Where does my drinking water come from and is it safe?

Groundwater from the Upper Floridan Aquifer is blended with Savannah River water, which is purchased from the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority, to supply you with safe, high quality water.  The District’s water consistently meets or exceeds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s and South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control’s standards for safe drinking water.  You may review the annual Consumer Confidence Report  and Drinking Water Fact Sheets for detailed information regarding your drinking water.   

How frequently does the District analyze the water?

The District performs routine sampling for bacteria on a monthly basis throughout the entire system.  SCDHEC performs quarterly analysis for eighty primary and secondary parameters.

How does the District treat my drinking water?  Are there any special precautions I should take as a result of this treatment method?  

In 1999, the District began treating drinking water supplies with a combination of chlorine and ammonia called chloramines.  Public water purveyors throughout the United States and Canada have safely utilized chloramines for many years as a method for preventing bacterial growth in drinking water.  Chloramines are safe for everyday uses such as drinking, bathing and cooking.  However, kidney dialysis patients and fish owners should take special precautions to prevent chloramines from directly entering the bloodstream by removing them from the water before use.  Local health care providers and pet stores are aware of the District’s use of chloramines and can provide you with more detailed information should you have questions or concerns.

What causes the blue-green stain where my water drips into the sink?

Copper compounds in your home’s plumbing or fixtures may dissolve into the drinking water, thereby causing this stain.  The condition that causes copper to dissolve in water can also cause lead from plumbing to dissolve into the water, and high amounts of either copper or lead can cause health problems.  Please contact the District if you notice excessive blue-green stains in your sink. 

Why is there a pink-colored residue on my bathroom fixtures and/or toilet bowl?

Utilities and their customers throughout the United States have experienced this problem.  Fortunately, the pink substance is not an indicator of poor water quality in the District’s distribution system.  Rather, the residue is thought to result from airborne bacteria and is also affected by a homeowner’s cleaning habits.  While testing to determine the exact nature of the substance would be both costly and time-consuming, scientists and laboratory analysts have concluded that it is a species of bacteria called Serratia Marcescens.  S. Marcescens is a naturally occurring bacterium found throughout the environment, appearing more frequently in humid climates.  Products containing chlorine, household bleach for example, will effectively remove and control the proliferation of S. Marcescens.  The Serratia Marcescens Fact Sheet will provide you with more detailed information. 

Does the District’s water contain fluoride?

Although fluoride naturally occurs in some of the water supplied by the Upper Floridan Aquifer, the District does not supplement the water supply with additional fluoride.  However, Savannah River water purchased from the Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority is fluoridated in small amounts.  The amount of fluoride in our blended water is limited to a maximum of 2 mg/L (milligrams per liter), a figure substantially below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standard maximum of 4 mg/L.  For detailed information regarding fluoride, please see the Fluoride Fact sheet.  

What is radon and is it harmful in drinking water?

Radon is a radioactive gas formed by the breakdown of uranium in the soil, and may dissolve into the water and air supplies with which it comes into contact.  When inhaled over a long duration, radon may cause lung cancer.  Because there is little disagreement among researchers that radon is a harmful and potentially lethal element, the Environmental Protection Agency has set the acceptable limit at 4 pCi/L for potable water.  Testing conducted by the Hilton Head Public Service District has not detected the presence of radon. 

Why does my drinking water taste or smell abnormal?

Can it cause illness?

There are numerous origins for an unusual odor or taste in your drinking water.  The District utilizes chloramines, a combination of chlorine and ammonia, to disinfect the water supply.  Chlorine residuals often remain in the water and, in high amounts, will affect the taste and odor of the water.  In addition, hydrogen sulfide, a non-toxic substance when dissolved in water, may produce a rotten egg odor.  Should you experience an unusual taste or odor, flush the water (allow the faucet to flow) for a few minutes.  While incidents of illness from heavily chlorinated water are rare, please exercise caution and report any sudden change in taste or smell to the District at 681-5525.   

What is the source of discolored water and what remedies are available?

Your first step is to determine whether the cold or hot water is the source of the discoloration.  Flushing (allowing the faucet to flow for a few minutes) will generally eliminate discoloration of cold water.  The discoloration of cold water is usually caused by fine particles of suspended minerals such as iron or manganese, giving the water a reddish, brownish, or blackish appearance.  With hot water discoloration, on the other hand, it is recommended that you drain and flush your water heater according to the manufacturer’s directions to remove sediment from the bottom of the tank. 

Should I install home water treatment equipment?

While the water supplied by the District consistently meets or exceeds all applicable drinking water standards, this is a decision best left to you and your family.  Please note, however, that water filters may actually cause water quality problems and present a serious health hazard if not properly installed and maintained.  

What is the hardness of the District’s water?

The District’s water generally ranges in hardness from 50 – 140 ppm, or parts per million.  For detailed information regarding hardness levels in your particular area, check out Water Hardness Levels. 

Should I install a water softener in my home?

If your water is extremely hard, a water softener can greatly improve the aesthetics and sometimes the taste of the water.  A softener may also make washing easier and reduce the formation of white calcium deposits on dishes and coffee pots.  Please note, however, that water softeners increase sodium levels and foster corrosion, causing potential lead and copper problems.  You should refer to your manufacturer’s recommendation to determine the optimum setting for your water softener controller.  Persons with sodium intake restrictions should particularly be aware of the increased sodium levels in softened water. 

What is the difference between tap and bottled water?

As a general rule, bottled water is comprised of one of three sources:  mineral water, spring water or bottled tap water, the latter of which differs from domestic tap water in price and distribution method only.  In both the United States and Europe, tap water is more stringently regulated than bottled water.  Furthermore, bottled water costs an average 500 to 1000 times more than its household counterpart.

