Electric City News

Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Project
Construction began in November 2008 and is scheduled for completion in April 2011. This expansion is a joint effort of the City, County, and Homeland Park that will add 3.4MGD of treatment capacity as well as address more stringent discharge limits. This $26M expansion is being constructed by Wharton-Smith, Inc.

The City of Anderson has agreed to guarantee a proposed $5.3 million water system expansion. The City's proposed plan would save approximately $12M in upfront capital over alternate plans and over $18M when interest on long-term debt is considered. Anderson and Clemson are agreeing to cover the extra cost, if any, but would share among 15 members of the Anderson Regional Joint Water System the $5.3 million construction and also agreed to encourage other members to approve this proposal at the September 19th ARJWS board meeting. The council unanimously approved a resolution to that effect on Monday, September 8, 2008. (Photo updated May 7, 2010)

2008 Distribution System Operator of the Year

Arthur Hawthorne (right) has worked on the same water system since 1979 and during his career he has done it all - making taps, maintaining departmental compliance, customer service, laying water lines and maintaining a 32 million gallon per day Water Treatment plant. He began as a skilled laborer and his primary duties included installation and repair of water lines ranging from 2 to 30 inches in diameter. In 1983, he was promoted to foreman. His responsibilities included his overseeing the installation and maintenance of the distribution system. In 1985, he was promoted to Service and Meter Technician "A" class where billing issues and customer service became an additional part of his job. In 2002, he was hired by the City in a newly formed division of City Government. He has a firm grasp on his systems hydraulics and piping and has been a tremendous asset to the systems' Engineers and Utilities Director during capital improvement projects. His most notable characteristic is his dedication to his job, often going above and beyond the call of duty.

Mandatory Water Restrictions Rescinded
Due to recent precipitation and the subsequent rise in Hartwell Lake, the City of Anderson and Electric City Utilities has downgraded the mandatory water restrictions implemented in October 2008. Customers are no longer required to abide by the mandatory requirements but they are still being encouraged to voluntarily conserve water.

The City of Anderson and Electric City Utilities appreciates everyone's efforts to reduce water consumption during the mandatory conservation period. For ways to save water, see the City's website or call the Water Operations Department at (864) 231-5230.

Severe Drought Declared, Mandatory Water Restrictions

Print Version

In response to the City of Anderson Drought Management and Drought Ordinance and the ongoing drought that continues to affect the City of Anderson and surrounding areas, the City of Anderson and Electric City Utilities are now requiring customers to abide by mandatory water conservation measures. Electric City Utilities is currently operating under requirements established by the "Severe Drought Phase" of the ordinance – the second highest of the four drought phases.

As a result of the drought, Electric City Utilities is requiring its customers to conserve water by adhering to these mandatory requirements:

Controlling landscape irrigation by staggering watering times according to the following schedule:

EVEN NUMBERED ADDRESSES: Establishments with a street address or rural route number ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) may water on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday and only between the hours of 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and 6:00 a.m. on those particular days.
ODD NUMBERED ADDRESSES: Establishments with a street address or rural route number ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) may water on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday and only between the hours of 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and 6:00 a.m. on those particular days.
UNKNOWN ADDRESSES: Establishments without an easily identifiable street address such as a subdivision common area or entryway may water only on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday and only between the hours of 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and 6:00 a.m. on those particular days. This is the same schedule as the even ad-dresses.

Eliminating the washing down of sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts and other hard surfaced areas;
Eliminating the washing down of buildings for purposes other than immediate fire protection;
Eliminating the flushing of gutters;
Eliminating the domestic washing of motorbikes, boats, cars, etc., and
Limiting the use of water by commercial and individual customers including, but not limited to, the following

Stop serving water in addition to another beverage routinely in restaurants; and
Cease water service to customers who have been given a 10-day notice to re-pair one or more leaks and have failed to do so.

A violation of these restrictions will be considered a code violation and subject to up to a $250 surcharge on the customer's water bill and/or termination of water service.

The City of Anderson and Electric City Utilities encourages customers to wash vehicles at commercial facilities that clean with recycled water. Residential customers are also encouraged to utilize businesses for services such as washing houses and cleaning hard surfaces because they often have the expertise and equipment to conserve water.

The Electric City Utilities Water Department is committed to water conservation efforts and pledge to take the following actions:

Intensify maintenance efforts to identify and correct water leaks in the distribution system.
Flush the water distribution system only when water quality standards require flushing discharges to meet minimum chlorine residual limits or other State-mandated water quality standards or regulations, such as fire hydrant flow tests.

