Okatie, SC (December 15, 2011, 3:00 p.m.) – Officials of Beaufort – Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) and South Carolina Department of Health and Enviro nmental Control (SC DHEC) are advising some residents in the Burton area of Beaufort to boil their water before using for drinking, cooking or dishwashing. The advisory area includes all subdivisions along Joe Frazier Road, Mroz Road (including Irongate, C apehart and Pelican Circle) and Morrall Drive. The advisory also includes the Habersham subdivision. The advisory is being issued because of an incident that occurred this afternoon where water pressure dramatically dropped while water service was being restored to the area along Burton Wells Road. The refilling of the line caused an unexpected drop in water pressure in the surrounding area, necessitating the issuance of this advisory. SC DHEC requires that water utilities issue a boil water advisory a s a precautionary measure when such an event occurs that allows the possibility for bacteria to enter the public water system. Such an event may include a loss of water pressure, which could allow bacteria in soil and groundwater to enter water pipes throu gh cracks or leaks. A drop in pressure could also cause backflow, which is best defined by the example of a garden hose in a bucket of dirty water “sucking” that water back into the public water system when the water pressure drops, although backflow preve ntion valves make this unlikely. BJWSA is currently sampling the drinking water in the area to ensure that no harmful bacteria are present. Results are expected by late afternoon on December 16, 2011. Upon confirmation that the water is safe, the precaut ionary advisory will be lifted. Residents and businesses in the affected area are urged to use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, preparing food, and giving to pets until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other org anisms that may be present in the water. Some water filters do not protect against bacteria, so customers with filters are advised to contact the manufacturer for more information or boil their tap water. The water is safe for bathing and doing laundry. Residents may purify the water by using one of several methods.
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