  How much water does a family use each day?

Total water use depends on personal habits, including irrigation practices and washing.  In the United States, each person uses an average of 50-100 gallons of water each day for household purposes not including irrigation.  Consumptive uses, such as cooking and drinking, typically require approximately five gallons each day. 

Why do I sometimes hear noise in my pipes?

In general, pipes produce noise for one of two reasons.  Given that a hot water tap will be cold after a lengthy period of non-use, the sudden flow of hot water heats the pipe and causes it to expand.  This may cause the pipe to creak or make other similar noises.  Secondly, the water hammer phenomenon occurs because hydraulic energy continues to move through the pipe for a moment even after the faucet has been shut off, especially if it is shut off suddenly.  Once the wave of energy reaches the faucet or valve, it may generate a loud noise, like a hammer hitting metal. 

How much does water cost?

Prices vary greatly throughout the United States.  On average, however, the typical cost is approximately $2.00 for every 1,000 gallons of water.  At this rate, five gallons of tap water cost just one penny.  In comparison, consider that one gallon of milk can cost over $3.00.  The District provides some of the least expensive water in coastal South Carolina. 

How does the District know how much water I use? 

How do I know that these figures are correct?

Individual households are equipped with a water meter that accurately measures the amount of water used in a given time.  Meters are read on a monthly or quarterly schedule.  The District performs routine water meter testing on a rotating basis to ensure that the meters are accurate.  While older meters may gradually slow to show a lower rate of consumption, it is physically impossible for meters to begin showing a higher level of consumption than actually used. 

Why does my drinking water occasionally contain sand?

Routine cleaning of pipes that transport drinking water can stir up material that has settled to the bottom of the pipes, or the material may have entered the system from a line break, giving your water a temporary sandy appearance.  Flushing will generally eliminate the problem.  While the presence of sand may seem alarming, it does not lessen the quality of the water.  In fact, sand filters are actually used to purify water.  Please contact the District at 681-5525 should you have any questions or concerns. 

What causes low water pressure?  Should I be concerned?

Heavy water use in your neighborhood, such as lawn irrigation, a water main break or firefighting, may cause temporary low water pressure.  The location of your home or undersized plumbing to your home may produce permanent low pressure.  Water softeners or treatment devices may also reduce pressure due to clogged filters caused by poor maintenance.  The system depends on pressure to prevent contamination.  Please report any lengthy reductions in pressure to the District immediately. 

What are cross-connections and backflow prevention devices?

Cross-connections refer to actual or potential connections wherein contaminants could be inadvertently introduced into the potable water system.  Backflow prevention devices prevent the flow of contaminated water and other liquids or substances into the distribution system. 

How can I determine if I have a water leak in my home?

To determine if your home may have a leak, observe the exact location of the needle on your water meter and refrain from using any water for ½ to 1 hour.  If the needle on your water meter has changed, you may have a leak.  You may also obtain a toilet tank leak detecting dye tablet from the District to determine if repairs need to be made on your toilet tank.

How do I flush my water heater?

Many of us take for granted the hot water that water heaters provide to our home on a daily basis. However, proper maintenance, including regular flushing, is essential to prolonging the life of the device and avoiding costly repairs.

As water goes through the device, mineral content settles at the bottom of the heater. As the sediment hardens, it provides a buffer area between the heating device and the water, reducing the heater’s ability to heat the water. Accumulated sediment may eventually clog the drain valve, as well. You can avoid excessive mineral build-up by draining the water heater regularly.

Following are some guidelines for flushing your water heater. Gas and electric heaters vary slightly, so be sure to read thoroughly before you begin. Please note that the following information is provided for general information purposes only. It is recommended that you refer to your manufacturer’s direction for specific instructions. 

Step 1 – For gas water heaters, turn the gas control knob to the ‘off’ position.  If you are not familiar with procedures for relighting your gas water heater, please consult with a plumber or gas supplier.  With electrical water heaters, shut off electricity to the water heater at the circuit breaker panel.

Step 2 – Turn on all cold water taps in the home, including faucets and showers. All of the taps should be running simultaneously. This allows fresh water from the street to flush the home’s interior plumbing.

Step 3 – Allow the taps to run for two to three minutes.

Step 4 – Shut off all cold water taps.

Step 5 – Turn on all hot water taps in the home at the same time, including faucets and showers. All of the taps should be running simultaneously. This scours the interior of the water heater, as well as the home’s interior plumbing.

Step 6 – Allow the taps to run until the water becomes cold, and until there is no sediment nor odor coming from the taps.

Step 7 – Shut off all hot water taps.

Step 5 – Restore the electricity to water heater at circuit breaker panel.  Hot water should be available within 30 – 45 minutes. For gas water heaters, follow your manufacturer’s lighting instructions or contact a gas supplier.

There are several factors to consider for determining the frequency of draining the water heater.  High mineral content and water hardness levels necessitate more frequent draining.  You can refer to the “Water Hardness Levels” page on the PSD website, www.hhpsd.com, for information specific to your area.  In addition, excessive hot water use may require a greater frequency.  However, because recommendations vary among models, you should consult with the manufacturer or product manual to determine specific time frames for draining your water heater.

Please contact the Hilton Head Public Service District should you have any questions regarding the flushing of your water heater at (843) 681-5525. 

The Hilton Head Public Service District makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for physical injury or property damage in any way related to or arising out of the above procedures or the draining of your water heater.  Always consult your manufacturer’s instructions for safety procedures before draining your water heater.  

If you have a specific question that has not been answered here, please e-mail us at info@hhpsd.com for a prompt response.  You may also contact our Customer Service Department at 843/681-5525.