We're pleased to share with you the 2018 Annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This document provides information about your water source, its contents, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. This report reflects last year's water quality data. We're committed to keeping you informed because educated consumers are our greatest allies.

We purchase our water from Charleston Water System. Their surface water sources include the Bushy Park Reservoir and the Edisto River. All water undergoes treatment at the Hanahan Water Treatment Plant and reaches Johns Island via crossings near the Stono Bridge, Limehouse Bridge, and Johns Island Airport. We serve over 8,000 retail customers and supply water through contracts to Kiawah Island Utilities and Seabrook Island Water and Sewer Commission.

Source Water Assessment information is available at www.Scdhec.Gov/homeandenvironment/water/sourcewaterprotection. St. John's Water Company, Inc. is a cooperative, owned and operated by its members. Established on May 26, 1975, we provide water distribution services to Johns Island residents and businesses. A Board of Directors governs the company, meeting on the fourth Thursday monthly at 9:00 am at the 3350 Maybank Highway Operations Building.

Why are there contaminants in municipal water?

Tap water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of certain contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate health risks. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Municipal water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals, sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, naturally occurring or from urban runoff, industrial/residential wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban storm runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants, naturally occurring or from oil/gas production and mining

To ensure tap water safety, EPA regulations limit certain contaminants in public water systems. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Special Precautions

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons—including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune system disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants—may face increased infection risks. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminant risks are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

St. John's Water Company is an equal opportunity provider. To report discrimination complaints, write to: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Whitten Building Room 326W, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC, 20250-9410.

Current Payment Options

For your convenience, we offer multiple payment methods: Cash, Check, Money Order, Debit, Credit Card, Online Bank Checks, Bank Draft, and Credit Card Draft.

Water Conservation Tips

Did you know the average U.S. household uses approximately 400 gallons of water daily, or about 100 gallons per person? Fortunately, many low-cost and no-cost conservation methods exist. Small changes make significant differences—try one today:

• Take brief showers—a 5-minute shower uses 4-5 gallons versus up to 50 gallons for a bath
• Turn off water while brushing teeth, washing hair, and shaving to save up to 500 gallons monthly
• Install water-efficient showerheads—affordable, easy to install, and can save up to 750 gallons monthly
• Water plants only when necessary
• Fix leaky toilets and faucets—faucet washers are inexpensive and quick to replace
• Test toilets for leaks by placing food coloring drops in the tank; if color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak
• Adjust sprinklers to water only lawns, apply water at soil absorption rate, and water during cooler periods to reduce evaporation
• Teach children about water conservation for future responsible water use
• Make reducing water usage a family project to lower next month's bill
• Visit www.Epa.Gov/watersense for additional information

Source Water Protection Tips

Protecting municipal water is everyone's responsibility. Help safeguard your community's water source by:

• Reducing lawn/garden fertilizers and pesticides—they contain harmful chemicals that can reach water supplies
• Picking up after pets
• Maintaining septic systems properly or connecting to public systems when possible
• Disposing of chemicals properly and recycling used motor oil
• Organizing storm drain stenciling projects with local government to remind people "Dump No Waste—Drains to River" or "Protect Your Water"

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