These drought response requests will remain in place until the current drought condi-tions have been upgraded in accordance with City ordinance. If the existing drought conditions intensify, customers need to be prepared for more extensive water conserva-tion requirements that may be required to preserve the water supply.

The City of Anderson and Electric City Utilities appreciates your efforts to use water wisely and practice good conservation methods. For ways to save water, see the City's website at www.CityofAndersonSC.com or call the Water Operations Department at (864) 231-5230.

Electric City Utilities Encourages Voluntary Water Conservation

In response to the ongoing drought that is affecting most of South Carolina, the City of Anderson/Electric City Utilities is encouraging all customers to voluntarily conserve water. The South Carolina State Drought Response Committee met recently and categorized the drought in Anderson County as "Severe" – the second highest of the five drought categories.

As a result of the drought, the City of Anderson is asking its customers to voluntarily conserve water by abiding by these suggestions:

Eliminating the washing down of sidewalks, walkways, driveways, and other hard surfaced areas;
Eliminating the washing down of buildings for purposes other than immediate fire protection;
Eliminating the flushing of gutters;
Eliminating the domestic washing of motorbikes, boats, cars, etc. ;
Reduce watering of lawns, plants, trees, gardens, and shrubbery on private or public property to the minimum necessary. If outdoor watering is necessary, it is requested to be done between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am; and
Limit normal water use by commercial and individual customers including, but not limited to, the following:

Stop maintaining water levels in scenic and recreational ponds, except for the minimum amount required to support fish and wildlife;
Cease water service to customers who have been given a 10-day notice to repair one or more leaks and have failed to do so;

The City of Anderson/Electric City Utilities Water Department is committed to water conservation efforts and pledge to take the following actions:

Intensify maintenance efforts to identify and correct water leaks in the distribution system.
Flush the water distribution system only when water quality standards require flushing discharges to meet minimum chlorine residual limits or other State-mandated water quality standards or regulations, such as fire hydrant flow tests.

These drought response requests will remain in place until the current drought conditions have been downgraded by the State Drought Response Committee. If the existing drought conditions intensify during the next several weeks, customers need to be prepared for more extensive water conservation requirements that may be required to preserve the water supply.

The City of Anderson/Electric City Utilities appreciates your efforts to use water wisely and practice good conservation methods. More tips for saving water or call the Water Operations Department at (864) 231-5230.

Water Rates Explanation
City Administrator John Moore has provided an explanation of city water rates. View here.

Water-Saving Tips
The City of Anderson and Electric City Utilities offers these water-saving tips:

