EPA recognizes Asheville water treatment plants for high quality

The City of Asheville water treatment plants at the North Fork and William DeBruhl reservoirs have been recognized for outstanding water quality by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Both plants exceeded EPA regulatory standards and achieved health and safety goals set by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources for optimized performance. Under the Area-Wide Optimization Program, water service providers like the City of Asheville can voluntarily participate in providing increased water quality, maintaining a lower level of turbidity (particulates in water) than required by the EPA.

Click here to see letters from the EPA.

“This shows we have a very good process in place, as well as an excellent water source,” says North Fork plant supervisor Bill Hart.

Under EPA regulations, water turbidity testing should reveal a maximum of 0.3 NTU. To comply with the AWOP program, finished water turbidity can test at no more than 0.1 NTU 95 percent of the time.

The City of Asheville also exceeds testing requirements by analyzing its water every two hours instead of the required four hours.

“The City of Asheville is focused on providing water of excellent quality and superb customer service,” said Director of Water Resources Steve Shoaf. “It is nice to be recognized for the diligent work of our employees and the resulting service to our citizens.”

The City of Asheville operates three water treatment plants, supplying 20 million gallons per day to approximately 53,700 customers. The Water Resources Department is made up of 146 employees, including the city’s Customer Service Division.

For more information about the City of Asheville Water Resources Department, go to www.ashevillenc.gov.

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