Greenville City PWS

Greenville offers residents two primary water sources: Greenville Creek and eight wells situated east and south of the treatment facility. About 78% of processed water comes from Greenville Creek. During periods when creek turbidity rises, the system switches to groundwater from the wells.

The City maintains approved Wellhead Protection and Source Water Evaluation Plans. Water quality experts consider all surface waters susceptible to contamination. Surface waters are particularly vulnerable due to their accessibility and the short travel time between source and consumption points.

According to assessment data, Greenville's surface water protection area faces contamination risks from agricultural, residential, and industrial activities, as well as potential spills. While groundwater typically has better natural protection from contamination due to low-permeability sediment layers, Greenville's combined system blends surface and groundwater before distribution.

For safety purposes, the overall susceptibility rating for Greenville's water system is classified as high. It's important to note this assessment reflects available data at the time of evaluation and may not represent current conditions in all cases. Water quality, land use patterns, and potential contamination sources can change over time.

Despite these vulnerability factors, Greenville has consistently treated its source water to meet drinking water quality standards. Detailed reports are available at https://gemgrp.com/eReports/CNMA000137Y18.pdf or by contacting Gary J. Evans II, Water Superintendent.

Common contaminant sources in municipal water include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment, septic systems, livestock, and wildlife
• Inorganic substances like salts and metals from natural sources, urban runoff, sewage, and industrial activities
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA sets similar standards for bottled water. All water sources, including bottled water, may contain at least trace amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Some individuals may be particularly vulnerable to certain water contaminants, including those with compromised immune systems (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients), elderly persons, and infants. These groups should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding their drinking water.

Where does Greenville municipal water originate?

Approximately 90% of Greenville residents receive water from the Greenville Water Department, which operates eleven wells distributed across the city. These wells extract groundwater and pump it to treatment facilities before distributing it to homes, businesses, and schools throughout the service area.

What exactly is groundwater?

Groundwater forms when rainfall and snowmelt percolate through soil particles, sand, gravel, and rock until reaching a depth where the ground becomes saturated. This saturated zone's upper boundary is called the water table, which may lie near the surface or hundreds of feet below. Groundwater collects in materials like gravel or sand, forming aquifers that can be accessed through wells.

How does water reach my residence?

Water pumped from wells enters a network of large underground pipes that distribute it citywide. Smaller pipes branch off from these main lines to deliver water directly to individual properties, providing water at the turn of a tap.

Is my tap water safe to consume?

Well water naturally contains small amounts of impurities from contact with rocks, soil, vegetation, and human activities. The Greenville Water Department treats all water before distribution to ensure it's both palatable and healthy for consumption.

Why do I see outdoor watering advisories around town?

During warmer months, Greenville's water usage increases by approximately 50%, straining the system's capacity. The Water Department's regulations on outdoor water usage help manage limited resources and ensure adequate supply for all residents. Without these measures, water supplies might drop to dangerously low levels, potentially resulting in complete outdoor watering bans.

What quality assurance measures are in place?

The Greenville Water Department fully complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act, treating all water to meet state and federal public water standards. Treatments address corrosion control, disinfection, volatile organic chemical removal, and iron/manganese sequestration. The department routinely tests for over 100 different contaminants and immediately notifies the public and takes corrective action if any exceed health standards.

Why do I have brown stains in my dishwasher and on dishes?

Iron and manganese are common minerals in New England groundwater. While not health hazards, they can cause aesthetic issues like staining. The department adds polyphosphates to sequester these minerals, but high temperatures can break these chemical bonds. To minimize staining, avoid using the "hot air dry cycle" and use lower temperature water settings. Products like "Tang" or "Glisten" can help remove existing stains.

What causes discolored water?

Several factors can affect water color:

• Milky appearance: Usually caused by air bubbles that dissipate over time
• Brown/orange color: Potentially iron-related, possibly from hot water heaters, old iron pipes, or system flushing
• Black specks: May indicate pipe degradation or mineral buildup