St James WD

The St. James Water District is proud to provide this Water Quality Report to all residents within our service area. This report is required by Federal and State regulations to ensure you receive safe, reliable water every day. Our Board of Water Committee and staff members are dedicated to delivering the highest quality water to you and your family.

We're pleased to confirm that our water meets all Federal and State requirements. If you have questions about this report or your municipal water, please contact Superintendent Christopher Nustad at (631) 584-6202. To learn more, attend our regularly scheduled Board of Water Commissioner meetings – please call for the schedule and locations.

Municipal water comes from various sources including rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals, sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities. Potential contaminants include microbial pollutants, inorganic compounds, herbicides, organic chemicals, and radioactive substances.

To ensure safety, both State and EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems. Similar regulations exist for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection. Our water comes from underground aquifers – groundwater held in sandy geological formations. The Long Island Aquifer System consists of three main formations: Glacial (newest water), Magothy (largest formation with centuries-old water), and Lloyd (oldest water, some over 5,000 years old). These formations extend approximately 600 feet deep at the north shore and 2,000 feet at the south shore.

St James Water District purchases water from Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA), which maintains over 500 public supply wells throughout Suffolk County. We have 11 interconnections with SCWA where their water enters our distribution system. In 2018, we experienced no service restrictions.

Established in 1945, our municipal district roughly follows the St James Fire District boundaries. We maintain about 59 miles of water main and 460 fire hydrants (orange and silver). We serve approximately 11,807 residents through 3,374 connections. In 2018, we withdrew 567 million gallons, with about 96% billed directly to customers. The remainder supported water main breaks, annual flushing programs, and firefighting efforts.

Our billing uses a quarterly rate of $2.25 per 1,000 gallons plus a $24.16 quarterly base fee. While our water meets all standards, some individuals may be more vulnerable to waterborne contaminants, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, some elderly residents, and infants. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing infection risks are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Cayce is situated in the central region of the state, alongside the Congaree River. Its prime location, hometown charm and steady growth make it an attractive destination for businesses and families seeking a quality community without big city pressures.

While visiting Cayce, be sure to explore the Cayce Historical Museum to discover the earliest European settlement in South Carolina's midlands and learn about the city's namesake. Another notable landmark is the Historic Columbia Speedway, which hosted premier NASCAR events from the 1940s through the 1970s. Today, the beautifully landscaped 9-acre property serves as an ideal venue for events of any size.

The popular Cayce Riverwalk Park, part of the Three Rivers Greenway, offers lighted paths, boardwalks, restroom facilities, convenient parking and ADA accessibility. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, hiking, picnicking, walking, fishing, and birdwatching. The new Cayce Fitness and Tennis Center at Ottare Point features 30 lighted hard courts and modern fitness equipment in a Wi-Fi enabled clubhouse with conference facilities.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the 627-acre Congaree Heritage Preserve with its three-mile hiking trail loop. Archaeological evidence shows human habitation in this area for nearly 12,000 years, with artifacts including tools, pottery, and arrowheads.

Seasonal events include Christmas in Cayce, Carols along the Riverwalk, and the Spring Soiree on State—a free family festival featuring live music, art vendors, food, and children's activities.

Cayce offers diverse dining options from fast-food to seafood, pizza, Mexican cuisine, steaks and more. The city boasts excellent transportation access with Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Interstate 26, and Interstate 77 within city limits, plus Interstate 20 just minutes away. Educational institutions include Lexington School District 2 schools and East Point Academy, the state's first Chinese Immersion Elementary School. Healthcare needs are served by a new 70,000-square-foot Lexington Medical Center facility and two major hospitals within a 10-minute drive.