On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Joe Gibbons proclaimed the week of May 1 to 7, 2022, as “Celebrate Drinking Water Week” throughout the City of Lenoir.
Mayor Gibbons presented the proclamation to Public Utilities Director Radford Thomas Tuesday, May 3, 2022, during the City Council meeting.
City of Lenoir Public Utilities staff operate the City’s water treatment plant 24/7/365. Staff at the plant produces nearly 7.5 million gallons of potable drinking water every day. In addition to serving local residents and the Town of Hudson, the City of Lenoir sells bulk water to Baton Water Corporation, Caldwell County, Joyceton Waterworks, and the Town of Sawmills.
Public Utilities staff also maintains 219 miles of water lines, 1,100 fire hydrants, 11,000 service lines, and meters and meter boxes. This infrastructure ensures that City of Lenoir water customers have access to clean water whenever they turn on their faucet, take a shower, and do laundry.
"I want to say how proud I am of the people in our department who produce and distribute our water, day in and day out, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," Public Utilities Director Radford Thomas said. "They really work hard, and they make sure what we have is the best quality and the safest drinking water they can possibly provide."
Although tap water is often taken for granted, safe, clean, and readily available water is extremely important for public health, whether it is used for drinking, domestic use, food production, or recreational purposes. Improved water supply and sanitation and better management of water resources can boost a country’s economic growth and can contribute greatly to reducing poverty.
PROCLAMATION IN CELEBRATION OF
DRINKING WATER WEEK
WHEREAS, water is our most valuable natural resource; and
WHEREAS, only tap water delivers public health protection, fire protection, support for our economy and the quality of life we enjoy; and
WHEREAS, any measure of a successful society - low mortality rates, economic growth and diversity, productivity, and public safety are in some way related to access to safe water; and
WHEREAS, we are all stewards of the water infrastructure upon which future generations depend; and
WHEREAS, each citizen of the City of Lenoir is called upon to help protect our source waters from pollution, to practice water conservation, and to get involved in local water issues by getting to know their water;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Lenoir, North Carolina, and on behalf of the Lenoir City Council, I do hereby proclaim the week of May 1 – 7, 2022, as “Celebrate Drinking Water Week” throughout the City of Lenoir.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Lenoir to be affixed this the 3rd day of May, 2022.
Joseph L. Gibbons, Mayor

Mayor Joe Gibbons presented the Celebrate Drinking Water Week Proclamation to Public Utilities Director Radford Thomas Tuesday, May 3, 2022, during the City Council meeting. Pictured from left: Councilman David Stevens, Mayor Pro Tem Crissy Thomas, Councilmen Ralph Prestwood and Kent Greer, Director Thomas, Councilman Jonathan Beal, Mayor Gibbons, and Councilmen Todd Perdue and Ike Perkins.