The sun reflected off the surface of the lake like thousands of shimmering diamonds. We sat quietly in the canoe. Even though the temperature was well into the 90's and the sun shone down on us mercilessly, there was a nice breeze and a tranquil moment in an otherwise harried day. I watched the magical jewels of light dance upon the lake, hypnotized by them. It was truly a magic moment. Each year during the summer months, OWASA offers "Free Fridays." There are no lake or boat rental fees on Fridays if you bring your recent water bill. Residents of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area who receive OWASA service but do not receive an OWASA bill because they live in a multi-family development served through a master meter are also eligible for "Free Fridays." Just bring identification so that your local residence can be confirmed. The idea is to get folks to come out and check out Mother Nature at her best. What a great idea! In 2008, Free Fridays are July 18th & 25th and August 1st, 8th & 15th. University Lake is right in Carrboro, off of Jones Ferry Rd. Go past Willow Creek Shopping Center, where the Food Lion is, and turn left at the next light, onto S. Old Fayetteville Rd. The Lake is at the end of the road to the right. This wonderful Lake was built in 1932 by UNC Chapel Hill. University Lake holds 450 million gallons of water! It's tributaries include Morgan Creek, Phils Creek, Neville Creek, Price Creek and Pritchards Mill Creek. In an addition that was completed in 1993 recreation areas were added. The lake has a 213 acre surface area, and is ideal for canoes and rowboats, which you can rent at the lake. There are picnic and sunbathing areas. The lake is also Carrboro and Chapel Hill's drinking water source and a great spot to fish. It's full of largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, warmouth and bluegill. A haven for many animals in our ever developing community, folks have been known to spot deer, racoons, opossums, grey and red foxes, bobcats and many other forms of wildlife around the lake. On this hot day, all we observed was a little turtle, sunning himself on a piece of floating wood. Through mid-November University Lake is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Monday. University Lake is a wonderful local resources. Take some time to enjoy the water. Maybe you'll have your own magic moment. Click here for more information from OWASA about University Lake. Home | Overview | About Us | Ads | Art | Businesses | Carrboro and Area Stuff | Carrboro Map | Downtown Carrboro Map | Events | Prices | Restaurants | UniqueOrn Enterprises