What are the caused of low water pressure?
Temporarily low water pressure can occur in your home for a variety of reasons. Heavy water use in your home or neighborhood, broken water mains or even a brush or structural fire that is being extinguished in your area may cause low water pressure. If your water pressure drops suddenly, first check your home's main shut-off valve to ensure that it is fully open. Then check for any broken water lines in or around your home. If you are unable to determine a reason for the loss of pressure, contact the Utilities Department at (803) 359-2434, and a representative will assist you in determining the cause of the problem

Why does my drinking water sometimes taste or smell "funny"?
The Town of Lexington can experience seasonal taste and odor problems associated with the drinking water. The safety of the water is not at risk; however, some individuals may perceive that the water is questionable because it has an unpleasant smell or taste.  
The primary causes are Geosmin and Methylisoborneol (MIB), non-harmful, naturally-occurring compounds associated with algae growth in lakes. This algae produces a harmless musty or earthy odor in the water that is delivered to the treatment plant. Even after the water is filtered, some odor may remain present. Chlorine used for disinfection can also produce harmless tastes or odors that are detectable by some consumers.

Sometimes the water from the faucet is very cloudy and fizzes. Is this harmful?
No. Cloudy water typically results from millions of tiny air bubbles present in the distribution system that delivers water to your tap. Eventually, the air bubbles rise to the surface and disappear.  

At times, my hot water smells like rotten eggs . Why is this, and is it harmful?
Non-harmful bacteria use naturally occurring sulfates present in the water as their food source.  The bacteria then produce hydrogen sulfide, which creates an unpleasant odor. This process is intensified when there is low flow through the water heater or it sits dormant over long periods of time. While the odor may be unpleasant, it is not harmful.

Leaks :
Most meters are equipped with a leak detector, which is located on the face of the meter dial and is in the shape of a triangle. If this triangle is turning, water is going through the meter. If the water valve inside the house is cut off and the triangle continues to turn, there is an underground leak. Food coloring placed in the tank of a commode will help determine if there is a toilet leak. Food coloring will show up in the bowl of the toilet after a few minutes indicating a fixture leak. 

House Valves ( cut off valves) 
Cut off valves, located either inside or outside the home should be tested annually. Calls are received during the winter to cut off meters for homes with broken service lines. It's a good idea to always know where your cut off valve is located and keep your cut off valve in good working order.

Discolored Water 
Any increase or change in flow velocity within a water main may cause discolored water. Fires, street sweepers, etc. are examples. Should you experience discolored water, let the cold water run for a few minutes. After a period of time, if discoloration continues, call the Utilities Department at (803)359-2434 and personnel will flush water lines to correct the problem. Do not wash clothes during this time. 

Sewage Blockages  
The majority of sewage blockages are caused by the improper disposal of Fat, Oil and Grease into the public sewers. Many sewage blockages can be avoided by simply disposing Fat, Oil and Grease products into empty cans, which in turn would be discarded with the household garbage. Should you experience a sewage blockage or a sewer backup: Call the Utilities Department at (803)359-2434. Utilities personnel will check the main sewer line and inform the customer if a plumber should be called. The Town of Lexington only maintains main lines. The customer must maintain service lines. Service lines include the entire length of service line from the house to the connection to the main line in the street.

To prevent future sewer backups
Know where your sewer line is located. Call the Utilities Department if you're not sure. Avoid planting trees and shrubs near the sewer line. Roots can creep into the sewer pipe and over time cause a blockage. If trees or shrubs have caused problems in the past, remove them.
Stop using the kitchen sink and garbage disposal for grease or food scraps.
Vegetable and meat scraps, salad dressing, rice, butter, cooking oils, and many other culinary delights quickly deposit grease and solids that can build up in pipes over time and eventually block a sewer line.
Instead of putting food waste into a garbage disposal, use a paper towel or spatula to move food waste from plates and pans into the garbage. Let melted oils used for cooking solidify in a container (empty juice cartons work well) on the counter or in the refrigerator before placing them into the garbage.
Grease blockages and root intrusion from trees and other vegetation are the most common reasons for sewer backups. When fats, oils, and grease are disposed of down the drain, over time they build up inside the pipe that connects your building to the public sewer, eventually plugging it completely. When trees and other root-invasive shrubs are planted on top of or near sewer lines, roots can grow and enter sewer pipes through joints or maintenance structures. Eventually the roots can create an impenetrable obstruction, stopping flow.

Preventing Sewer Backups in your Business
If your business discharges fats, oils, and grease, you should pre-treat your sewer discharges containing these materials. Operating a good grease abatement program makes good business sense. A grease blockage can shut a business down for several days and cost thousands of dollars in lost profits and cleanup expenses. A little preventative maintenance will help you avoid this costly problem.

Missing Manhole Covers
If you discover that a manhole cover is missing, overflowing, or rattling, please call the Utilities Department immediately at (803)359-2434