Residents in Beaufort, Jasper counties may experience discolored water, but it’s safe

Customers of the Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority who live south of Highway 278 may experience yellow or brownish water, but the water remains safe to drink and no boil advisory has been issued, officials said.

The discoloration is the result of higher-than-normal levels of manganese and iron in the water distribution system. The cause of the higher levels is unknown at this time, but BJWSA is working to discover the cause.

“Several conditions within the distribution system can disturb iron and manganese, including pressure fluctuations, high-use events, or changes in flow direction,” BJWSA said in an email.

These concentrations do not present a health risk, according to BJWSA, but may cause the water to have a slightly different taste and smell. It’s best to avoid using the water for doing laundry to avoid stains, BJWSA said.

BJWSA is asking customers who are affected by the discolored water to open their cold water tap for five to 10 minutes, which should clear the water. They ask that customers avoid using hot water, as that may introduce the discoloration to hot water tanks causing the issue to persist.

If the water doesn’t clear after 10 minutes, customers should contact the water authority so it can collect a sample.

The number is 843-987-9200.

“We are taking steps to minimize the issue in affected areas, including opening hydrants to flush the discolored water from the system,” BJWSA said in the email to customers.

This story was originally published September 22, 2022 at 10:40 AM.