Hilton Head Public Service District (PSD), and the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA), are asking customers not to run irrigation systems on October 29 and 30. The request is due to BJWSA, which provides a portion of Hilton Head Island’s drinking water, temporarily shutting down one of its water treatment plants as part of a construction project at the plant. The PSD has ample water supply; however, the temporary plant shutdown will potentially limit the supply that BJWSA can provide to the island. There will be no impact on PSD water quality as a result of the temporary shutdown.
Irrigation of residential landscaping typically represents 40 to 60% of the annual demand for drinking water on the island and can particularly stress the water distribution system during the early-morning hours. Customers are reminded that Town of Hilton Head Island ordinance restricts irrigation to no more than two days a week at all times and requires a working rain sensor on all irrigation systems. Homes with even-numbered addresses can irrigate on Tuesdays and Saturdays only. Homes with odd-numbered addresses can irrigate on Wednesdays and Sundays only. Commercial properties can irrigate on Mondays and Thursdays only. Customers can learn more about water efficiency by visiting: https://hhpsd.com/about-our-water/water-conservation/. Customers can track their water consumption using the PSD’s free online portal at: https://hhpsd.smartcmobile.com/portal/.
The BJWSA project is an expansion of its Purrysburg Treatment Plant capacity from 15 million gallons a day (mgd) to 30 mgd. The project is anticipated to be completed during summer 2025, according to BJWSA.
“The temporary irrigation cessation request is purely out of an abundance of caution in order to help minimize any impacts on the water distribution systems,” said Hilton Head PSD General Manager Pete Nardi. “This is a good reminder of the tremendous value of water to our communities and how we all share a responsibility to use water efficiently at all times.”
The Clemson Extension Service’s Carolina Yards sustainable landscape program reminds residents that turf grass only requires 1 inch of water per week. Learn more at: www.clemson.edu/extension/carolinayards.
