which is a “goal” of 20%, above and beyond the 15% we cannot attain. But wait….stage 3 includes increased rates for everyone. So, OWASA will get a windfall from going to Stage 3. Who is voting on this change? Why OWASA of course. They are turning the money crank!!

Under the sage direction of such local foreward thinking eco-friendly bastions such as Ms Buckner and Mr. Marcopolos, both former OWASA board members, we are now in a fix that can't be fixed! Thanks, guys for your (b)leadership into the mud, I mean future.

I have asked OWASA what our current consumption per capita is compared to other places, what explains the shortfall from the previous level 2 un-met goal, and also to ask what measurable projects UNC has set in place to reduce consumption. The answers should be illuminating to say the least.

It is past the time to put water distribution in the same class as electricity and natural gas- regional, instead of local control. Sorry OWASA lovers, your time is up. I hope our State government has the wisdom to make taking over the water supply happen. It is obvious the local governments and their puppets cannot handle it.

Anyone interested in bulk water delivery, I can help you out with my Propane Truck, once I have finished BURNING IT UP in the May election primaries.