BJWSA and Broad Creek and Hilton Head PSDs to conduct annual water main flushing program
OKATIE and HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (November 7, 2019) – Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA), Hilton Head Public Service District (HHPSD) and Broad Creek Public Service District (BCPSD) will temporarily change the drinking water treatment method and flush water lines throughout their service areas for a two-week period starting November 30. The change is part of the routine maintenance program for the utilities’ water distribution systems. There will be no interruption in service as a result of the work.Customers can use their water as normal, but may notice a slight chlorine taste or odor in the tap water beginning Saturday, November 30 through Saturday, December 14. Customers in some areas may notice brief discoloration in the tap water as a result of lines being flushed. If water appears discolored, customers should run cold water for a few minutes. If discoloration persists, BJWSA customers can call (843) 987-9200, Hilton Head PSD customers can call (843) 681-5525 and for Broad Creek PSD, customers can call (843) 785-7582. In addition, the following wholesale customers will be affected: Callawassie, Moss Creek (Water Oak Utilities), Harbor Island, Fripp Island and the military facilities. Contact your designated utility with any questions.
Customers who are especially sensitive to the taste and odor of chlorine can keep an open container of drinking water in their refrigerators. This will reduce the chlorine taste. Water stored in refrigerated containers should be changed weekly.
BJWSA tests hydrants daily
Throughout our service area, BJWSA tests hydrants daily. Customers in a particular area may experience water discoloration, which should clear up if they allow the water to run for 15 minutes. If the water does not clear up with in this time, please call for consultation.
We also conduct water quality flushing procedures. Customers may experience water discoloration and or elevated chlorine tastes and odors in their area due to this procedure as well. The water will clear up if customers allow their water to run for 15 minutes. If the water does not clear up with in this time, please call for consultation. The chlorine odor will dissipate over time.
In both cases, the discoloration is not harmful to humans or pets, and is a result of rapid velocity variations in the water mains from the testing procedures. The discoloration is most likely phosphate which is added to the water as a corrosion inhibitor.
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