For several years it was widely known that Durham had some of the best-tasting tap water in the state. They actually won that accolade in 1999 and 2006, given by the American Water Works Association. They even bottled their tap water a few years ago to advertise their lofty position in the potable water world. They came in second in 1985 and third in 1994 and 1995.
But something has happened. When the award came out this year, Durham was nowhere to be found. Instead, the top spot went to High Point. Raleigh and Gastonia tied for second place. Paraphrasing Durham City Councilman Howard Clement’s questions at a council work session in September: What has happened to Durham’s water operation?
OWASA, over in Orange County, managed to win the award in 2003, a possible harbinger of the weakening of the Durham water dynasty. Then came the “lead in the water” scandal earlier this year, which might have contributed to Durham’s drought problems since many water customers were instructed to run their water for at least three minutes before using it for cooking or drinking.
Now, for the first time in anyone’s memory, Durham has less water on hand during a drought than its Triangle siblings. As Clement said in September, Durham used to be known as “water rich,” often having to sell water to neighboring jurisdictions. Like Howard, I wonder what happened.
