Town of Clayton employees are working to protect local water resources, according to a March 22 announcement. Their efforts include treating wastewater before it returns to the Neuse River and monitoring water quality throughout the town.
The topic is important because communities share water supplies, meaning that clean water in one area benefits others downstream. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator John Zamarripa said, “We all share this water. Water gets reused over and over again. It may come from upstream to us, and after we clean it, it goes back into the river for someone else down the line. That is why we work hard to keep it as clean as we can.”
A major development supporting these efforts is the new Sam’s Branch Water Reclamation Facility. The plant will expand Clayton’s ability to treat wastewater from two million gallons per day at the current facility up to six million gallons per day initially at Sam’s Branch, with room for further expansion as needed. Zamarripa said about the project, “When I first came out here, there were very few buildings. Now you can see how much work and planning went into it. It is a huge facility, and it is exciting to watch it come together.”
The new facility includes modern technology that helps operators monitor treatment processes more closely before releasing cleaned water back into the river. Zamarripa added, “The water that comes to us from homes and businesses is cleaned and returned to the river as safely as possible. When we do that well, we help support the environment and the communities that rely on the same water.”
Utility Compliance Technician Allan Henkel plays a key role in ensuring drinking water safety by collecting between 35–40 samples each month across Clayton’s distribution network. These tests follow state and federal guidelines meant to maintain safe drinking standards for residents.
Henkel said of his role: “A lot of people may not see this work, but it is an important part of protecting the water people rely on every day.” He also noted ongoing participation in a multi-year lead testing initiative required by federal regulations: “Initiatives like this help us keep residents informed and confident in their drinking water,” Henkel said.
As World Water Day approaches on March 22, Town officials are recognizing employees’ behind-the-scenes contributions toward maintaining safe and reliable local water.
