Frequently Asked Questions

How is Charleston Water System water disinfected?

Does Charleston Water System water contain fluoride?

What is hardness and how hard is my water?

What causes water to have a tase or odor?

What can cause tap water to appear rusty or discolored?

Should I be concerned about Cryptosporidium or Giardia?

Should I be concerned about the sodium level of Charleston Water System water?

What is turbidity?

What is pH?

Is Charleston Water System water safe for use in aquariums?

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How is Charleston Water System water disinfected?
Charleston Water System uses a combination of chlorine and chloramines—a chemical formed by combining ammonia and chlorine—to protect the water from bacteria and viruses. Chloramines are more stable than chlorine in the water distribution system and chloramine residuals help maintain consistent water quality. The amount of chemicals is carefully measured to the lowest level needed to keep the water free of disease-causing organisms.

Does Charleston Water System water contain fluoride?
Yes. Charleston Water System adds one milligram per liter (mg/l) or one part per million (ppm) of fluoride to treated water. This is the amount recommended by the American Dental Association to provide maximum protection against tooth decay.
Learn more about fluoride

What is hardness and how hard is my water?
Hardness defines the quantity of minerals such as calcium and magnesium in a gallon of water. Hardness can affect how well soap will lather (hard water reduces lathering capability). Charleston Water System water has a low level of hardness.
Learn more about water quality variables

What causes water to have a taste or odor?
There are a variety of factors that can impact the taste or smell of tap water but not change the quality of the water. In Charleston Water System's case, algae in our surface water, when put through the treatment process, can give off harmless compounds that may cause the water to taste earthy or musty. In most cases, taste and odor is a purely aesthetic concern, and is not a reliable indicator of water quality.

What can cause tap water to appear rusty or discolored?
Discolored water may occur when crews perform maintenance on a water main near your home. A change in water velocities can cause the iron compounds that accumulate in water mains to become suspended in the water. This is a temporary condition and is harmless. Typically, allowing your tap to run will flush out the discolored water and clear water will appear.

Should I be concerned about Cryptosporidium or Giardia?
No. Charleston Water System has extensively monitored for both protozoan organisms in our raw water sources and found there to be a very low occurrence of these pathogenic organisms. Furthermore, the treatment plant has multiple barriers of protection such as enhanced chemical coagulation, filtration, disinfection, and careful monitoring of turbidity to ensure the optimum removal of these organisms. However, for people with compromised immune systems, the EPA and the US Center for Disease Control offer the following advisory statement:

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, some elderly and some infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Should I be concerned about the sodium level of Charleston Water System water?
No. Our water has a very low sodium level (18mg/l or less). This is substantially lower than most well water supplies and many bottled water brands.

What is turbidity?
Turbidity is a measurement of the clarity of the water and is an indicator of overall water quality. Charleston Water System measures the turbidity of the water on a continuous basis and consistently produces excellent quality water.
Learn more about water quality variables

What is pH?
The pH of the water is a measure of the water's acidity on a scale of 0 (acidic) to 14 (basic), with a pH of 7 being neutral. For example, the pH of vinegar is 2.2 (acidic) and the pH of seawater is 8.3 (basic). The pH of Charleston Water System water is adjusted to stabilize the disinfectant and to reduce the corrosion of pipes and plumbing materials.
Learn more about water quality variables
Learn more about the water treatment process

Is Charleston Water System water safe for use in aquariums?
No. Charleston Water System uses trace amounts of chloramines (a mixture of chlorine and ammonia) to disinfect drinking water. This trace disinfectant is harmful to fish and other aquatic life. There are a number of products available at pet stores to remove chloramines from your fish tank. Charleston Water System tap water is safe for dogs, cats, and other non-aquatic pets.

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