The Fayetteville Public Works Commission recognized over 200 PWC employees Aug. 9 for their hard work and dedication as the front line of environmental defense during PWC’s inaugural Wastewater Professional’s Day.

“Our employees are the heart of Fayetteville PWC,” said Ronna Rowe Garrett, PWC Chair.

“Wastewater professionals work hard, are passionate and committed in the critical work they do, and we are proud to recognize their efforts. I am grateful for their contributions, day in and day out. Their conscientious regulation and operation of our treatment facilities and collection systems help prevent contamination and other avoidable incidents that could threaten the health and well-being of Fayetteville, Cumberland County residents and our waterways.”

PWC’s Water Resources division is responsible for ensuring sewer mains flow freely and wastewater is properly treated before being returned to the Cape Fear River.

There are 209 PWC wastewater professionals who work around the clock at PWC and dedicate their careers to keeping treated wastewater clean and free of substances harmful to both humans and the environment.
PWC maintains more than 1,300 miles of sewer mains, 78 sanitary sewer lift stations over 32 thousand Sanitary Sewer Manholes.

PWC’s two water reclamation facilities treat more than nine billion gallons of wastewater a year and return it to the Cape Fear River cleaner than what we take in for drinking water.

“Our wastewater workers are dedicated professionals working in our treatment facilities, the lab, or out in the field. They work around the clock to protect the ecological health of Fayetteville's waterways, including the Cape Fear River,” said Misty Manning, interim Chief Operations Officer for PWC’s Water Resources Division.

“From being called out in the middle of the night to work in undesirable conditions clearing sewer mains clogged by grease and wipes, to working around the clock restoring essential services during and after storms, they protect our environment and PWC customers from the effects of main breaks and sanitary sewer overflows.”

PWC’s Wastewater Professional’s Day is the first-known appreciation day in the Wastewater Industry and will be observed at PWC the second Wednesday of August in the years ahead.