Joint Municipal WSC

THE JOINT MUNICIPAL WATER & SEWER COMMISSION DELIVERS QUALITY WATER

The Joint Municipal Water & Sewer Commission (JMWSC) is dedicated to providing high-quality municipal water to residents in our service area. Both the Environmental Protection Agency and S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control have established standards for municipal water designed to protect consumers from bacteria and waterborne illnesses. This report demonstrates our commitment to water quality during 2017.

For questions about this report, please call (803)359-8373.

WATER SOURCE INFORMATION

The Commission draws water from two connection points with the City of West Columbia. Both connections are supplied by the surface water treatment plant on Old Cherokee Road, which utilizes Lake Murray as its source. The plant can produce over 22 million gallons daily, of which the Commission has acquired approximately 12 million gallons per day capacity.

REGULATED DETECTIONS

Our testing shows the following regulated substances:

• Nitrate: 0.053 mg/L (MCL: 10 mg/L)
• Fluoride: 0.84 mg/L, range 0.53-0.84 (MCL: 4 mg/L)
• Copper: Various locations tested between 0.021-0.060 mg/L (Action Level: 1.3 mg/L)
• Lead: Various locations tested between 0.00-14.00 ppb (Action Level: 15 ppb)
• Haloacetic Acids (HAA5): LRAA ranges 22.9-25.0 ppb (MCL: 60 ppb)
• Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM): LRAA ranges 22.0-23.8 ppb (MCL: 80 ppb)
• Chlorine: 3.66 mg/L, range 1.7-3.66 (MRDL: 4 mg/L)
• E. coli: 0 out of 480 samples (no violations)
• Total Organic Carbon: 55.8% removal (35% required)
• Turbidity: 0.13 NTU (standard: <0.3 NTU in 95% of monthly samples)

WATER QUALITY TERMS

Understanding water quality reports requires familiarity with these terms:

• Action Level (AL): Contaminant concentration that triggers treatment requirements
• Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): Level below which no known health risks exist
• Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): Highest allowed contaminant level in municipal water
• Parts per million (ppm): Equivalent to one penny in $10,000 or one minute in two years
• Parts per billion (ppb): Equivalent to one penny in $10,000,000 or one second in 32 years

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

All water sources may contain some level of contaminants, including bottled water. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants than the general population, including people undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, those with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

1. How often is my water tested? Joint Municipal WSC conducts regular testing throughout the year, with some contaminants tested daily, others monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on regulations.
2. What causes water hardness? Water hardness results from dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. While not a health concern, hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances.
3. Is tap water safe to drink? Yes, Joint Municipal WSC's water meets all federal and state safety standards. However, those with specific health concerns should consult their healthcare providers.
4. What causes occasional discoloration? Temporary discoloration may occur due to maintenance, line breaks, or hydrant flushing, stirring up mineral sediments. Running cold water typically clears this up.
5. Should I be concerned about chlorine? Chlorine is added as a disinfectant at safe levels. If you notice a strong chlorine smell, letting water sit in an open container allows the chlorine to dissipate.