CARRBORO -- OWASA's water sources were 60 percent full Monday.

And that could mean lower water rates for Orange Water and Sewer Authority customers.

The authority, which serves the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area including UNC-Chapel Hill, has said it might roll back its Stage 3 Water Shortage -- and the higher rates that go with it -- if the supply hit 60 percent by April 1.

HOW MUCH WATER DOES OWASA HAVE?

About 10 months' worth, based on average demand in the last 30 days, and assuming no further rainfall.

Cane Creek Reservoir, the community's primary water source, was about half full Monday. University Lake was about two inches below full and the Stone Quarry Reservoir was full.

HOW MUCH WATER HAVE CUSTOMERS SAVED?

A lot.

Stage 3 conservation measures imposed March 1 were aimed at cutting water use 20 percent. So far, customers have done that, OWASA planning director Ed Holland said.

February, under a stage 2 shortage, saw 12.5 percent less water used. That was just short of the 15 percent savings OWASA wanted.

"I'm pretty surprised we've done as well as we have during the winter," Holland said.

Conservation can have greater impact in warmer weather when more water is being used on lawns and outdoor activities.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The OWASA board meets at 7 p.m. Thursday in Chapel Hill Town Hall, 405 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The meeting will be televised live on local cable channel 18.

"I think if the data show we can safely move from stage 3 to stage 2 we'll do that," board Chairman Randy Kabrick said.