<em>Photo above: Reverse osmosis in operation in Columbia, South Carolina.</em>

Beaufort-Jasper Water &amp; Sewer Authority, in conjunction with Charleston Water System and Water Missions International, was asked to provide water to Richland and Palmetto Baptist Hospitals. Two operators, Kevin Sexton and Anthony Sauls, as well as technicians Dan Heaton and Jonathan Carey, helped set up a reverse osmosis treatment system for the two agencies, who provided the equipment. The licensed BJWSA employees were needed to get the system certified, operating and then to distribute the water.

Other statewide utilities participated with the reverse osmosis treatment plant, as well. This is how the system works: water is flowed from a hydrant into a swimming pool where it is pretreated (dechlorinated) prior to being treated by the reverse osmosis program. The treated water then flows into a bladder tank, and is transferred to a 250 gallon totes (tank that sits on the back of a truck). The truck then carries the water to the hospitals and neighborhoods. Residents are able to fill their own bottles from the pipe rig.

“We are pleased to be able to assist in this effort,” said General Manager Ed Saxon. “Our part of the state was spared in this disaster, and we are eager to assist in our areas of expertise.”