News Summary
Hilton Head Island is undergoing a significant upgrade to its water supply system with a new pipeline project aimed at meeting rising water demands and addressing saltwater intrusion. The Hilton Head Public Service District is leading this initiative, installing approximately 1,100 feet of blue piping to transport treated brackish water. This upgrade will add 2 million gallons of water per day to the island’s supply, reducing reliance on expensive imported water. The project is expected to be completed by early June, with longer-term benefits for the island’s water sustainability.
Hilton Head Island is currently witnessing a significant upgrade to its water supply system through the implementation of a new pipeline project. Construction is being conducted near the Crazy Crab site, where bulldozers and excavators are actively laying down large blue pipes. This project is essential for meeting the increasing demand for water on the island and addressing the challenge of saltwater intrusion that has contaminated freshwater sources.
The Hilton Head Public Service District is spearheading this initiative, with plans to install approximately 1,100 feet of blue piping that will transport brackish water from a deep-water well located 600 feet underground. This water will be treated at a reverse osmosis treatment plant located on Jenkins Island. The objective of the new pipeline project is to add an additional 2 million gallons of water per day to Hilton Head’s existing water supply.
Currently, the capacity of the reverse osmosis treatment plant stands at 4 million gallons per day, which is supplemented by three existing deep-water wells to accommodate the seasonal water demand. The pipeline installation is nearly finished and is projected to be completed by early June, although the entire well project is expected to take more time, with an anticipated completion next year.
Concerns have arisen over saltwater contamination, which has affected 10 out of 14 freshwater wells on Hilton Head in the past 25 years. This situation has made it necessary for the island to turn to brackish water as a viable source. The process of reverse osmosis will treat this brackish water to make it safe for consumption—similar to how popular bottled water brands prepare their products for sale.
The upgrade aims not only to meet the growing demand for water but also to reduce the island’s reliance on expensive water imported from the mainland. The cost of imported water exceeds $3.30 per 1,000 gallons, creating financial strains on residents. In contrast, the estimated cost of producing water through reverse osmosis falls between $1 to $1.20 per 1,000 gallons, significantly enhancing the economic feasibility of the local water supply.
Hilton Head currently has ordinances in place to promote water conservation among residents. Between 40 to 60 percent of the island’s drinking water is utilized for residential irrigation, which has led to restrictions limiting watering to twice a week. Further regulations require sprinkler systems to be equipped with rain sensors to avoid unnecessary runoff during wetter periods.
To bolster conservation efforts, the town encourages the planting of native flora over traditional grass, aiming to minimize water consumption and, in turn, lower water bills for residents. Additionally, many local golf courses have transitioned to using recycled wastewater instead of fresh drinking water to alleviate the pressure on the available supply. The Hilton Head Public Service District also engages in environmentally responsible practices by injecting recycled water into wetlands, supporting local ecosystems.
While the immediate effects of these water supply upgrades may not lead to a decrease in water bills, they are poised to enhance the sustainability of Hilton Head’s water resources in the long term. By shoring up local water availability and diminishing dependence on imported supplies, the island is taking prudent steps towards securing its water future, ensuring that both residents and the environment are considered in the planning and execution of this essential infrastructure project.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Island Water Supply Upgrade
- Wikipedia: Water Supply and Sanitation in the United States
- WSAV: Hilton Head Island PSD Expands Water Production
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Water Issues
- Island Packet: Environmental Impact of Water Projects
- Google Scholar: Hilton Head Water Conservation
- Post and Courier: Hilton Head Beach Renourishment Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Conservation
- WSAV: Hilton Head Beach Renourishment Project Update
- Google News: Hilton Head Water Projects