Use the sprinkler for only for larger areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the heads in good shape.
Place an empty tuna can on your lawn to catch and measure the water output of your sprinklers. For lawn watering advice, contact the Clemson University Cooperative Extension or your local landscape professional.
Avoid installing ornamental water features and fountains that spray water into the air. Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation.
When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don't throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant.
Plug the bathtub before turning the water on and then adjust the temperature as the tub fills.
Water your plants deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger landscapes.
Aerate your lawn. Punch holes in your lawn about six inches apart so water will reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on top of the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
Landscape with Xeriscape or native trees, plants and groundcovers. Call the Clemson University Cooperative Extension or your local landscape professional for more information about these water thrifty plants.
Use a hose shut-off nozzle and stop the flow of water while you wash your car and save more than 100 gallons.
Wash your car on the grass. This will water your lawn at the same time.
Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption each time you water.
Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden with a hose. Use this as a reminder for when to shut off your sprinkler.
Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and other uses.
Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons per plant each year.
Use a screwdriver as a soil probe to test soil moisture. If it goes in easily, don't water. Proper lawn watering can save thousands of gallons of water annually.
Buy a rain gauge to track how much rain or irrigation your yard receives. Call the Clemson University Cooperative Extension or your local landscape professional to see how much rain is needed to skip an irrigation cycle.
Report significant water losses from broken pipes, open hydrants, and errant sprinklers to the property owner or the water department.
Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
Only water your lawn when needed. You can tell this by simply walking across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it's time to water.
Teach your family how to shut off your automatic watering systems. Turn sprinklers off if the system is malfunctioning or when a storm is approaching.
Plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower.
While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.
Minimize evaporation by watering between the hours of 2:00 and 6:00 a.m., when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
Don't water your lawn on windy days. After all, sidewalks, roads, and driveways don't need water.
Install a rain shut-off device on your automatic sprinklers to eliminate unnecessary watering.
Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save hundreds of gallons of water a year.
Soak your pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. You'll save up to 250 gallons a month per person.
Encourage your school system and government to help develop and promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults.
Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff.
Start a compost pile. Using compost when you plant adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.
When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost instead and save water every time.
Select the proper size pans for cooking. Large pans require more cooking water than may be necessary.
Check your water meter and bill to track your water usage.
Cut back on rinsing if your dishwasher is new. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
Wash your produce in the sink or a pan that is partially filled with water instead of running water from the tap.
Turn the water off while you are soaping up, shampooing, and conditioning your hair and you can save more than 50 gallons a week per person.
While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.
We're more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses for leaks.
Do one thing each day that will save water. Even if savings are small, every drop counts.
More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering. Be sure to only water plants when necessary.
When you clean your fish tank, use the water you've drained on your plants. The water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing you with a free and effective fertilizer.
Designate one glass for your drinking water each day. This will cut down on the number of times you run your dishwasher.
Turn off the water while you shave and you can save more than 100 gallons a week.
Drop tissues in the trash instead of flushing it down the toilet and save water every time.
Make sure you know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save gallons of water and damage to your home if a pipe were to burst.
Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full and you could save 1000 gallons a month.
Install an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run while it heats up. This will also reduce heating costs for your household.
If your toilet was installed prior to 1980, place a toilet dam or bottle filled with water in your toilet tank to cut down on the amount of water used for each flush. Be sure these devices do not interfere with operating parts. Do not use bricks.
When you shop for a new appliance, consider one offering cycle and load size adjustments. They are more water and energy-efficient than older appliances. Look for the Energy Star label.
Teach your children to turn the faucets off tightly after each use.
Choose to have your car washed at a commercial carwash that recycles water.
When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
Don't use running water to thaw food.
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save four gallons a minute. That's 200 gallons a week for a family of four.
Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and can save 140 gallons a week.
Insulate hot water pipes so you don't have to run as much water to get hot water to the faucet.
Adjust your watering schedule to the season. Water your summer lawn every third day and your winter lawn every fifth day. For lawn watering advice, contact the Clemson University Cooperative Extension or your local landscape professional.
If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.
When replacing your washing machine, purchase a front-loading washing machine. These save water and electricity.
Cook food in as little water as possible. This will also retain more of the nutrients.
Before you lather up, install a low-flow showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save your family more than 500 gallons a week. Plug the tub when you shower to see how much water is just going down the drain.
Bermuda grasses are dormant (brown) in the winter and will only require water once every three to four weeks or less if it rains.
Encourage your friends and neighbors to be part of a water-conscious community.
Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip to 20 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent pipes from bursting or freezing.
Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak. It's easy to fix, and you can save more than 600 gallons a month.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk and save 80 gallons of water every time.
Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold drinks, so that every drop goes down you, not the drain.

Check back every Monday for more ways to conserve water and possibly save money. For additional information or for a complete list of water conservation tips contact the City of Anderson/Electric City Utilities Water Operations Department at (864) 231-5230.

The City of Anderson Supports Governor Sanford's Request for Voluntary Water Conservation
Governor Mark Sanford has issued a statement encouraging all South Carolinians to voluntarily conserve water as drought conditions deteriorate. The majority of the State's unregulated streams are at or near record low flow levels for this time of year and most lakes are much below normal levels; substantially lower than levels during the 1998-2002 record drought. Unfortunately, the long-range forecast for the remainder of the fall and winter calls for below normal precipitation, therefore, the City of Anderson/Electric City Utilities is encouraging water customers to voluntarily conserve water and offers these tips for water conservation in and around your home:

Conservation of Water Outside the Home

Use drought-tolerant plants and grasses for landscaping and reduce grass-covered areas.
Cut your grass at least three inches high to shade roots, making it more drought-tolerant; keep your mower blade sharp for the healthiest grass.
Water lawns and landscaping wisely. Remember that landscaping is most likely your number one user of water. Your lawns and plants benefit from slow, thorough and infrequent watering. Minimize evaporation by watering in the early morning or evening.
Mulch to retain water. Spread leaves, grass clippings, or landscaping tarps around plants. Mulching also controls weeds that compete with garden plants for water.
Install a drip-irrigation water system (with a timer is even better) for valuable plants.
Try to water only in the evening or very early morning to minimize evaporation.
If you use porous pavement, such as gravel, instead of asphalt for driveways and walkways, the rain can recharge groundwater supplies instead of running off and contributing to erosion.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean off your driveway or sidewalk.
Wash your car less often or wash it at a carwash where they clean and recycle the water. If you do wash your car at home, use a bucket of soapy water rather than running the hose. Keep a spring-loaded nozzle on the hose.

