News Summary
The Charleston Water System has started notifying residents about lead in some water service lines as of November 14, following EPA guidelines. They plan to send annual notifications to households affected until the lines are replaced. Free testing kits for assessing water quality are available, while residents are advised to enhance water safety with filters. This notice underscores the importance of public health and safety in drinking water quality.
Charleston – The Charleston Water System has begun notifying its residents about the presence of lead in some water service lines, effective November 14, 2024. This action follows updated guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which regulates acceptable lead levels in water systems. The utility company plans to send annual notification letters to households with lead service lines until those lines are replaced.
Under EPA regulations, the maximum allowable lead content in any component of drinking water systems is set at 0.25 percent. The water utility actively conducts testing in affected homes and expects to obtain test results within a few weeks. In response to health concerns, residents are being encouraged to use filters and water treatment methods to enhance the safety of their drinking water, despite the existing lead service lines.
Macy Scarborough, a local resident, raised concerns about the safety of using lead-contaminated water for daily activities such as cooking, brushing teeth, and showering. The Charleston Water System has made testing kits available free of charge at its building to assist residents in assessing their water quality. Alongside the kits, the utility promotes specific procedures for effective water sampling to ensure accurate test results.
In unrelated developments, legal issues have arisen for a dentist in the Lowcountry, who is facing a lawsuit for allegedly extracting healthy teeth from a patient while correcting a dental issue. The plaintiff, Amber Walker, claims the dentist’s actions resulted in a worsened bite and estimates that she will require around $70,000 for corrective treatment. The dentist’s office management has indicated they were unaware of the lawsuit and has not provided detailed comments on the case.
In a positive light, Dr. Brett M. Shigley, an oral surgeon, has initiated the “Smiles for Heroes” program aimed at providing dental care for veterans who often experience financial hardships in accessing dental services. This program seeks to bridge gaps in care and has already offered numerous veterans dental implants and restorative work, thanks in part to contributions from a dental laboratory that has helped to reduce costs for participants. Dr. Shigley intends to continue this mission and hopes to perform at least one pro bono case each year, reinforcing his commitment to assist those who have served in the military.
The notification from the Charleston Water System reflects broader efforts to ensure public health and safety regarding drinking water quality. Residents are urged to stay informed through annual correspondence and to proactively engage in measures to mitigate potential risks associated with lead exposure. As testing proceeds and additional support programs develop, the local community remains focused on achieving safe water standards and adequate healthcare for all its members.
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Additional Resources
- Count on 2: Charleston Water System Lead Notification
- Wikipedia: Lead in Drinking Water
- Live 5 News: Dentist Lawsuit
- Google Search: Dentist Lawsuit
- Greenville Online: Smiles for Heroes Program
- Google Scholar: Veterans Dental Care
- Lucky Dog News: Shark Teeth Jewelry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark Teeth
- WLTX: Charleston County Sheriff Election
- Google News: Charleston County Sheriff Election
