Department of Environmental Quality NC AWOP is a volunteer effort for participating systems and the PWS Section staff. In 2018, the NC AWOP Team had 12 staff participants from the PWS Section who worked to sustain the program by participating in varying activities such as evaluating system capabilities and providing technical training to systems. Data from all surface water surface water treatment facilities is evaluated annually. Data evaluated included turbidity, microbial, and disinfection byproducts (DBP) performance information. Impacts - In 2018, 149 surface water treatment plants operated during the year. 57 plants met the settled water and filtered water microbial turbidity goals and thus earned Optimization Awards issued by the Department. These plants directly served a population of 2,980,600. In general, there has been a dramatic increase in number of plants being optimized and the population served. You may note a decrease in the number of optimized plants and population for 2018. Year 2018 was the wettest year on record for North Carolina with an average precipitation of 71.77 inches. This historic rainfall included precipitation from two major hurricanes and created challenging raw water quality across the state. Department of Environmental Quality

AWOP Awards Department of Environmental Quality Lessons Learned: Participating in a multi-state CPE is a great way to get AWOP experience. In addition, it facilitates discussion with colleagues to share experiences on improving water treatment and water quality. Conducting special studies (such as distribution mapping with hydrant sampler) provide training opportunities for staff to gain experience using AWOP tools. Providing a professional printed and framed AWOP award instills pride and may motive surrounding water systems to seek the award. Awards were presented at regional NC Waterworks Operator Association meetings, City Council meetings, and individual water plants. Posting pictures of award presentations on agency social media is a great way to build awareness. Department of Environmental Quality