Conservation of Water Inside the Home

Repair leaky faucets and other water fixtures.
Install a water-efficient showerhead (2.5 gallons or less per minute).
Take shorter showers.
Use less water in the bathtub. Filling the tub uses about 50 gallons of water. Try bathing in about 10 gallons. Plug the tub when you shower to see how much water is going down the drain.
When you buy a new toilet, purchase a low flow model (1.6 gallons or less per flush).
Check your toilet for "silent" leaks by placing a little food coloring in the tank and seeing if it leaks into the bowl after a few minutes. If food coloring is seen in the bowl after a few minutes, make necessary repairs to stop the leak.
Avoid using the toilet as a trash basket for facial tissues and similar items. Each flush can use up to 7 gallons of water.
Turn off water while brushing teeth and shaving.
Reduce the use of garbage disposals, which use as much as 2 gallons of water per minute, by peeling vegetables, eggs, and other foods on newspapers. Wrap the food waste and dispose of it with the trash or use food waste in a garden compost pile.
Keep a gallon of drinking water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap for cold water.
Run your washing machine with a full load of clothes. Match your washer's load selector to each load size. Wash with warm water instead of hot, rinse with cold water instead of warm. Wash with cold water when you can. When possible, hang your wash out to dry.
Buy an energy-saving washing machine. Buy an Energy Star model and save water and electricity.
Use a front-loading washing machine. The newest innovation in washers is the front-loading washing machine. These can save even more water and energy.
Wash only full loads of dishes in the dishwasher. A dishwasher uses about 14 gallons of water per load.
Teach children to turn water faucets off tightly after each use.

New Disinfection System Yields Safer, Better Tasting Water
The Anderson Regional Joint Water System is currently planning a switch to the "MIOX Disinfection System." The switch will take place during the week of October 22, 2007. This new system will be a more efficient and powerful antibacterial disinfectant with less chlorine taste and odor than the current system. The MIOX system (named for the "mixed oxidants" it generates) produces a liquid disinfection product at the Anderson Regional Joint Water System treatment plant which disinfects the drinking water. More...

What does this mean to the City of Anderson and the water consumers of Electric City Utilities? "It means that we will continue to provide the highest quality drinking water with a better taste," said Jeff Caldwell, Electric City Utilities Director. "We will be able to maintain chlorine residuals throughout the system, and possibly reduce the amount of flushing currently performed which will conserve our water supply."

During the switch from chlorine gas to MIOX, there will be a short period of time (estimated to be one-to-two weeks) where all of the current growth in our pipes will be eliminated. Customers may experience a slight discoloration in the water during this time, but the water will be safe to drink and use. This discoloration should clear up quickly by utilizing a short term flushing plan to help alleviate any problems.

This system is much safer to use than chlorine gas. In recent years, chlorine gas has been highly scrutinized due to the fact that it is highly toxic if released in a gaseous form and can be deadly to all forms of life. Chlorine gas is also monitored by the state and federal government due to its potential for use as a weapon of mass destruction. In addition to providing a safer community and environment, MIOX provides a higher water quality and, according to other systems that currently use MIOX, it also provides for a better tasting drinking water. At the same doses and contact times as conventional chlorine gas, mixed oxidants have been shown to achieve a more thorough and more rapid inactivation of a wider range of microorganisms than traditional methods of disinfection.

Mixed oxidants have also been proven very effective against the build-up of biological growth that forms inside of water system distribution pipes that can harbor harmful microorganisms. By eliminating biological growth, mixed oxidants remove a potential shelter for bacteria and other disease causing organisms in the drinking water supply. Overall, mixed oxidants provide the public with a better quality drinking water via superior microorganism inactivation and reduced formation of chlorinated by-products.

For more information about your drinking water, call Electric City Utilities at (864) 231-5230 or download the Consumer Confidence Report.

Water System Upgrade
It's nice to know that when you turn on the kitchen or bathroom faucet, water is there. There is great security in knowing that water will be available from the nearby hydrant in case of a fire. The availability and quality of your water is a deliberate, well-planned service. And just like your car and your house which must be maintained to function properly, the City's water distribution lines are in the midst of an overhaul.

