Hilton Head Island Addresses Freshwater Supply Issues

News Summary

Hilton Head Island is proactively addressing freshwater supply challenges by beginning construction on a new well and expanding its treatment plant. With saltwater intrusion affecting traditional sources, the island aims to secure its freshwater from local aquifers and enhance treatment capacity. The initiative is crucial for maintaining a reliable water supply for residents. The new well will reach down 600 feet, and the treatment plant expansion will increase capacity from 4 to 6 million gallons per day, ensuring the island’s long-term water sustainability.

Hilton Head Island Tackles Freshwater Concerns with New Infrastructure

Choosing to be proactive about their freshwater supply, Hilton Head Island is making some exciting moves. The island’s largest Public Service District (PSD) has rolled up its sleeves and kicked off construction on a new well and an expansion of an existing treatment plant. This initiative aims to tackle the ongoing challenges related to freshwater availability, as saltwater is creeping into the island’s traditional water sources.

Freshwater Dilemma Explained

To understand the situation better, it’s essential to know where Hilton Head Island’s drinking water typically comes from. The primary source is the Upper Floridan Aquifer, lying roughly 150 feet beneath the surface. However, over the past couple of decades, the island has faced some serious issues. Since 2000, about 10 out of the 14 wells that once accessed this aquifer have been rendered ineffective due to saltwater intrusion. That means significant losses for the island’s drinking water supply—around 2.5 million gallons each day!

Stepping Up with New Resources

To counteract these challenges, the PSD has started construction on a brand-new well that will reach down 600 feet into the Middle Floridan Aquifer. Located at the Old Welcome Center on William Hilton Parkway, this well is part of a bigger plan to diversify the island’s water sources. This new addition is expected to play a crucial role in securing Hilton Head’s water for the long term.

Expanding Treatment Capabilities

But there’s more in store! The PSD is also working on expanding its reverse osmosis treatment plant. This facility, found on Jenkins Island, currently has the capacity to filter 4 million gallons of water per day, and that will on its way to an increased capacity of 6 million gallons after the expansion. Reverse osmosis is a popular method not just for treating municipal tap water but also for some bottled water brands.

The Importance of Local Water Sources

Even with some original wells still functioning—providing around 2.5 million gallons of daily water—this source is also at risk of saltwater intrusion. Due to the urgent water needs, Hilton Head PSD supplements its freshwater supply by purchasing water from the Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority. This authority draws its water supply from the Savannah River, and during the hotter months when demand spikes, treated water from the river is used to meet the community’s needs.

Availability and Sustainability

While buying water from the mainland works, investing in local groundwater sources is a much more economical route for the PSD. By boosting their own supply, they can secure a more sustainable and reliable source of freshwater for everyone on the island. This shift not only helps maintain the quality of water but also ensures that the island can continue to flourish and support its population well into the future.

It’s All Coming Together

As of now, physical drilling for the new well is yet to begin, but construction is well underway in other areas of the project. These upgrades come at a crucial time when fresh water is becoming increasingly challenging to maintain. Navigating this freshwater crisis requires investment, innovation, and community engagement. Stay tuned for more updates as Hilton Head Island works diligently to secure its water resources and maintain its beautiful ecosystem.

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Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Hilton Head Island Tackles Freshwater Concerns
• Wikipedia: Freshwater resources
• The State: South Carolina News
• Google Search: Hilton Head Island water infrastructure
• Savannah Now: Georgia Legislator and Water Utilities
• Google Scholar: Saltwater intrusion
• World Atlas: Alligator-Filled Places in South Carolina
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sustainable development