North Carolina, September 8, 2025
News Summary
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources honors 63 drinking water treatment plants for exceeding quality standards, with 20 achieving ‘Gold Star’ status for over a decade of performance. This initiative promotes health and safety by ensuring reliable drinking water for over 2.8 million residents across the state.
Raleigh, NC – The North Carolina Division of Water Resources has celebrated the accomplishments of 63 drinking water treatment plants for exceeding state and federal water quality standards in 2024. This recognition highlights the efforts of these facilities to ensure safe drinking water for residents and emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to water quality protocols.
The honored treatment plants were the recipients of the Area Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) Award, a program designed to enhance the performance of surface water treatment systems. By acknowledging these facilities, the Division of Water Resources aims to promote best practices in water treatment, specifically focusing on improving turbidity levels. High turbidity can disrupt the disinfection process and may lead to the proliferation of harmful microbes, which underscores the importance of maintaining clear water.
A significant achievement among the recognized facilities is the designation of “Gold Star” status for 20 plants, awarded to those that have maintained high performance over at least 10 years. The facilities serve diverse communities throughout North Carolina, providing drinking water to over 2.8 million residents. Recognized plants include notable areas such as Boone, Maggie Valley, Raleigh, and Greenville.
List of Award Winners
The following is a selection of the facilities that received the AWOP Award in 2024:
- Asheville
- Hendersonville
- Cary/Apex
- Greenville Utilities Commission
- Town of Wilkesboro
- Two facilities in Raleigh
- Plants in Mount Airy, Boone, and Weaverville
Complete List of AWOP Award Winners
- Appalachian State University
- Charlotte Water’s Lee S. Dukes and Vest plants
- City of Asheville’s William DeBruhl plant
- Brunswick County Northwest
- Johnston County’s East and West plants
- Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority
- Western Carolina University
The announcement regarding these awards was disseminated through a news release from the Division of Water Resources, serving to inform the public about the progress made in water quality management across the state. All public water systems in North Carolina must adhere to stringent regulations to protect public health, but these particular facilities have gone beyond basic requirements to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water in their communities.
Importance of Water Quality Standards
Water quality standards are crucial for public health. The federal and state guidelines outline permissible levels of contaminants and pollutants in drinking water. Treatment plants are evaluated regularly to ensure compliance, and those that surpass these benchmarks receive recognition, reinforcing the commitment to health and safety within the community.
AWOP Program Overview
The AWOP Program encourages drinking water treatment facilities to optimize their operations, specifically targeting the reduction of turbidity. By participating in this program, facilities can share performance data and techniques, ultimately resulting in improved service and water quality for citizens. The program’s emphasis on collaboration and continuous improvement plays a pivotal role in elevating the standards of water treatment throughout the state.
Conclusion
With the awarding of the AWOP Awards, the North Carolina Division of Water Resources highlights the consistent efforts made by treatment plants across the state. By exceeding established water quality standards, these facilities contribute significantly to the health and well-being of over 2.8 million residents.
FAQ Section
What is the Area Wide Optimization Program (AWOP)?
The AWOP is a program aimed at improving water treatment performance among surface water systems in order to lower turbidity and ensure safe drinking water.
Why is turbidity important in water treatment?
Turbidity indicates the cloudiness of water, which can hinder disinfection processes and allow harmful microbes to thrive. Maintaining low turbidity levels is essential for safe drinking water.
What does the “Gold Star” designation signify?
The “Gold Star” designation is awarded to treatment plants that have achieved high performance standards for at least 10 consecutive years.
How do honored plants impact their communities?
Honored plants provide safe drinking water to millions, ensuring compliance with stringent water quality standards, and showcasing their commitment to public health.
Where can I find the complete list of award-winning treatment plants?
The complete list of 2024 AWOP award winners can be found from the North Carolina Division of Water Resources in their public announcements and press releases.
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Additional Resources
- 828 News: 63 NC Water Plants Honored for Outstanding Quality
- WLOS: Asheville Approves $557 Million Contracts for Temporary Water Treatment Systems
- WLOS: Asheville Invests $66 Million to Upgrade Water Infrastructure
- Wikipedia: Water Quality
- Google Search: Water Treatment Standards
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