Beaufort – Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority will temporarily change the method of disinfecting the drinking water for its customers in Beaufort, Port Royal, Burton, Shell Point and surrounding areas, Lady’s Island, and St. Helena Island, as part of routine maintenance of the water distribution system.

Customers may notice a chlorine taste or odor in the tap water beginning Friday, October 30th, through Thursday, November 19th, 2009. Crews also will flush the system by opening fire hydrants at various locations. This process is safe and customers can drink their water as normal. For customers who are especially sensitive to the taste and odor of chlorine, try keeping an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator. This will enable the chlorine to dissipate, thus reducing the chlorine taste. Change the water in your refrigerated container weekly.

System flushing also may result in some minor discoloration of the water. If water appears discolored, customers should run cold water for a few minutes. If discoloration persists, call Customer Service at 843-987-9200.

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