LEXINGTON, KY, Nov. 15, 2010 -- Kentucky American Water'swater treatment plant in Owenton, Ky., which the company purchased in 2005, has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Area-Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) award for 2009 from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC). This distinction recognizes facilities that reduce the amount of turbidity (or cloudiness) in the water to levels well below what is required by state and federal regulations. Because bacteria and viruses can attach themselves to dirt, the primary source of turbidity in water, the removal of particles is a critical component of protecting consumers from waterborne diseases.
When the company purchased the assets of the City of Owenton's water and wastewater system in September 2005, the water treatment plant was experiencing a number of challenges with the quality of water produced and distributed to the community for use. Kentucky American Water quickly took action to meet customers' needs for improved water service in Owenton and other areas served by the plant by applying its expertise to adjust the facility's water treatment processes, enhance microbial testing practices and water quality sampling efforts, and make adjustments to the sources of water used.
As a result of these adjustments, today customers served by the plant no longer receive notification that there are unsafe levels of contaminants present in their drinking water, and they also have experienced a considerable reduction in the number of times they experience discolored water. The water treatment plant is now recognized by the U.S. EPA and the Kentucky EEC as completely optimized for turbidity and microbial removal.
Kentucky American Water owns and operates a second water treatment facility in Owen County near the community of Monterey. Construction on that facility was completed this fall and it was put into service on Sept. 20, 2010.
Kentucky American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (AWK 24.92, +0.42, +1.71%) , is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately half a million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com. Kentucky American Water is now on Twitter. Follow us at kyamwater.
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