Division of Water
Water Treatment Plants Recognized for Superior Performance

49 systems receive awards

Frankfort, Ky. (May 21, 2012) -- Forty-nine water treatment plants in Kentucky have been recognized by the Energy and Environment Cabinet for their demonstrated success in producing drinking water in 2011 that consistently met or exceeded state water quality standards.

The 49 systems honored are among 155 public and private water treatment plants in the state that participated in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Area-Wide Optimization Program (AWOP). The program challenges plants to reduce turbidity levels below those required by state and federal regulations. Turbidity, or cloudiness, of water can be caused by sand and dirt, as well as bacteria and viruses. Particle removal is critical for producing water that is free of dirt and microbes that can cause waterborne diseases.

 “Together, these 49 systems serve more than a million Kentuckians who can be assured that their water treatment systems are committed to producing safe drinking water from Kentucky’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs,” said Julie Roney, coordinator of the Division of Water Drinking Water Program. “The operators and staff of these plants deserve our recognition and our gratitude for making the technical, managerial and financial improvements to their operations that allow them to continue to provide clean drinking water to the public.”

Two of the water systems received an AWOP Champion Award. This award takes into account the number of years the system has been optimized as well as the dedication of the operating staff. Hardin County Water District No. 2 won in the category for large population served (more than 10,000 customers). The Williamsburg Water Treatment Plant won the Champion Award for small population served (fewer than 10,000 customers).

Six treatment plants received special recognition for achieving the optimized water quality goals 100 percent of the time during 2012. The six are Cave Run Regional Water Commission, Columbia/Adair County Water Treatment Plant, Greensburg Water Works, Hardin County Water District No. 2, Jackson County Water Association and Kentucky American in Richmond.

Water systems recognized for meeting those goals 95 percent of the time during 2012 include the following:

·         Barbourville Water and Electric

·         Beattyville Water Works

·         Benham Water Plant

·         Booneville Water and Sewer District

·         Burnside Water Company

·         Crittenden-Livingston County Water District

·         Danville City Water Works

·         Elizabethtown Water Departments A and B

·         Franklin Water Works

·         Georgetown Municipal Water Service

·         Glasgow Water Companies A and B

·         Green River Valley Water District

·         Greenup County Water System

·         Hardin County Water District No. 1

·         Hartford Municipal Water Works

·         Irvine Municipal Utilities

·         Jackson Municipal Water Works

·         Jamestown Municipal Water Works

·         Kentucky American Water/Kentucky River Station

·         Kentucky American Water/Kentucky River Station

·         Kentucky American Water/Hardin Landing

·         Lawrenceburg Water and Sewer Department

·         Leitchfield Water Works, Liberty Water Works

·         Logan-Todd Regional Water Commission

·         London Utility Commission

·         Louisa Water Department

·         Madisonville Light & Water

·         McCreary County Water Districts A and B

·         Morehead Utility Plant Board

·         Nicholasville Water Department

·         North Point Training Center

·         Northern Kentucky Water Service A and C

·         Paducah Water Works