Okatie, SC – October 9, 2016 – The Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) drinking water supply is not affected by Hurricane Matthew, but officials warned Lowcountry residents to say out of standing water because of possible contamination from leaking sewer lines. The public should avoid water coming out of a manhole or collecting in low-lying areas.
While the water lines are in good shape, the sewer lines are of special concern. Some may have unidentified underground leaks, which when mixed with heavy rainfall and storm surge associated with Matthew, can carry sewage-related bacteria to the surface where it will mix in the standing pool. When contamination is found, it is controlled through disinfectants.
The high number of residents who remained in the area are also putting a strain on systems which now must run on generators until electric service is restored.
For the latest updates from BJWSA, see the website at www.bjwsa.org or follow them on Facebook.
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