Jones County officials address water concerns after public comments
JONES COUNTY - Jones County officials said the county’s water system meets state and federal drinking water standards following public comments and social media discussion about staining and water sampling.
County Manager Kyle Smith and Public Works Director Gareth Harvell addressed the concerns after comments were made during a recent Jones County commissioners meeting about the county’s water system and how water samples are collected.
“We’re here to clear that up and be super transparent with the public,” Smith said.
Harvell said Jones County tests its water daily for chlorine and monthly for bacteriological contaminants. He said the county also tests for more than 300 different constituents on a schedule set by the state of North Carolina.
“The Jones County water system meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking water guidelines,” Harvell said.
Harvell said the county’s water system is fed by natural groundwater, which can contain iron, manganese and hardness. Those naturally occurring elements can leave yellow or orange staining on faucets, toilets and other fixtures, he said.
“With that being said, the Jones County water system is fed by natural groundwater,” Harvell said. “So we do have some residual iron or manganese and hardness that will show up on your faucets, toilets, things of that nature.”
Harvell said those stains can typically be removed with commercially available cleaners. He said the staining does not mean the water is unsafe to drink.
“Please feel rest assured that daily we are here sampling, monitoring and continually sampling your water to maintain state and federal requirements and to maintain your safety as our customers,” Harvell said.
Smith said one concern raised publicly was whether the county samples only at well sites or across the water distribution system. Harvell said samples are taken at customer homes, churches and businesses across Jones County.
“We sample at customer homes, churches and various businesses scattered all across Jones County from the north to the south, east and west,” Harvell said.
Smith said the county wanted residents to know that the water is tested across the distribution system, not only at well sites.
“Samples are being taken all across our distribution system to ensure drinking water is safe in Jones County,” Smith said.
Both Smith and Harvell said they drink Jones County water.
“I drink the water from the faucet here at the county manager’s office daily,” Smith said. “I also drink it at home.”
Smith said water service is something residents may not think about until a concern is raised, but he said county staff work daily to ensure the system remains safe.
“Understand that the professionals behind the Jones County Regional Water System are here to ensure day in and day out that you have safe drinking water that you can enjoy with your families,” Smith said.
Harvell said if a water safety issue occurs, customers will be notified.
“If anything ever goes wrong with your water, you as our valued customer will be the first to know,” Harvell said.
