Under what circumstances will Williamsburg County Water and Sewer issue a Boil Water Advisory or Notice?

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC or DHEC), through the State Primary Drinking Water Regulation (R. 61-58), regulates water utilities and specifies instances when an advisory or notice must be issued.

An advisory must be issued in the following instances:

  • If untreated water reaches the distribution system
  • Loss of pressure in the entire distribution system or a significant portion of the system
  • A water main break where dirt and debris have entered the distribution piping
  • Prior to a hurricane making landfall (in this situation, the advisory would be issued by DHEC)

A Boil Water Notice must be issued under the following circumstances:

  • When test samples indicate the presence of total coliform bacteria

These situations are not the only times when an advisory or notice should be issued. Specific situations, upon consultation with DHEC, may also require an advisory or notice.

Show All Answers

1. What is a Boil Water Advisory? Is it the same as a Boil Water Notice?
2. What should I do during a Boil Water Advisory or Notice?
3. Do I still need to boil my water if I have a filter system on my faucet or refrigerator?
4. Is the water safe for washing dishes, laundry, and bathing?
5. How long must a Boil Water Advisory or Notice be in effect?
6. What are total coliform bacteria?
7. How will I be notified if my home/business is affected by an advisory or notice?
8. Under what circumstances will Williamsburg County Water and Sewer issue a Boil Water Advisory or Notice?
9. Why must the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) issue a Boil Water Advisory in preparation for a hurricane?
10. How will I know when the advisory or notice has been lifted?
11. Since an advisory is a precautionary measure, will I get sick if I drink the water? What if I drank some water before I found out about the advisory?
12. What are a Do Not Drink Notice and a Do Not Use Notice?