LANCASTER COUNTY WATER & SEWER DISTRICT
This March, Regional Water Providers to Conduct
Routine Water Quality Maintenance Program
Contact: Lancaster County Water & Sewer District
Darrell Fenton - Water Quality Coordinator
Phone - 803 416-5514
Temporary water treatment change from chloramines
to free chlorine to ensure year-round water quality;
Specific water users instructed to take appropriate steps
Lancaster County, February 18, 2026: As part of our continuing effort to distribute high-quality drinking water, Lancaster County Water and Sewer District will conduct our routine, annual Water Quality Preventive Maintenance Program.
The program involves temporarily switching our water disinfectant from chloramines to free chlorine in order to optimize water quality within the distribution systems. The water will remain completely safe for consumption and will continue to meet all federal and state water quality standards.
Affected customers include public water systems in City of Lancaster, Heath Springs, Kershaw, and unicorporated areas of Lancaster County served by LCWSD.
This maintenance process is recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SC DES). The process maintains high water quality by removing any biofilm and bacteria from the water distribution system mains; reducing the formation of nitrates and nitrites (nitrification); and reducing taste and odor issues.
The annual Water Quality Preventive Maintenance Program will last from March 1 through April 15, 2026. During the program, some water customers may notice temporary taste, color, or odor differences in their water. This is a normal component of the process.
Although most customers will not notice any difference in their water, the water providers are recommending three groups of water users take special precautions, as applicable, before the
March 1st start of the program. These customers are specifically advised to contact us or seek professional advice for the appropriate steps to accommodate the change in water disinfection.
1) Kidney dialysis providers/patients;
2) Fish, pond, pool, and aquarium owners/operators; and
3) Businesses that use water in their production process.
When the program is completed on April 15th, LCWSD will return to using chloramines to treat the drinking water.
This maintenance program is being performed at this time of year when water usage is low, as to limit stress on the system. You may see crews performing flushing operations at hydrants to ensure chlorinated water is dispersed through the entire water system.
Customers may also reference our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our website. For further information or with specific questions, residents may contact their specific provider. Inquiries may be directed to the contacts listed above.
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For more information on these utilities, please visit:
Lancaster County Water & Sewer District – www.lcwasd.org