Public Water System
If you receive a water bill, then your drinking water most likely is from a public water system.- Public water systems perform routine tests regulated by Federal and State standards.
- Public water systems (that serve the same people year round) are required by law to provide their customers with a water quality report, also known as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).
What is a Water Quality Report or CCR?
- The CCR is a summary report regarding water sources used (rivers, lakes, aquifers), any detected contaminants, compliance, and educational materials.
How To Find My Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- Each year you should receive your CCR, also known as water quality report, by mail from your water utility.
- The CCR is due to customers by July 1st every year.
- Some utilities will post their CCRs online.
- Below are links to most major water providers in South Carolina.
- Beaufort - Jasper Water & Sewer Authority
- Charleston Water System
- City of Aiken
- City of Columbia Water Works
- City of Myrtle Beach
- Easley Combined Utilities
- Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority
- Greenville Water System
- Greer Commission of Public Works
- Laurens Commission of Public Works
- Mount Pleasant Waterworks
- Spartanburg Water System
- If your water utility is not listed above, you can check their Web site or contact them directly for more information about your drinking water.
- If your drinking water source comes from a private well, it is the owner’s responsibility to test your well water for contaminants.
- You can test a sample of your well water at DHEC or any DHEC certified labs.
- Fees may apply
Maintenance & Care Tips for Your Well
- Have your water tested every year for bacteria and nitrates.
- Be sure the well cover, cap, and casing are in good repair and install a locking well cap.
- Check your well each month for visible signs of cracking or corrosion.
- Keep hazardous chemicals like paint, fertilizer, pesticides, gasoline, and motor oil away from your well.
- Use fertilizer and pesticides properly.
- Do not mix them near the well so you don’t contaminate your water source.
- Have your septic system checked each year and pumped every 3-5 years.
Testing Your Well Water at DHEC
For Bacteria…- Residential well owners most commonly request their water sample be tested for bacteria.
- Where to Go:
- You can pick up a water sample kit at any DHEC office.
- DHEC accepts samples on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.
- Important Instructions for Collection:
- Make sure to read the instructions carefully and return your sample to any DHEC office as soon as possible after collection (not to exceed 30 hours after collection).
- What to Expect:
- You will receive the results about a week later along with an explanation of the results and a bill.
For Metals and Minerals…
- You can also test for metals and minerals in your drinking water.
- Bring a sample of your water (in a plastic bottle) to any DHEC office, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Fees may apply.
Additional Information & Links