Harnett Regional Water was among 64 water treatment plants that were honored by the North Carolina Division of Water for surpassing both state and federal standards for drinking water last year.  

The division’s Public Water Supply Section gave HRW the N.C. Area Wide Optimization Award which is “part of a state effort to enhance the performance of existing surface water treatment facilities,” according to the Harnett County press release. Public water systems are defined by the Public Water Supply Section as those that “provide piped drinking water to at least 15 connections or 25 or more people 60 or more days per year,” according to the NC Department of Environmental Quality website.  

Harnett County has won the award for the past 11 years. 

While all plants in North Carolina must meet the state and federal requirements, plants that receive the award have even more stringent requirements for their water quality; largely, the difference is that these plants go above and beyond to demonstrate turbidity removal. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness of water caused by water that can interfere with disinfection.  

“Harnett Regional Water is very proud of our record of environmental compliance as evidenced by this water quality award,” stated Harnett Regional Water Director Steve Ward.  “The fact that we have received the award for 11 consecutive years is a testament to our commitment to water quality.  Harnett Regional Water is very fortunate to have such a fine group of water treatment professionals who strive daily to provide only the best drinking water to all of our customers in the County and surrounding region.”