Athens PWS

Recent concerns have brought lead in public water systems across the United States into the spotlight. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established the action level for lead in municipal water at 15 micrograms/liter (ug/L), or parts per billion (ppb).

The regulation requires Public Water Systems (PWS) to ensure that water from taps used for human consumption doesn't exceed this level in at least 90 percent of sampled locations. This "action level" triggers additional treatment requirements when exceeded. Because lead poses serious health risks, the EPA set a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) of zero for lead, representing the level below which no known health risks exist.

Where Does Lead Come From?
Lead is a common, natural metal that has been used in household products for generations. It appears in lead-based paint, air, soil, household dust, and certain ceramics or metal items. While most childhood lead exposure occurs through paint chips, dust, or contaminated soil, the EPA estimates 10-20% of human lead exposure may come from water.

Unlike most contaminants, lead rarely occurs naturally in water sources like rivers or lakes. It enters water primarily through corrosion of plumbing materials containing lead. Buildings constructed before 1986 likely have lead pipes, fixtures, or solder. Even newer "lead-free" plumbing installed before 2014 could legally contain up to 8% lead.

In 2011, Congress passed the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, reducing the maximum allowable lead content in plumbing to a weighted average of 0.25% and establishing calculation methods for lead content. Existing inventory could be sold, but new components must meet these standards.

How Athens PWS Prevents Lead Contamination
Water providers regularly monitor both source water and treated water for corrosiveness and effects on plumbing. Athens Public Water System carefully controls these parameters to minimize corrosion potential. Since 1992, under EPA requirements, the city has tested numerous homes throughout the community on a three-year cycle. The 90th percentile values have typically been 5 ppb or lower, with a general downward trend over time.

Remember that water naturally acts as a solvent, and water sitting unused in pipes for extended periods (months or longer) can still potentially leach lead. Household plumbing sections that remain unused should be flushed by running water for several minutes before use.

For More Information:
Contact Athens City Laboratory at 593-3502, visit the EPA website at www.epa.gov/lead, call the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD, or consult your healthcare provider.

What are the operating hours?
Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm. The office is closed on weekends and holidays.

How can I contact Customer Service by phone?
Call 864-646-7729. Click HERE for alternative contact methods.

Where is the SSWD office located?
6910 Hwy 76 Pendleton, SC 29670.

What's the mailing address?
PO Box 730 Sandy Springs, SC 29677

What payment methods are accepted?

• Cash, Check, Money Order, or Credit Card at the SSWD office
• Credit Card payments by phone
• Mailed Check payments
• Bank Draft
• Online Payment

How do I establish new service?
All renters, rent-to-own customers, or those leasing property must complete the Renters Form and pay $105 to the office before service connection. Homebuyers need to provide the closing statement or property tax document showing your name and correct address, complete a Transfer Form, and pay a non-refundable $25 fee before service connection.

How often will I receive a bill?
Both residential and commercial customers receive monthly bills.

When will my water be disconnected for non-payment?
A 10% penalty applies to unpaid bills after the due date. Service disconnection may occur if payment isn't made in full by the last Friday of your billing month.

How quickly can service be restored after disconnection?
Meter technicians lock meters and begin unlocking them as payments are received. Payments made at the SSWD office between 8:00am and 5:00pm will result in same-day reconnection. After-hours restoration is available for an additional fee.

How do I report a water leak in a public right-of-way?
Contact the office at 864-646-7729. For after-hours, weekend, or holiday leaks, call the same number, and our answering service will notify our on-call technician.

Can I get a bill adjustment for a water leak?
Leak adjustments are available once annually per customer who has repaired a leak. To qualify:

1. The leak must be repaired within the current billing period and reported before the original current due date.
2. A repair receipt must be submitted to SSWD before the original current due date.
3. The statement amount for the leak period must exceed $100.00.