Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority

To ensure tap water safety, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and South Carolina Department of Environmental Control (DHEC) enforce strict limits on contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, FDA regulations establish safety standards for bottled water to protect public health. Some individuals may have heightened sensitivity to water contaminants compared to the general population.

Water quality testing is conducted regularly by DHEC, with results reported in compliance with regulations. While some contaminants have been detected in our water supply, they remain at concentrations well below EPA safety thresholds.

SOURCE OF MUNICIPAL WATER: Our water comes from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land surfaces or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

All municipal water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants may be particularly vulnerable to infections. These individuals should consult their healthcare providers about their drinking water options.

WATER QUALITY MONITORING: Our treatment plant tests water daily for coliform bacteria presence. Additionally, approximately 120 distribution system samples are tested monthly. Throughout 2018, all coliform bacteria samples were below maximum contaminant levels as required by SC DHEC regulations.

Water is also tested daily for undissolved particles that could harbor bacteria or microorganisms. Particle concentration is measured as turbidity, with readings below 0.3 Turbidity Units (NTU) in 95% of samples considered acceptable by EPA standards. In 2018, our 95th percentile for turbidity was 0.098 NTU, well below regulatory requirements.

Our goal is to remove or neutralize any potentially harmful organisms using chloramine and chlorine disinfection along with advanced filtration. The system is continuously monitored for turbidity and particle counts using electronic laser detection equipment.

WATER SOURCE INFORMATION: The Great Pee Dee watershed supplies our surface water. Originating in North Carolina, it includes waters from Lake Tillery, Blewett Falls Lake, Lumber River, Little Pee Dee River, Great Pee Dee River, Lake Robinson, Black Creek, and Lynches River. Surface water is drawn from Bull Creek, a Pee Dee River tributary located north of the Waccamaw and Pee Dee Rivers intersection.

LEAD INFORMATION: Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water primarily comes from materials and components in service lines and home plumbing. While we can't control the materials used in plumbing components, you can minimize potential lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned about lead in your water, consider having it tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps to minimize exposure is available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

WE WELCOME YOUR FEEDBACK: For general questions, please contact our Customer Service Department at (843) 443-8202. For water quality information, call (843) 443-8290. For technical water quality questions, call (843) 443-8204. The public is invited to attend our monthly Board of Directors meetings, scheduled for the 4th Monday of each month at 6:00 pm at our Administrative Office Building (166 Jackson Bluff Road, Conway, SC 29526). Visit www.gswsa.com for additional information.

.. ...