Lancaster County Water and Sewer District

10/05/2026

Taste & Odor Treatment Update: October 5, 2026

Last month, LCWSD experienced changes in the taste and odor of our drinking water due to changes in conditions at our drinking water source, the Catawba River, and our 92-acre reservoir.

These changes did NOT impact the safety of the drinking water. LCWSD's treated water is safe to drink and continues to meet or exceed state and federal standards, and our water quality testing program confirms the safety of our drinking water at our treatment plant and throughout our system.

We showed the test results we send to state regulators to WCNC Charlotte last week. They are pictured below.

Again, taste and odor events can be common across South Carolina because of organic growth in our drinking water sources. Geosmin and Methyl-Isoborneol (MIB), both natural organic compounds, can cause the water to develop a musty or earthy taste and odor, which some people are more sensitive to than others.

Three weeks ago, LCWSD adjusted our treatment process to reduce the impacts, and we have seen significant improvement. However, because geosmin and MIB can still affect people at very low levels, we continue to receive reports of issues. As a result, we continue to evaluate our treatment and adjust it where necessary. We greatly appreciate our customers' patience.

As LCWSD advised at the start of the situation, customers can improve the situation by pouring the water into a pitcher and refrigerating it, adding lemon, and/or using a Brita-like faucet filter or pitcher. Because this is not a water safety issue, you don't need to buy bottled water.

09/14/2026

Notification on Taste and Odor Complaints: September 14, 2026

Some customers have reported to LCWSD that they are experiencing changes to the smell and taste of their drinking water. This is due to changes in conditions at our drinking water source, the Catawba River, and our 92-acre reservoir.

It is important to state these changes do NOT impact the safety of the drinking water. LCWSD's treated water is safe to drink and continues to meet or exceed state and federal standards. Our water quality testing program confirms the safety of our drinking water at our treatment plant and throughout our system.

Taste and odor issues are unfortunately common across South Carolina. There are multiple potential causes, including the extremely hot weather we have experienced recently. This can cause the water to develop a musty or earthy taste and odor, which some people are more sensitive to than others.

LCWSD is adjusting our treatment process to reduce the impacts; however, these changes can take several days to address the issue fully. It can take up to 2 weeks for the changes to be fully effective throughout the distribution system.

In the meantime, customers can improve the situation by pouring the water into a pitcher and refrigerating it and/or adding lemon, as well as using a Brita-like faucet filter or pitcher. Because this is not a water safety issue, you do not need to purchase bottled water.

Because taste and odor issues are becoming more common, LCWSD is continuing to evaluate long-term steps to reduce the likelihood of future events.

We greatly appreciate our customers’ understanding and patience as we continue to address the issue.

05/22/2026

Drought - Stage 2 "Quick Read"
=========================================================
MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT
Lancaster County Water & Sewer District
Stage 2 Drought • Effective May 15, 2026
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OUR GOAL
--------
Reduce community-wide water use by 5–10%. If we don't hit that,
stricter rules may follow.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
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1) LAWN & GARDEN WATERING — by address number, 2 AM to 10 AM only
• Even addresses: Tuesday & Saturday
• Odd / no number: Wednesday & Sunday
(Avoid watering at all if you can.)

2) STOP THESE ACTIVITIES
• Washing personal vehicles
• Power washing (homeowners)
• Filling swimming pools (topping off is allowed)
• Running decorative fountains that don't support aquatic life

3) EXCEPTIONS
Licensed businesses and community-serving functions
(e.g., car washes & commercial power washing) may continue.

PENALTIES FOR HIGH WATER USE
----------------------------
Stage 2 Surcharge rates apply automatically starting with the August 2026 bills, which are for usage dates beginning on
June 12th:

Residential and ¾” meter Volumetric Rate (per 1,000 gals)
Tier 1 Up to 10,000 gal Normal rate $4.83
Tier 2 10,000–20,000 gal 2.5× normal rate $12.08
Tier 3 Over 20,000 gal 3× normal rate $14.49
For Non-Residential and larger meter Volumetric Rates, see full rate chart: www.lcwasd.org/alert/drought-alert-stage-2

WHY THIS IS HAPPENING
---------------------
Rainfall has been below average 17 of 19 months since 2024, and every month since September 2025.
The Catawba-Wateree River Basin has officially entered Stage 2
of its Low Inflow Protocol — the first time since 2009.

As a member utility, LCWSD is required to enforce these
restrictions to protect the region's shared water supply.

QUESTIONS?
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• Web: www.lcwasd.org

05/18/2026

Learn more about Stage 2 Drought conditions. Click on link below

Lancaster County Water & Sewer District Extended Dry Weather MovesCatawba-Wateree Lake System into Low Inflow Protocol Stage 2 Drought Designation triggers mandatory conservation for major water users

04/16/2026

Please refer to lcwasd.org for additional information related to
Stage 1 Drought Advisory

04/16/2026

LCWSD will no longer report outages on Facebook. Customers can go to our website at LCWASD.org and/or sign up for our customer portal athttps://www.lcwasd.org/sites/default/files/uploads/Forms-and-notifications/h2ointroductionletter.pdf to have notifications sent directly to your phone or email.
Customer service is our priority.