Town of Smithfield Receives Two Statewide Awards from NC One Water

The Town of Smithfield is proud to announce that it has been selected as the 2025 Water  Distribution System of the Year (Small System Winner) and the 2025 Wastewater Collections  System of the Year (Overall Winner) by NC One Water, the statewide water industry  organization dedicated to supporting excellence in water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.  

Both awards were formally recognized during the Town Council meeting on November 18th. These statewide honors highlight the Town’s commitment to protecting public health,  safeguarding the environment, and maintaining high-quality infrastructure through proactive  management, operations, and maintenance practices across both water distribution and  wastewater collection systems. 

Water Distribution System of the Year – Small System Winner 

The Water Distribution System of the Year Award recognizes North Carolina municipalities that  go beyond minimum standards to ensure the reliable delivery of safe drinking water. Systems  are evaluated on operational efficiency, maintenance practices, staff professionalism, and the  innovative use of materials, equipment, and labor. 

In 2025, only three systems across the state were selected for this distinction. This year’s  recognition marks Smithfield’s eighth win in the past nine years, underscoring the Town’s  ongoing dedication to excellence. 

Award recipients must demonstrate exceptional care of their distribution systems to minimize  health risks and maintain reliable service to customers. This honor celebrates the Town’s water  system personnel whose professionalism and diligence ensure high-quality service to the  community. 

Wastewater Collections System of the Year – Overall Winner 

The Wastewater Collections System of the Year Award recognizes municipalities that excel in  protecting public health and the environment through proactive management, operations, and 

maintenance of their wastewater collection systems—exceeding the requirements of NCDEQ  permits. 

Each year, NC One Water evaluates systems based on size - small, medium, and large. For the  eighth time in nine years, Smithfield earned the top spot in its size category. This year, the Town  was further distinguished with the “Overall Winner” designation, meaning Smithfield’s system  achieved the highest score among all entrants statewide. 

This award honors collection system staff who work diligently to prevent sanitary sewer  overflows, protect property, and uphold environmental quality through efficient, innovative, and  professional system management. 

NC One Water supports utilities, professionals, and communities across North Carolina through  training, advocacy, and recognition programs. More information about their mission and  statewide initiatives is available at nconewater.org.