Smithfield, NC – Johnston County Public Utilities has once again been recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality drinking water, earning the prestigious Area-Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) Award from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). This statewide honor places Johnston County among the top-performing utilities in North Carolina.
The AWOP award is presented annually to drinking water treatment facilities that exceed federal and state water quality standards. Johnston County’s Public Utilities Department is one of only 79 water systems statewide to receive this distinction in 2024. The County is also one of just 16 treatment facilities in North Carolina to earn the "Gold Star" honor, awarded to systems that have received the AWOP award for ten or more consecutive years.
“This recognition reflects the hard work, expertise, and dedication of the entire Johnston County Public Utilities team,” said Johnston County Public Utilities Director Chandra Farmer. “Our staff goes above and beyond every day to ensure our residents have access to safe, reliable, and high-quality drinking water.”
The AWOP program focuses on optimizing performance at water treatment facilities to enhance public health protection. Facilities that meet these rigorous standards consistently demonstrate a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
County Manager Rick Hester praised the achievement noting, "Our public utilities team has invested in advanced technology, robust training programs, and a proactive approach to monitoring water quality. This award underscores the County’s dedication to safeguarding its water supply and delivering a vital resource that meets—and exceeds—regulatory requirements."
The County invites residents to learn more about the hard work and innovation behind their water systems by visiting our website.
For more information about the AWOP program and a full list of recipients, visit the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality online.
