Under what circumstances will Charleston Water System issue a Boil Water Advisory or Notice?
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), through the State Primary Drinking Water Regulation (R.61-58), regulates water utilities and specifies instances when an advisory or notice must be issued. An advisory must be issued in the following instances:
  • If untreated water reaches the distribution system
  • Loss of pressure in the entire distribution system or a significant portion of the system
  • A water main break where dirt and debris have entered the distribution piping
  • Prior to a hurricane making landfall (in this situation, the advisory would be issued by DHEC)

A Boil Water Notice must be issued under the following circumstances:

  • When test samples indicate the presence of total coliform bacteria


These situations are not the only times when an advisory or notice should be issued. Specific situations, upon consultation with DHEC, may also require an advisory or notice.

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1. Do I still need to boil my water if I have a filter system on my faucet or refrigerator?
2. How long must a Boil Water Advisory or Notice be in effect?
3. How will I be notified if my home / business is affected by an advisory or notice?
4. How will I know when the advisory or notice has been lifted?
5. Is the water safe for washing dishes, laundry, and bathing?
6. Since an advisory is a precautionary measure, will I get sick if I drink the water or if I drank some water before I found out about the advisory?
7. Under what circumstances will Charleston Water System issue a Boil Water Advisory or Notice?
8. What are a Do Not Drink Notice and a Do Not Use Notice?
9. What are total coliform bacteria?
10. What is a Boil Water Advisory and is it the same as a Boil Water Notice?
11. What should I do during a Boil Water Advisory or Notice?
12. Where can I find more information?
13. Will DHEC issue a Boil Water Advisory in preparation for a hurricane?