Recycled Water &
the Wastewater Treatment Process

All of the residential and commercial wastewater treated by the Hilton Head Public Service District is used as beneficial recycled water for golf-course irrigation and wetlands nourishment.

1

billion gallons

The PSD recycles more than 1 billion gallons of wastewater a year into beneficial recycled water. While this water is not used as drinking water, it does help save our drinking water supply.

Port Royal: Barony

Port Royal:
Robber’s Row

Port Royal:
Planter’s Row

Port Royal:
Arthur Hills

Port Royal:
Robert Cupp

Bear Creek

Country Club
of Hilton Head

Dolphin Head

Golf Club at
Indigo Run

Golden Bear

Oyster Reef

The Cypress of
Hilton Head Island

Helping Hilton Head
Golf & Wildlife

Recycled water plays a vital role in the Hilton Head Island’s economy and ecology by providing irrigation water for 12 golf courses.

Recycled water also is used to nourish wetlands in Palmetto Hall and Hilton Head Plantation. Former wetlands biologist Todd Ballantine monitored the wetlands for the PSD and reports that these unique habitats for plants and wildlife would cease to exist without the benefit of recycled water. The recycled water process mimics, at an accelerated rate, the natural process of water purification.

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Hilton Head PSD Recycled Water Plant​

Recycling the Wastewater

In the initial phase of treatment, screens and grit chambers remove large solids as well as sand and gravel, protecting the remaining treatment infrastructure from excessive wear and damage. The wastewater then flows to the aeration basin where microbes biologically break down the organic matter. After aeration, the water flows to the sedimentation tank where the water is separated from microorganisms and solids that settle by gravity. The water then receives a chlorine injection to destroy remaining bacteria or microorganisms. Finally, the water receives advanced treatment to remove very fine solids and particles. The bio-solids produced by the process are dewatered and disposed of in a sanitary landfill. The recycled water is then stored at the PSD’s Recycled Water Plant on Oak Park Drive, pumped to designated lagoons and tanks at golf courses, or sent to the wetlands.

Hilton Head PSD:
Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary

Hilton Head PSD has received certification in Environmental Planning from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP), an Audubon International program designed to help landowners preserve and improve the environmental quality of their property. As an ACSP participant, Hilton Head PSD will be involved in projects that enhance habitat for wildlife and preserve natural resources for the benefit of the local community.

Hilton Head PSD Conservation News

Join us for the Cultivating a Carolina Yard workshop!

Clemson Extension’s Carolina Yards program is hosting a workshop next month in the PSD’s Community Room! Learn to create healthy, watershed-friendly landscapes in your own ...
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Hilton Head PSD’s Hickman earns World Water Skills honors for U.S. team

Hilton Head PSD Water Quality Supervisor Sarah Hickman recently represented the United States and earned top event and medalist honors in the World Water Skills ...
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Hilton Head PSD to host Clemson’s Carolina Yards, May 22

Hilton Head Public Service District (PSD) will host Clemson Extension Service’s “Carolina Yards” workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, in the ...
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