Walhalla SC – Walhalla Water continues to meet regulations set by SCDES (SC Department of Environmental Services) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regarding the safe consumption of water.
The City is aware of recent comments regarding the water quality, but confirms that the City’s drinking water continues to meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards. At the treatment plant, certified water plant operators treat the water by adding aluminum sulfate and lime at the Coagulation point, additional lime to adjust the PH, Chlorine as a disinfectant, and phosphate as a corrosion inhibitor in the distribution pipes. The Source Water Assessment Plan is available for review at the Walhalla Water Department, 206 N Church Street, or online at http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/water/docs/Oconeeswp/3710004s.pdf.
The City Utilities Department also actively maintains its water system, through its flushing and valve maintenance plans, and the implementation of larger capital projects. Flushing of lines is an important maintenance technique to remove stagnant water, restore disinfectant residual, remove loose deposits, and scour pipe surfaces, and is performed on a scheduled basis (EPA, 2022). While this maintenance can temporarily stir up sediment, it does not render the water unsafe.
Additionally, thanks to a Rural Infrastructure Agency SCIIP grant, two much needed water system projects are currently on-going. One project involves replacing the Rocky Knoll water booster pump station equipment and installing a new water main along SC 28 Highland Highway. The second project involves upgrading water lines along West North Broad Street and West Main Street. The City continues to seek funding opportunities to further invest in the water system. A third SCIIP funded project upgrading the City’s sewer system along Cane Creek is also underway.
“I fully support our hardworking Utilities Department employees. Any attempt to denigrate their work in maintaining our water system is not based on facts and is an unacceptable falsehood,” stated Mayor Tim Hall.
