(September 29, 2008)—Residents of Sullivan's Island and the Isle of Palms may notice a slight change in the taste of their drinking water during the temporary switch to well water while Charleston Water System repairs its supply line to the islands.
Charleston Water System provides drinking water to Sullivan's Island and supplements the Isle of Palms' supply through a 20-inch water main that crosses the Charleston Harbor near Fort Johnson on James Island to Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island.
Charleston Water System had to shut the line over the weekend to repair a leak in the pipe. The Isle of Palms is using its primary and back-up wells to serve its customers and Sullivan's Island until repairs are complete. The repair work is estimated to take four weeks.
Charleston Water System, the Isle of Palms, and Sullivan's Island have been working closely with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) during the temporary switch to back-up well water. The water meets DHEC's public health requirements, though it may taste and feel different due to the groundwater's higher mineral content, including fluoride.
"Water is a lot like wine in that its taste, smell, and texture varies according to where it comes from," explains Andy Fairey, Charleston Water System's Chief Operating Officer. "Our water comes from surface water, so some people may notice a difference while the islands are using well water."
Both islands have enacted restrictions on irrigation until repairs are complete. Residents are also encouraged to voluntarily conserve water for indoor use. "We have enough water to supply both islands, but to be on the safe side, we're asking residents to be mindful of how much water they're using until Charleston Water System completes its repairs," said George Gross, General Manager of the Isle of Palms Water and Sewer Commission.
"This is a temporary situation and our water supply should be back to normal in about four weeks," said Andy Benke, Sullivan's Island Town Administrator. "We want to thank both the Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island for working with us to arrange an alternate supply while we get this pipeline repaired," said Kin Hill, Charleston Water System Chief Executive Officer. "The Isle of Palms has really come to the rescue in this situation and the cooperation among the three agencies has helped minimize the impact to all island residents."
The leak was caused by the failure of a welded joint. The water main has been in service since 1995.
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