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All Sullivan's Island Residence recieve drinking water from Charleston Water System.

(April 17, 2012)—Each year about this time, the warm spring temperatures bring us flowering
plants, allergies—and earthy-musty tasting tap water.
Just as weather and environmental factors can affect the taste of fruits and vegetables, the same is
true of tap water. Charleston Water System's Hanahan Water Treatment Plant draws most of its
water from the Bushy Park Reservoir, and algae that grow in the spring give the water a distinctive
earthy-musty taste and smell. It's not harmful, but for those who can taste or smell it, it can be
unpleasant.
The earthy-mustiness is particularly noticeable this year because the level of algae compounds is
higher and the reservoir water is about ten degrees warmer than usual. Tastes and smells become
more pronounced in warm water.
"We're monitoring the treatment process closely to remove as much of the earthy-musty taste and
smell as possible," said Andy Fairey, Charleston Water's Chief Operating Officer. "We've been
adding activated carbon, a material similar to what's used in carbon filters, and we're looking at
other options, including pulling more water from our other source, the Edisto River."
The natural compounds that produce the earthy-mustiness can be detected by the human nose at
incredibly small levels—around 8 parts per trillion. People's sensitivity to tastes and odors varies, so
some may still detect the earthy-mustiness after adjustments are made at the treatment plant.
"This is a natural occurrence that's common this time of year," explains Harvey Wilkins of
SCDHEC's Environmental Quality Control office. "It's an aesthetic issue, but people are
understandably concerned when their water tastes different. We just want to assure the public that
the water is safe to drink."
Fortunately, the earthy-musty event typically lasts less than a month. In the meantime, customers
can use a carbon filter or refrigerate water in a pitcher to help minimize the taste and smell.
Charleston Water System's direct customers and customers of other utilities that purchase water
from CWS may experience the earthy-mustiness.
Charleston Water System's retail service area includes Charleston, North Charleston, Hanahan,
Ladson, Hollywood, Meggett and Ravenel. Utilities that purchase water from CWS include Mount
Pleasant Waterworks, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, Lincolnville, St. Johns Water
Company, and Dorchester County.
If you have questions, please call our Customer Service Department at (843) 727-6800 or send an
email to [email protected].

Web address to full press release below:
http://www.charlestonwater.com/press_release_04-17-2012.html