The N.C. Division of Water Resources has honored GUC and 48 other water treatment plants in N.C. (out of 149 plants) for surpassing federal and state drinking water standards. This is the second time GUC has received the prestigious N.C. Area Wide Optimization Award, which is part of a state effort to enhance the performance of surface water treatment facilities.

In 1998, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed new regulations to reduce the risk of biological contamination, and partnered with states to form the Area Wide Optimization Program (AWOP). This program introduced more stringent water quality goals and helps water systems meet those goals. North Carolina joined AWOP in 2000, and is one of 23 states to participate.

The focus is on turbidity removal, a key test of drinking water quality. Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water caused by individual particles that can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Eliminating particles reduces the amount of chemicals needed to process water, which reduces byproducts in the water. The Tar River is very turbid because its water comes from tributaries that run through swamps.

It is difficult for water treatment plants in Eastern North Carolina to achieve the AWOP turbidity goals. Most of the winning plants are from the western part of the state where the surface water starts at a higher quality before treatment. GUC is the only water treatment plant honoree out of the Washington region. With 28 counties in the coastal plain area, GUC is joined by the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority as the only two water systems in this area to be recognized.

"I credit the award to our Water Treatment Plant staff who treated almost 4.6 billion gallons of water last year and ensured that we produce the highest quality of water," said Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Julius Patrick.

Congratulations to our Water Treatment Plant staff for working hard to obtain this award!

Pictured above: WTP Operators pose with the award and two members of the NC Department of Environmental Quality.