Community News

City of Concord water operator, James Coble, received the prestigious C-Surface Operator of the Year Award from the North Carolina Waterworks Operators Association (NCWOA). The award is given to one C-Surface certified operator in the State each year and is one of the highest awards a water treatment plant operator can receive. Coble received the award for his demonstrated outstanding ability and devotion and technical expertise in the operation of a water treatment facility.

During the February City Council Meeting, Mayor Dusch and members of City Council presented the award and honored Coble for his commitment to water quality and dedication to the city. 

“I’m so proud to see James receive this award,” said Mike Filkins, the Superintendent and Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) of the Coddle Creek Water Treatment Plant, during remarks at the Council meeting. “It’s a great recognition of his hard work and dedication to his trade and team at Coddle Creek Water Treatment Plant.”

Coble recently completed his first full year as a certified operator. Upon completing his certification, he was put on shift full time operating the Coddle Creek Water Treatment Plant (WTP). Filkins noted Coble’s keen ability to make critical decisions with chemical dosage adjustments during times when source water quality was changing from extreme weather events.

“James became an important asset to the team and learned a lot in a very short amount of time. He quickly demonstrated his high level of skill and ability as an operator, and as his supervisor, I sleep better at night knowing he’s on third shift.”

As a water operator, Coble manages complex processes of water treatment and distribution and plays a vital role in providing drinking water that meets and exceeds state and federal standards for water quality. Thanks to Coble and the collective efforts of the entire team, in December 2024, the Coddle Creek WTP earned a North Carolina Area Wide Optimization Award.  While all drinking water systems must meet strict state and federal drinking water standards, this award is given to water treatment facilities that met more stringent standards that far exceed those required by the state and federal government. This is the seventh time Coddle Creek WTP earned the award.

The City of Concord operates two water treatment plants, Hillgrove WTP and Coddle Creek WTP, and provides water service to over 115,000 people. The Coddle Creek WTP produces approximately 5 million gallons of drinking water per day on an annual average basis and primarily serves the areas of the city to the west of George Liles Parkway.