Columbia Residents Alerted to Water Quality Issues Following Chlorite Violation

News Summary

Columbia Water has reported elevated chlorite levels in the drinking water provided by the Canal Water Treatment Plant. Detected during routine testing, levels were found to exceed the EPA’s maximum contaminant standards. The situation was promptly addressed, and residents are advised to stay informed about health implications and necessary precautions. The quick action by Columbia Water ensured chlorite levels returned to safe limits within a day, maintaining transparency with the community regarding the water quality.

Columbia Residents Alerted to Water Quality Issues Following Chlorite Violation

In a recent announcement, Columbia Water revealed that samples from the Canal Water Treatment Plant have exceeded the safe levels of chlorite, raising concerns among residents. The violation was discovered during routine testing conducted on December 14 and made public on December 15.

What Happened?

The Canal Water Treatment Plant, which supplies drinking water to residents living south of Interstate 20, recorded chlorite levels of 1.33 milligrams per liter. This figure is above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) maximum contaminant level of 1 milligram per liter. The source of the chlorite is chlorine dioxide, a chemical used in water treatment methods to effectively kill bacteria and other harmful organisms.

Response from Columbia Water

After identifying the elevated chlorite levels, Columbia Water took swift action by shutting down the chlorine dioxide production system at the Canal Water Treatment Plant. The team also increased water pumping from the Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant to enhance the quality of drinking water provided to customers.

Fortunately, it’s important to note that water from the Lake Murray facility was not affected by this incident. By December 16, just a day later, chlorite levels at the Canal Water Treatment Plant were back within the established regulatory standards, providing reassurance to the local community.

Health Implications

While this situation was quickly addressed, Columbia Water has advised residents, particularly those with specific health concerns, to consult their healthcare provider. Prolonged exposure to chlorite levels exceeding the safe limit can have serious health implications. Infants, children, and pregnant women may be particularly affected, as elevated chlorite levels can potentially impact their nervous systems. In certain cases, excessive exposure has also been linked to anemia in individuals.

Community Communication

In their commitment to transparency, Columbia Water is ensuring that customers are kept informed about the incident and the measures taken to resolve it. According to regulations, the city must issue a public notice regarding the violation within 30 days of receiving confirmation from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. Columbia Water received this confirmation on February 21, 2025, and took proactive steps by issuing an online notice on December 20, 2024.

Residents can rest assured that this situation is not categorized as an emergency, and there is no immediate need to boil water or take any drastic precautions. However, those concerned about potential health effects are encouraged to stay informed and reach out to their healthcare professionals.

Contact Information

Columbia Water emphasizes the importance of keeping the public aware of any quality issues and encourages open communication. For customers seeking further information or those who would like to receive the notice in Spanish, please feel free to contact the Columbia Customer Care Center at 803-545-3300 or write to Columbia Water at 300 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Community members are encouraged to stay vigilant about their water quality and utilize the resources available to them. The continued health and safety of Columbia residents remain a top priority, and Columbia Water is dedicated to maintaining transparency and rectifying any concerns that arise.

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Additional Resources

• WLTX: Columbia Water Quality Violation
• Google Search: Columbia Water Quality Violation
• Post and Courier: Batesburg-Leesville Ethics
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Quality and Health
• Fitsnews: South Carolina Water Supply Violation
• Google News: South Carolina Water Standards
• The State: Local News on Water Quality
• Google Scholar: Water Quality Violation
• Lexington Chronicle: PFAS Protection Plans
• Wikipedia: Water Quality