TOC

C A RY, N O RT H C A R O L I N A A N N U A L WAST E WAT E R R E P O R T 2 0 2 3 3 W E L C O M E WE ARE PLEASED TO PRESENT ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR CARY'S WASTEWATER UTILIT Y SYSTEM! This past year marked the 50-year anniversary of the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972. The CWA was the first comprehensive legislation for water quality in the United States. This extremely important act established federal protections and paved the way for rules, policies, and funding targeted towards clean water. During this momentous anniversary, American Rivers also named the Neuse River the River of the Year 2022. This accolade is bestowed upon a river each year that has seen a significant reduction in pollution and where environmental stewardship at the local, state, and federal level has made a notable difference in the health of the river. Cary's exceptionally performing facilities return high-quality clean water back to the environment and consistently helps with the improvement of the Neuse River and Cape Fear River by meeting and exceeding state and federal permits. We are recognized nationally by the Water Environment Federation as a Platinum Partner for enhanced treatment and nutrient removal and Cary once again achieved the coveted title of NC Wastewater Collection System of the Year by the American Water Works Association – NC One Water for quality maintenance and operation of our wastewater collection system. Our wastewater system is comprised of more than 1,000 miles of pipelines and 42 pump stations that conveyed more than 7 billion gallons of wastewater this past year without losing more than a fraction of a percentage to spills and overflows. Our facilities employ advanced wastewater treatment and nutrient removal technology. The nutrients recovered from the treatment process are heat dried and made into Class A exceptional-quality biosolid pellets. Our biosolids pellets are beneficially reused for soil conditioning and nutrients to improve soil in agribusiness applications. A portion of the high-quality treated water is also used as reclaimed water for irrigation, cooling towers, and numerous reuse applications. Our approach to utility system management is to operate, maintain, and plan for a robust and resilient wastewater utility that exceeds permit requirements and to beneficially reuse our recovered resources in sustainable manners. Our staff works tirelessly to provide top quality sewer service to our customers including citizens in Cary, Morrisville, Wake RTP, and RDU Airport. Our annual report highlights the many ongoing efforts to provide high-quality and safe wastewater collection and treatment services. Protecting Cary's infrastructure and our natural environment are essential to wastewater utility operations as we work to shape the future as outlined in Cary's Community Plan. We invite you to review and study this report and experience how we are meeting our needs with sustainable wastewater services. Donald Smith Wastewater Collection System Manager

• Cover