Clemson Water Company

Clemson University is committed to delivering safe, reliable, high-quality water to students, faculty, and staff. Our testing protocols employ sophisticated equipment and advanced methodologies. The water provided by Clemson University Water System meets or exceeds all state and federal standards for both aesthetic qualities and safety measures.

This annual "Consumer Confidence Statement," mandated by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), explains our water source, summarizes testing results, and provides important information for consumers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) enforce strict standards for all municipal water to protect against bacteria and waterborne illnesses.

To ensure customer safety, we collect water samples across campus monthly, with results reviewed by DHEC. As a distribution system, we rely on our water provider for most test results listed in this statement under the Anderson Regional Joint Water System (ARJWS) Water Quality Table. ARJWS Plant operators conduct over 200 laboratory tests daily, in addition to continuous parameter monitoring.

Water Source: The Clemson University Water System receives its supply from ARJWS Hartwell Lake Filter Plant, which draws water from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Hartwell Lake Reservoir located along the South Carolina-Georgia border. This water enters the CU Water System through three metering stations.

1. Where does Clemson water come from?
   Clemson supplies purchased surface water to Clemson, South Carolina.
2. Does Clemson test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Clemson must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Clemson?
   Call 864-656-3311 or visit Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Clemson water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Clemson water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.