Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority Awarded Gold & Silver by the Virginia Department of Health – Charlottesville City (.gov)

Report on Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority’s Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals through Water Quality Excellence

1.0 Executive Summary

This report outlines the 2024 Excellence in Waterworks Operations/Performance Awards received by the Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority (RWSA) from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). It analyzes these achievements within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting RWSA’s significant contributions to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

2.0 VDH Recognition and Alignment with SDG 6

The VDH Office of Drinking Water has awarded multiple RWSA facilities for exceeding minimum water quality standards, a core objective of SDG 6. The awards recognize optimized filtration, clarification, and backwashing procedures that directly support Target 6.1: to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. The evaluation, based on low water turbidity levels in Monthly Operating Reports, confirms RWSA’s effective implementation of processes that improve water quality by reducing pollution (Target 6.3).

2.1 Award Classifications

The following treatment plants were recognized for their performance:

• Gold Award Recipients:
  1. Crozet Water Treatment Plant
  2. North Rivanna Water Treatment Plant
  3. Scottsville Water Treatment Plant
• Silver Award Recipients:
  1. South Rivanna Water Treatment Plant
  2. Observatory Water Treatment Plant

3.0 Impact on Broader Sustainable Development Goals

RWSA’s mission to provide high-quality water and wastewater services in a financially responsible and sustainable manner is integral to achieving several interconnected SDGs. The authority’s daily operations, which include treating an average of 10 million gallons of drinking water and 9.6 million gallons of wastewater, form the foundation of a healthy and sustainable community.

3.1 Key SDG Contributions

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: By delivering drinking water that surpasses minimum safety requirements, RWSA plays a critical role in protecting public health and reducing the risk of water-borne diseases for the communities of Charlottesville, Albemarle, and the University of Virginia.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Beyond providing clean drinking water, RWSA’s management of extensive infrastructure—including five reservoirs, four advanced water resource recovery facilities, and multiple pumping stations—demonstrates a comprehensive approach to the entire water cycle, aligning with goals for integrated water resources management.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The provision of reliable and safe water and sanitation services is a fundamental requirement for sustainable urban infrastructure. RWSA’s work ensures that the community has the basic services necessary for a safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlement.

4.0 Conclusion

The recognition from the Virginia Department of Health formally validates the Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority’s commitment to operational excellence. These awards signify more than technical proficiency; they represent a direct and measurable contribution to the global sustainable development agenda. By ensuring water safety and quality, RWSA actively advances the objectives of SDG 3, SDG 6, and SDG 11, establishing a benchmark for sustainable water management at the local level.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  This is the primary goal addressed. The article focuses entirely on the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority’s (RWSA) success in water treatment, providing “clean and safe drinking water,” and managing wastewater, which are the core components of SDG 6.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article connects directly to this goal by stating that the Virginia Department of Health’s program aims to “reduce risks to public health associated with drinking water.” By ensuring high water quality, the RWSA contributes to preventing waterborne diseases and promoting community health.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The provision of reliable and high-quality water and wastewater services is a fundamental requirement for sustainable communities. The RWSA’s mission to serve its communities with “high-quality water and wastewater treatment” in a “sustainable manner” supports the development of resilient and safe urban and local environments.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The article mentions that the awards recognize water treatment plants that “perform above and beyond minimum water quality standards by optimizing and running their treatment process efficiently and effectively.” This focus on efficiency aligns with the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, a key aspect of SDG 12.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

   The article highlights RWSA’s “commitment to providing clean and safe drinking water to its community members.” The Gold and Silver awards for excellence in waterworks operations are a testament to their efforts in achieving this target at a local level.

2. Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution… and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.

   The RWSA’s management of “four advanced water resource recovery facilities (wastewater treatment plants)” and its daily treatment of “9.6 million gallons of wastewater” directly contribute to improving water quality by treating wastewater before it is returned to the environment.

3. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

   The article explicitly states the VDH program’s purpose is to “reduce risks to public health associated with drinking water.” By exceeding minimum water quality standards, the RWSA directly works to reduce illnesses related to water contamination.

4. Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

   The awards recognize the RWSA for “optimizing and running their treatment process efficiently and effectively.” This demonstrates a commitment to the efficient use of water, a critical natural resource, which is central to this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Water Turbidity: The article explicitly states that the “VDH uses water turbidity (how clear it is) as a main evaluation factor.” This is a direct, measurable indicator of water quality used to assess the performance of the water treatment plants and ensure the safety of drinking water (relevant to Targets 6.1 and 3.9).
• Compliance with Quality Standards: The article mentions that the awards are for plants that “perform above and beyond minimum water quality standards.” The number of plants receiving Gold and Silver awards (five in total) serves as an indicator of high-level performance and successful water management (relevant to Target 6.1).
• Volume of Treated Water and Wastewater: The article provides specific figures: “10 million gallons of drinking water and 9.6 million gallons of wastewater per day.” These volumes are quantitative indicators of the scale of operations providing safe drinking water and treating wastewater, measuring progress towards Targets 6.1 and 6.3.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: charlottesville.gov