Report on North Carolina Water Treatment Excellence and Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Advancing SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

In 2024, the North Carolina Division of Water Resources recognized 63 water treatment plants for exceptional performance, directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The N.C. Area Wide Optimization Program Award was conferred upon these facilities for surpassing stringent federal and state drinking water standards. This initiative highlights a significant commitment to achieving universal access to safe drinking water by enhancing the operational performance of existing surface water treatment infrastructure.

Recognized Coastal Facilities

Among the statewide honorees, three coastal-based facilities were distinguished for their contributions to public health and environmental quality. Their achievements underscore the regional commitment to SDG 6 targets. The recognized plants include:

• Brunswick County Northwest Water Treatment Plant
• Cape Fear Public Utility Authority’s Sweeney Water Treatment Plant
• Pender County Utilities Surface Water Treatment Plant

Performance Metrics and Impact on Public Health (SDG 3)

The primary criterion for the award is outstanding turbidity removal, a critical measure of drinking water quality and safety. By achieving performance goals significantly higher than regulatory requirements, these plants play a vital role in advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), specifically its target to reduce illnesses from water pollution. In 2024, the collective efforts of these award-winning facilities ensured the provision of superior quality drinking water to a population exceeding 2.8 million North Carolina residents, thereby safeguarding community health.

Sustained Excellence and Commitment to Sustainable Communities (SDG 11)

Demonstrating a long-term commitment to water quality, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority was also presented with the “Gold Star” honor. This special recognition is reserved for systems that have maintained award-winning performance for ten or more consecutive years. This sustained excellence is fundamental to building resilient and sustainable communities, a core objective of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By ensuring a reliable supply of safe water, these 20 “Gold Star” facilities provide the essential infrastructure necessary for community well-being and development.

Summary of Findings

1. Advancement of SDG 6: 63 water treatment plants were awarded for exceeding safety standards, directly supporting the goal of clean water for all.
2. Contribution to SDG 3: The focus on superior turbidity removal significantly reduces health risks from water contamination, aligning with global public health targets.
3. Support for SDG 11: The consistent, high-level performance of facilities, particularly the 20 “Gold Star” recipients, provides the foundational services required for sustainable and resilient communities.
4. Regional Impact: Three coastal utilities were among those honored, demonstrating widespread commitment to water quality excellence across North Carolina.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The article is exclusively focused on the provision and quality of drinking water. It discusses water treatment plants being honored for surpassing federal and state drinking water standards. This directly aligns with the core objective of SDG 6, which is to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.” The recognition of these facilities for their high performance in water treatment and service to millions of residents embodies the principles of this goal.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

  The article highlights that the award-winning plants provided high-quality drinking water to “more than 2.8 million North Carolina residents.” This directly relates to the target of ensuring access to safe drinking water for a significant population. The fact that these are public utility plants honored for exceeding safety standards underscores the commitment to providing safe water to the communities they serve.

• Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution…

  This target is addressed through the article’s emphasis on water treatment performance. The plants are specifically awarded for demonstrating “outstanding turbidity removal, which is a key test of drinking water quality.” By meeting “performance goals that are significantly higher” than required standards, these facilities are actively contributing to improving the quality of water delivered to consumers, a key aspect of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Indicator for Target 6.1 (related to official indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services):

  The article provides a direct quantitative measure by stating that “more than 2.8 million North Carolina residents were served by these award-winning plants.” This number serves as a clear indicator of the population benefiting from drinking water services that are not just safe, but of exceptionally high quality.

• Indicator for Target 6.3 (related to water quality improvement):

  The article implies a specific technical indicator used for the awards: “outstanding turbidity removal.” Turbidity is a measurable parameter of water quality. The “N.C. Area Wide Optimization Program Award” itself, and the “Gold Star” honor for sustained performance (10+ years), act as qualitative indicators of consistent success in improving water quality beyond the mandatory state and federal standards.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: coastalreview.org