South Carolina's hurricane season runs from June through November, and severe storms can significantly impact water quality and damage water treatment equipment. Whether you're on city water or a private well, here's how to protect your water system and ensure safe drinking water before, during, and after a storm.
Before the Storm: Preparation Checklist
Store Emergency Water
Store at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3-7 days. If you have an RO system, fill extra containers with purified water before the storm. A family of four needs 12-28 gallons minimum.
Turn Off Your Water Softener
If a power outage is expected, put your water softener in bypass mode. This prevents the system from attempting to regenerate without power, which could damage the control valve or leave it in a partially regenerated state.
Protect Equipment from Flooding
If your water treatment equipment is in a flood-prone area (basement, low garage), elevate it on blocks or pallets. Move salt bags to higher ground - wet salt is ruined salt. Disconnect power to prevent electrical damage from flooding.
Shut Off the Well Pump
If you're on well water, shut off the well pump at the breaker before the storm. Floodwater can contaminate the well casing and pump, and running a contaminated well can spread bacteria through your entire plumbing system.
During the Storm: Water Safety
Critical Warning
If your area is under a boil water advisory, do NOT rely on your home filtration system as the sole treatment. While RO systems remove most bacteria, the extreme contamination levels possible after flooding can overwhelm any residential system. Follow official boil water advisories until they are lifted.
After the Storm: Recovery Steps
1. Check for Flooding Damage
Inspect all water treatment equipment for water damage. If any equipment was submerged, do not turn it on until it has been professionally inspected. Electrical components and media tanks can be damaged by floodwater.
2. Flush Your System
Run cold water through all taps for at least 5-10 minutes before using. This clears stagnant water and any sediment that entered the system during the storm.
3. Manually Regenerate Your Softener
Once power is restored, run a manual regeneration cycle before using softened water. This flushes the resin bed and ensures the system is operating properly.
4. Replace RO Filters
If your RO system processed water during or immediately after the storm, replace the pre-filters and sanitize the system. Storm surge can push sediment and contaminants that shorten filter life dramatically.
5. Test Well Water
If you're on a private well, have your water professionally tested before resuming use. Flooding can introduce bacteria, chemicals, and sediment into the aquifer. Do not use well water until test results confirm safety.
Post-Storm Water Testing
After any major storm, we offer priority water testing for existing customers and discounted testing for new customers. We'll check for bacteria, sediment, changes in hardness, and any unusual contaminants that may have entered your water supply. Call us at 843-890-0511 to schedule a post-storm water assessment.