Anderson Regional Joint Water System

08/06/2026

08/04/2026

Everyday activities around our homes can affect local water quality—especially when rain washes pollutants into nearby streams, rivers and lakes. This type of pollution, known as nonpoint source pollution, often comes from things like yard runoff, leaking vehicles or improper disposal of household chemicals.

Small actions can make a big difference. Simple steps such as maintaining septic systems, using lawn chemicals responsibly and keeping litter and pet waste out of storm drains help protect water resources like Lake Hartwell. Taking care of streamside areas and erosion-prone spots on your property also helps keep soil and pollutants from washing into waterways that flow to Lake Hartwell.

Visit the National Water Quality Month Webpage for more information.

For more “Good to Know” Tips, visit SCDES Good to Know: Tips for a Healthy Environment and Home Webpage.

07/21/2026

Join the Lake Hartwell Partners for Clean Water and Lake Hartwell Association for their Fall Clean-up! Help us celebrate National Public Lands Day by registering to clean up a designated location or by cleaning up your favorite spot on Lake Hartwell. To register, scan the QR code or visit https://www.lakehartwellpcw.com/events.

07/16/2026

The Anderson County Watershed Protection Council — also referred to as the Anderson Water Council (AWC) — is seeking grant applications! The AWC is a volunteer advisory committee working to assist nonprofit organizations including Upstate Forever and Savannah Riverkeeper in identifying, prioritizing, and funding projects to restore water quality in areas of the Savannah River watershed impacted by the Kinder Morgan 2014 petroleum pipeline spill.

Eligible organizations are able to apply for awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for education and outreach, and up to $100,000 for site remediation and land protection grants in the impacted area.

Applications for this grant are being accepted until 5:00pm on August 31st. For more information about this funding opportunity, visit www.andersonwatercouncil.com/details.

07/06/2026

Smart irrigation means stronger results with fewer resources. This July, let’s celebrate innovation that works — for people and the planet (smartirrigationmonth.org).

06/29/2026

The ARJWS rain garden got a well-deserved refresh! Our staff worked together to w**d, till, and plant native species that will help capture rainwater onsite at the ARJWS plant. A rain garden is a shallow, planted area that collects, absorbs, and filters runoff from hard surfaces. This process supports sustainable stormwater management and provides habitat for wildlife. We look forward to sharing the garden with visitors during meetings and facility tours. Swipe through for a closer look at the before-and-after transformation.

06/22/2026

Last week, ARJWS’ Executive Director, Chris Weber, joined our tank inspector at the Armory Tank near the City of Clemson. Regular inspections of our water tanks help prevent contamination, detect structural issues, and ensure operational safety. This water tank holds approximately 750,000 gallons of drinking water that is used by the City of Clemson, Clemson University, and the Town of Pendleton. We are happy to report this tank passes inspection, and we will be back next year!

06/10/2026

You may have heard that the South Carolina Drought Response Committee has upgraded all counties in the state, including Anderson and Pickens, to “severe” drought status. We understand this may seem confusing given the recent heavy rainfall and changing water levels in Lake Hartwell. We want to clarify what this means for ARJWS and the availability of drinking water.
First, ARJWS has a current, comprehensive Drought Response Plan in place. Second, Lake Hartwell levels are currently not low enough to necessitate reduced water use. Our team remains actively engaged in the drought response process, will continue to monitor conditions, and will keep you all informed.

As a precaution, and with drought conditions expected to continue, ARJWS encourages you to follow the water-saving steps below to help protect Lake Hartwell as a drinking water source.

1. Fix leaks promptly. Even small drips from faucets or toilets can waste thousands of gallons of water each year.
2. Upgrade to water-efficient fixtures. Install low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucet aerators to reduce water use.
3. Water efficiently and landscape wisely. Water lawns and gardens early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation and consider replacing high-water-use lawns with native or drought-tolerant plants.
4. Teach water-saving habits at home. Encourage all household members, including children, to use water carefully.
5. Collect rainwater when possible. Install rain barrels to capture rainwater for outdoor use.

06/03/2026

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) issued a harmful algal bloom (HAB) Recreational Watch for certain areas of Lake Hartwell, om Wednesday, May 27th, following confirmed reports of a cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom.

ARJWS understands that many residents may have concerns about the safety of our drinking water. We want to reassure you that the quality of our drinking water has not been impacted by the presence of this HAB, and it remains safe and unaffected at this time.

Confirmed bloom areas currently include:
• Eighteenmile Creek Lake and adjacent areas
• Tugaloo Lake Arm near Chicksaw Point
• Cove south of Providence Church Road in Anderson

To see these areas on a map, visit https://scdes.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4344886507b04e32987fd8b44f8ed7ed

ARJWS remains committed to delivering the highest quality water to our customers. To help us do this, there are a few easy ways that you can help protect water quality on Lake Hartwell.
1. Apply fertilizers correctly on lawns, gardens, and agricultural lands to limit nutrient runoff into nearby waterways.
2. Properly manage septic systems and prevent leaks that can introduce nutrients into surface water and groundwater.
3. Pick up pet waste and manage animal manure.
4. Allow native vegetation to grow near the water's edge instead of maintaining a manicured lawn all the way to the shoreline.

For more information on this HAB watch, visit https://www.des.sc.gov/programs/bureau-water/aquatic-science/harmful-algal-blooms