Last month (December, 2006), Electric City Utilities began the construction phase of replacing old, deteriorating water lines to improve water quality and fire hydrant flow. Seventeen and a half miles of old cast iron lines will be replaced during this project. That's the equivalent distance of driving from downtown Anderson to Clemson.

The old lines present reoccurring maintenance concerns such as service interruptions, reduced pressure, and water loss. Equally as important in this project is the replacement of approximately 150 damaged fire hydrants. Two contractors – Payne, McGinn, & Cummins and Buckeye Construction Company – will be working in multiple locations at concurrent times which can result in minor inconveniences with water service and traffic flow.

The water system upgrades will affect the following areas:

Murray Avenue
W. Whitner Street
North and South Towers Streets
Tolly Street
Mimosa Park
C Street
Webb Street
North and South Prevost Streets
Maxwell Street
Monroe Street
I Street
K Street
Brown Street
Sanders Street
W. Franklin Street
Dooley Avenue
Jackson Street
Horseshoe Bend
Hillside Drive
Pearman Dairy Road

City's Water Rate Among Lowest in the State
That's right. It's a fact. The South Carolina Budget and Control Board prepares an annual water and sewer rate survey. The 2004 survey of the 243 municipalities clearly indicates that City of Anderson residents pay less than the state average for water and sewer. These rates are based upon 800 cubic feet as the average monthly consumption or 6,000 gallons). The monthly state average for water and sewer, respectively, is $20.02 and $24.37. Even with the July 2005 rate change, city residents still pay less for water and sewer $19.44 and $24.01 (800 cubic feet) than the 2004 state average.

Backflow Test
Did you know that if you own a residential irrigation meter, you must have your backflow device tested annually?

Why is testing required? The City maintains a Cross Connection Control Program that ensures your water source is protected from contamination with properly installed and operating backflow prevention devices as required by SCDHEC and EPA guidelines. For more info, call (864) 231-5230.

One Call Does it All
If you are provided water or sewer service by Electric City Utilities and need to report an emergency call for service, dial 1-800-925-1043. Once you identify your issue as water or sewer, the operator will ask you for additional information so that your problem can be accurately assessed and the proper personnel can be dispatched. This toll-free number is for after-hours emergencies only.

Water or Sewer Emergency
1-800-925-1043

For nonemergencies, Electric City Utilities can be reached at (864) 260-6347. Dialing the correct numbers greatly improves our ability to respond to your need or problem and ensures that our customers receive service as quickly as possible.

Tap Water
The water from your tap does much more than quench your thirst and provide you with reliable, high quality drinking water. It delivers fire protection for the public health and safety, it supports, sustains, and enhances the local economy, and it adds value to our quality of life. "The installation of a new water line on Reed Road between Concord Road and East Greenville Street is part of our commitment to continue to improve and maintain this important community resource," said Electric City Utilities Director Jeff Caldwell. This new line will serve to increase water circulation thereby improving the pressure and the quality of the water. You can expect minor traffic delays during the construction. Work has already been completed on Salem Church Road and Civic Center Boulevard. The next improvement areas are Clemson Boulevard, North Main Street, Masters Boulevard, East River Street, and Rogers Road with all of the $2.7 million improvements to be completed by January 2007. Thanks for your patience during the improvement of this critical community infrastructure.

Meter Test
Did you know that if you own a residential irrigation meter, you must have your backflow device tested annually? Why is testing required? The City maintains a Cross Connection Control Program that ensures your water source is protected from contamination with properly installed and operating backflow prevention devices as required by SCDHEC and EPA guidelines. For your convenience, the city can perform the backflow test for a $35 fee which can be paid at the time of service or applied to your monthly water bill. For more info, call (864) 231-5230.

City Prepares for Future
When you reach for that glass of water, you don't worry about how it got to your kitchen faucet. The City of Anderson does the worrying for you. And to make sure that our city can meet the potable water needs of our growing community, two new elevated water tanks will be constructed over the next 18 months. City officials unveiled the tank designs last month. One tank will be located on McConnell Springs Road thanks to the land donated by AnMed Health. The other tank will be located just off of the Mall Road on Civic Center Boulevard Extension (behind the Mall). These single-pedestal, 500,000 gallon tanks will be painted to depict hot air balloons for which our community is known and will proudly bear The Electric City logo.


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