Grand Strand Water & Sewer News
Public Notice - Flushing Water Lines in the Western Part of Horry County
January 25, 2022
Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority (GSWSA) will be conducting a water distribution flushing program during the month of March. Employees will flush the water mains by opening fire hydrants and allowing them to flow for a period of time. Flushing cleans out sediment that has accumulated over time. Flushing may result in some temporary discoloration and the presence of some sediment in your water. These conditions are not harmful, and should only be for a short duration. Please check your water for discoloration or sediment before doing any laundry. During the complete flushing period the water quality will be maintained safe for consumption.
During the flushing period, a slight change is made in the water treatment process to facilitate an effective flushing and disinfection program. Throughout the year, chloramines are added to the water as the primary disinfectant, but during flushing period, free chlorine will be added. Free chlorine provides exceptional disinfection power during the flushing process. However since free chlorine is a higher-level disinfectant, it may provide more of a chlorine taste and odor in your drinking water. Depending on your location within the distribution system you may notice the free chlorine quickly or it could be several days to a week before you notice chlorine if it is noticeable at all.
If you are especially sensitive to the taste and odor of chlorine, try keeping an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator. This will enable the chlorine to dissipate thus reducing the chlorine odor and taste. This water is safe for dialysis patients provided the water is treated as though the water is disinfected with chloramines. If you have an aquarium or pond always test the water you add to your aquatic environment to be sure it is free of any chlorine before adding fish or other animals. The same practice you have used for chloramines removal works the same with free chlorine.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please contact GSWSA’s Customer Service Department at 843-443-8202. Please click on the links below for further information.
