News Summary
Residents in Bluffton and Hardeeville are dealing with discolored water due to manganese deposits dislodged from pipes. Crews from BJWSA are working to improve water clarity by flushing the system. Although improvements have been noted in some areas, residents are cautioned against drinking the discolored water and advised to report ongoing issues. The disruption is attributed to a malfunctioning pump at the Purrysburg Water Treatment Plant. Local businesses are utilizing filtration systems while authorities continue to investigate the root cause.
Bluffton and Hardeeville – Residents in Bluffton and Hardeeville continue to face discolored water flowing from taps due to manganese deposits dislodged from pipes. The issue was first reported on Friday, affecting areas such as Old Town Bluffton, Moss Creek, New Riverside, Rose Hill Plantation, Hampton Lake, Latitude, and Sun City.
In response to the situation, crews from the Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) have been working overnight to rectify the problem. They are flushing out the discolored water by opening fire hydrants, with improvements in flushing times and water clarity reported in some locations. BJWSA is also mobilizing additional teams to respond to the ongoing reports of discoloration as manganese continues to shift through the system.
Residents are advised to run cold water through a faucet for 10 minutes in an effort to improve water clarity. If there is no improvement after this period, they should report the issue to BJWSA. Due to the high levels of manganese, residents are cautioned not to drink the discolored water, which can have an unpleasant, bitter taste. Additionally, it is recommended that residents avoid washing light-colored clothes to prevent staining.
The discoloration problem is attributed to a malfunctioning new pump at the Purrysburg Water Treatment Plant. This malfunction caused a disturbance in water pressure, leading to the dislodgment of manganese deposits that have now infiltrated the water supply. Manganese is generally a common mineral found in tap water, but when disturbed, it can result in noticeable discoloration.
To help mitigate the issue, BJWSA has implemented measures to prevent discolored water from reaching areas such as Palmetto Bluff. Local businesses, including Nectar Farm Kitchen, have reported experiencing discoloration but are equipped with filtration systems to provide clean water to customers. Furthermore, to cope with the problem, Novant Health Coastal Carolina Medical Center supplied bottled water to staff members, while retailers like Target in Bluffton remained stocked with bottled water as of Friday afternoon.
The BJWSA continues to investigate the root cause of the discolored water and is actively mapping out reports from residents. Although improvements have been seen in parts of the affected areas, reports of discolored water keep emerging as manganese traverses through the system. Due to the ongoing challenge, water authorities in Hilton Head have ceased accepting water from the BJWSA system.
The situation has been likened to a game of “discolored water Whack-a-Mole,” with BJWSA striving to fully resolve the issue by the weekend. As the teams work diligently to address the problem, residents are encouraged to remain patient and stay informed regarding updates on the situation.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Discolored Water in Bluffton
- Wikipedia: Water Supply
- WSAV: Neighbors Concerned Over Contaminated Tap Water
- Google Search: Water Contamination Issues
- Island Packet: Water Quality Concerns
- Google Scholar: Water Quality Research
- Live 5 News: Yellow Running Water Concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Quality
- Fits News: South Carolina Water Supply Violation
- Google News: South Carolina Water Quality
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
