FRANKFORT, Ky. — In recognition of their demonstrated success in producing drinking water that consistently meets or exceeds state water quality standards, 31 treatment plants in Kentucky received awards from the Energy and Environment Cabinet.

Of 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) — which challenges plants to reduce turbidity levels below those required by state and federal regulations — only 31 were awarded, one of which was Pineville Water System. 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 from dirt and microbes that can cause waterborne diseases.

Dr. Len Peters, secretary of the Energy and Environment Cabinet, praised all the water plants for their achievements.

“Together, these 31 systems serve more than a million Kentuckians who can be assured that their water treatment systems are working hard to produce safe drinking water from Kentucky’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs,” said Dr. Peters. “I fully expect to present many more awards next year as water systems continue to make technical, managerial and financial improvements in the business of producing clean, safe water for the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

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. For 2008, Hardin County Water District #2 won in the category for large population served (more than 10,000 customers) and Jackson Municipal Water Works for small population served (fewer than 10,000 customers).

Five plants: Benham Water Plant, Hardin County Water District #2, McCreary County Water District/Cumberland River Water Treatment Plant, Rattlesnake Ridge Water District in Grayson and Wood Creek Water District in London, also received special recognition for achieving the optimized water quality goals 100 percent of the time during 2008.

Water systems recognized for meeting the same goals 95 percent of the time during 2008 include Pineville Water System, Richmond Utilities, Ashland Water Works, Barbourville Water and Sewer, Booneville, Burnside Water Company, Cave Run Regional Water Commission, Glasgow Water Company/Barren River Water Treatment Plant, Green River Valley Water District, Greensburg Water Works, Greenup Water System, Hardin County Water District #1, Irvine and Jackson Municipal Water Works, Kentucky-American Water/Richmond Road in Lexington, Lawrenceburg Water and Sewer Department, Leitchfield Water Works, Logan-Todd Regional Water Commission, London Utilities Commission, Martin County Water District, Morehead Utility Plant Board, Northern Kentucky Water District/Memorial Parkway Water Treatment Plant, Northpoint Training Center in Danville, Paducah Water Works, West Liberty Water Company and Wilmore Water Works.

Sarah Miracle is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. She can be contacted via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com.