Sanford's Drinking Water Receives State Recognition

For the third year in a row, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the City of Sanford’s Water Treatment Plant for meeting the state’s performance goals.

The NC Department of Environmental and Natural Resources’ Area-Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) monitors the state’s public water systems. Each year, systems like the Water Treatment Plant strive to improve the turbidity – or water clarity – of their drinking water.

AWOP’s goal is to ensure the safest possible water for customers of public water systems and position public water systems to handle the challenges posed by new regulations and aging infrastructure.

The Water Treatment Plant has met AWOP’s performance goals year-over-year. The plant’s continued dedication to providing Sanford with safe drinking water “signifies a commitment to excellence” that “extends beyond regulatory standards,” wrote Becky Allenbach, chief of the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Branch in an August 5, 2013 letter of recognition.

The recognition “highlights the staff’s commitment to providing the safest possible drinking water,” says Scott Christiansen, Superintendent of the Water Treatment Plant.

“The staff treats the Sanford’s water beyond what is required by the national primary drinking water regulations,” he says. “This means fewer contaminants in the water supply and the highest quality water for everyone.”

For more information or to schedule a tour of the Water Treatment Plant, contact Christiansen at 919-777-1800.