In 2004, the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) and UNC began developing a water reclamation and reuse system.  Set for completion in 2009, the system is comprised of a new wastewater pumping station, a storage tank, and 14,000 feet of new reclaimed water pipes.  A map of the proposed system shows the network of pipes that will connect the Mason Farm Waste Water Treatment Plant to UNC’s chiller plants, steam boilers and irrigation sites.

The reclamation and reuse system will make highly treated or “reclaimed” wastewater available to meet certain non-drinking water needs.

Initially, the reclaimed water will be used in cooling towers at one or more of the University's chilled water plants, which support the air conditioning and equipment cooling systems of campus buildings. Reclaimed water may also be used to irrigate landscaped areas. At the North Carolina Botanical Garden, reclained water will be used to flush toilets in the Visitor Education Center.

When operation begins, the reclamation and reuse system will have an output of 0.75 million gallons per day, equivalent to 10% of the surrounding community’s water demand.  Over the long-term, the system could provide up to three million gallons per day, or 15% of the community’s water demand.