Staying Ahead of the H20 Curve

The Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority takes a proactive approach to safeguarding the lifeblood of the communities it serves.

The next time you brush your teeth or take a shower, Mike Hopkins wants you to go back to the basics to remember the importance of not wasting water; and when you cook dinner, he wants you to realize how fats, oils and grease can cause problems in water systems.

“It’s the only water we’ve got,” said Hopkins, who has worked as the executive director of the Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority for the last 20 years. “When you push a button, waste goes away from you. Sometimes people forget that there is a live person on the other side at a wastewater plant working to clean that water and get it back out into the community.”

Hopkins adds that saving five gallons of water a day might not seem like much, but it adds up quickly if everyone participates. Since 1970, the NCWSA has delivered clean water to the county, city and neighboring partners. The authority’s 70 employees take their responsibilities seriously to ensure quality.

“They love what they do, and they realize they are providing an essential service and protecting public health,” Hopkins said. The NCWSA, a quasi-government organization, does not receive tax dollars. Oversight comes through the interaction between its board of directors and the Newton County government and its cities.

“We take clean, fresh water for granted when we turn on the tap.”
Sally Anne Short

Newton County delivers 5.5 million gallons of water and processes 3.2 million gallons of wastewater each day. Between the growing number of residents, the increasing number of visitors and the upswing in the number of businesses entering the county, those figures could continue to rise. Frontline workers at the NCWSA earn certifications and take assessments during their tenure to ensure compliance with regulations. The Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority recently hired Sally Anne Short as its water conservation manager to help better inform the public about the importance of water conservation and protection.

“We take clean, fresh water for granted when we turn on the tap,” said Short, who worked as a teacher for 30 years. “I want the public to understand that it’s a precious resource.” She plans to continue to engage with school groups at all levels, community organizations and businesses by hosting tours at NCWSA facilities to demonstrate the water cleaning process. “I’ve been really impressed that everyone I’ve met really cares.”

Hopkins notes the importance of educating people at all ages about water conservation, particularly focusing on students who can help influence future generations.

“They’re actively learning, so they are in that mindset,” Hopkins said. “If we can reach them early, maybe they can also hold their parents accountable, too.”

Short adds that although we do not live in an area prone to a water crisis at this time, the NCWSA takes measures to ensure the longevity of its resources. The organization stays drought-ready, maintaining an extended six to eight months of water supply at Lake Varner during such conditions. By October 2026, the NCWSA plans to offer reused water by treating water and delivering it back to Stanton Springs Industrial Park industries for use in cooling towers and other applications, aiding the conservation of the existing supply.

“I love how forward thinking they are,” Short said. “They are proactive instead of reactive.”

For information on Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority, visit ncwsa.us or call 770-787-1375.

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