Water Conservation Measures Implemented as Hilton Head Island Prepares for Treatment Plant Expansion

Water Conservation Measures Announced for Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head, S.C. – Residents of Hilton Head Island have been given a temporary but crucial task: stop running irrigation systems on October 29 and 30. This request comes from the Hilton Head Public Service District (PSD) and the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) as they gear up for a construction project at one of their water treatment plants. While the PSD assures that there is plenty of water in supply, the brief shutdown could affect how much water BJWSA is able to deliver to the island.

Understanding the Request

Verna Arnette, General Manager at BJWSA, explained that the timing for this work was scheduled strategically: “We chose this moment because water demands for irrigation are currently lower, and many systems will soon be turned off for the winter.” While this project is occurring, BJWSA will still produce water from its Chelsea Treatment Plant and existing drinking water wells. This measure is simply a precaution to ensure there remains adequate water pressure for all users.

What’s Happening with the Treatment Plant?

The project involves expanding the Purrysburg Treatment Plant’s capacity from 15 million gallons per day (mgd) to an impressive 30 mgd. This expansion is essential for meeting the financial and physical needs of our growing community, particularly as demand for water is expected to increase in the future. There’s a significant investment of $60 million behind this project, with completion expected in summer 2025.

As for the water quality during this temporary shutdown? Pete Nardi, General Manager of Hilton Head PSD, confirms that, “There will be no impact on PSD water quality as a result of this interruption.” The motivation behind these irrigation restrictions is solely out of caution, and it serves as a helpful reminder about how important it is to conserve our water resources.

The Importance of Water Conservation

Irrigation for residential landscaping can take up a substantial portion of our water use, contributing to about 40 to 60% of the annual demand for drinking water on the island. That high usage can be particularly problematic during those early morning hours when many homeowners start their sprinklers. As a result, it’s not just a good idea to wait a couple of days; it’s a necessary step in maintaining our water supply!

To that end, the Town of Hilton Head Island has set forth irrigation restrictions that limit watering to just two days a week regardless of the scenario. Homes with even-numbered addresses are allowed to irrigate only on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while odd-numbered homes can do so on Wednesdays and Sundays. For commercial properties, irrigation is permitted on Mondays and Thursdays only.

Adjusting to Conservation Practices

BJWSA has also suggested that in addition to observing temporary restrictions, customers can better manage their watering needs with an irrigation management plan. This means relaxing schedules to water only three days a week and avoiding the high-demand hours from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m..

Odd-numbered addresses are recommended to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while even-numbered addresses are asked to stick to Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Mondays should be completely irrigation-free.

Stay Informed

To keep up with their consumption, customers are encouraged to utilize the free online consumption tracking portal provided by PSD. More information can also be found on BJWSA’s website regarding water conservation efforts and practices.

In a nutshell, being involved in these efforts means that not only do we contribute to the health of our community, but we also play an active role in ensuring we have enough water for everyone now and in the future. Let’s do our part, Hilton Head!