Customers of the Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) may notice a brown or tan discoloration in their tap water for the next several weeks. The discoloration is due to the heavy rains over the last month. Because of the rainfall, waters of the flooded Savannah River reached surrounding land areas that are typically dry. Such flooding increases the amount of organic matter and “tannins” in the river, causing water discoloration. Customers may also notice a “musty” taste or odor due to the changes in the River. Despite these conditions, the water is safe to drink and use as normal.

“The Savannah River rose to the highest level we’ve seen since the early 1990s,” said Ed Saxon, BJWSA’s General Manager. “We are doing everything we can to eliminate color and musty taste or odor from our finished water, and we appreciate customer patience while we work through these issues.”

BJWSA’s staff has adjusted the treatment processes at its two water plants; however, current river conditions may cause discoloration to persist into the fall. Customers are urged to check for updates at www.bjwsa.org or on BJWSA’s Facebook page.