1. AVOID LATE PENALTIES ALL TOGETHER  INQUIRE ABOUT OUR AUTOMATIC DRAFT SERVICE
ONLINE AND IN THE OFFICE, THE COMMISSION HAS DRAFT FORMS AVAILABLE FOR AUTOMATIC BILL PAY WITHOUT THE MAILING
AND DEADLINE HASSLES. BILL PAY IS AUTOMATICALLY DRAFTED ON OR AFTER THE DUE DATE OF EACH MONTH. CUSTOMERS
ENROLLED IN AUTOMATIC BANK DRAFT STILL RECEIVE A PAPER BILL IN THE MAIL, AS THEIR PERSONAL RECIEPT COPY. DRAFT
SERVICES CAN BE STOPPED AT ANY TIME.
PRE-ADDRESSED ENVELOPES FOR BILL PAY ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST IN THE FRONT OFFICE  STOP BY OR CALL
EBB&FLOW
FALL 2014 NEWSLETTER
ISLE OF PALMS WATER & SEWER COMMISSION
1300 PALM BOULEVARD, IOP, SC 29451  (843) 886-6148
WWW.IOPWSC.COM  OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8 AM– 5 PM
ISLE OF PALMS WATER & SEWER MISSION STATEMENT
TO SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS BY PROVIDING SAFE, CLEAN
DRINKING WATER THAT MEET ALL FEDERAL & STATE
REGULATIONS, AND TO PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE
WASTE WATER FACILITIES THAT OPERATE TO PROTECT &
PRESERVE OUR NATURAL RESOURCES.
T H E I S L E O F P A L M S W A T E R A N D S E W E R C O M M I S S I O N P R E S E N T
S T O R I E S O F T E C H N I C A L H O R R O R
IT CAME FROM THE TOILET
B A B Y W I P E S  U S E D M O P S  T O W E L S  O H M Y
( D O N ’ T T R Y T H I S A T H O M E , F O L K S )
COMMISSIONERS
JAY D. LEIGH
JOHN J. FERRELL, JR., PE
CURTIS HELFRICH, PE
DANA W. LOVE, JR., PE
NICHOLAS J. STROUD
GENERAL MANAGER
KRISTEN J. CHAMPAGNE, P.E.
SPECIAL PROJECTS ADMIN
WILLIAM P. JENKINS
COMPTROLLER
LYNNE T. STONESIFER, CPA
KIDS
CORNERJACKO’LANTERNS!
ON HALLOWEEN,
DON’T FORGET ABOUT
OUR FRIENDS ON
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND
SHOW US YOUR PUMPKIN CARVING DESIGN SKILLS!
SPOOKY, SCARY, CUTE, OR CREATIVE - WHAT KIND OF
PUMPKIN DESIGN ARE YOU CARVING UP THIS SEASON?

2. Before the Commission was formed in the
early 90s, potable water on the Isle of Palms
had a very distinct and, at times, undesirable
taste and texture. Once the Commission
erected the Island’s reverse osmosis (R/O)
plant in 1993, water quality and taste im-
proved substantially. Yet to support local
consumption the Commission had to include
blended well water for a consistent water
supply. Finally, in 1996 Charleston CPW,
now Charleston Water Systems (CWS),
drilled water lines under Charleston Harbor
providing Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of
Palms with ample surface water. This addi-
tional supply cut out the need for mixed well
water, allowing the Commission to have
those water resources available when needed
but not vital to the day to day supply.
Depending on peak and seasonal usage, the
Commission will purchase 500,000 to 1.5
million gallons per day from CWS.
Given the circumstances that arose August
14th of this year, imagine having those re-
sources shut off. Now picture having to sus-
tain not only the Isle of Palms but the Town
of Sullivan’s Island with water resources.
Suddenly having that additional well water as
a vital, safe, and necessary resource for five
days doesn’t seem so bad.
While CWS continued to repair and eventu-
ally restore water services to both islands,
IOPWSC blended its own R/O water (1.2
million gallons daily) with readily available
and safe to drink Island well water. This
supply allowed for residential, commercial,
and emergency personnel to have plenty of
ample water for their day to day activities
without a shortage or emergency supplies
having to be brought in.
In short, IOPWSC greatly appreciates the
patience that our customers had during that
line break. While the Commission does not
foresee any further disruption in service from
CWS, just know that the Commission is
prepared for any future events.
IOPWSC METER REMOVAL POLICY
THE COMMISSION’S METER
REMOVAL POLICY STATES THAT
REMOVAL OF A RESIDENTIAL AND/
OR IRRIGATION METER INCURS A
$250.00 METER REMOVAL FEE TO BE
PAID BY THE PROPERTY OWNER.
REMOVAL OF A METER CLOSES THE
BILLABLE ACCOUNT, INCURRING
NO FURTHUR CHARGES AND/OR
BASIC FACILITY FEES.
ALL APPLICABLE FEES APPLY TO
THE REINSTALLATION OF METERS
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
ADDITIONAL IMPACT FEES AND
NEW CUSTOMER FEE(S).
REINSTALLATION OF OLD METERS
AND INSTALLATION OF NEW
METERS MAY TAKE UP TO THREE
WEEKS TO INSTALL.
IOPWSC DISCONNECT NOTICE
WATER AND SEWER BILLS ARE DUE
UPON RECEIPT. IF NOT PAID BY
THE DUE DATE, BALANCES
GREATER THAN $20.00 WILL BE
ASSESSED A $10.00 LATE FEE.
THE ONLY NOTICE YOU
RECEIVE BEFORE WATER SERVICE
IS TERMINATED WILL BE ON THE
FOLLOWING MONTH’S BILL.
IF THE PAST DUE PAYMENT IS NOT
RECEIVED BY THE SPECIFIED DATE
SERVICES WILL BE TERMINATED.
A $50.00 DISCONNECT FEE AND PAST
DUE CHARGES WILL BE PAID
BEFORE SERVICES ARE RESTORED.
IF SERVICE IS TERMINATED, A
DISCONNECT NOTICE WILL BE
HUNG ON THE DOOR OR MAILED
TO A BILLABLE ADDRESS.
SERVICES CAN ONLY BE RESTORED
DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8:00 AM TO 5:00 PM
ADDITIONAL SERVICES POLICY
THE COMMISSION PROVIDES ADDI-
TIONAL SERVICES AT THE CUS-
TOMER’S EXPENSE. EXPENSES IN-
CURRED ARE ASSESSED AT THE
PREVAILING RATE OF LABOR,
EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS. IF
YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING
SERVICES OFFERED PLEASE CON-
TACT THE COMMISSION OFFICE.
COMMISSION NIGHTMARES
“IT CAME FROM THE TOILET”
Collectively, we’ve all heard urban legends and sometimes true accounts of
nameless ’things’ making their way through residential and commercial plumbing.
While most people have nightmares about vermin and various reptiles slithering
through their sewer pipes, here at the Commission we have real life nightmares.
Namely, home good nightmares.
Baby wipes and adult wipes
Hold up, I know what you’re thinking. We’re inundated with advertisements touting
the hygienic wonder of baby wipes, often advertised as the ‘Benz’ alternative to
toilet paper and ‘flushable.’ Yet, despite their packaging and readily disposable
claims, your cucumber-melon scented adult wipes wreak havoc on wastewater sys-
tems galore - sometimes having lasting effects on your own internal plumbing.
Unlike toilet paper, baby wipes do not dissolve and/or disintegrate in wastewater like
traditional toilet paper does. While sewer systems have the ability to grind and break
down virtually anything thrown at them - eyeglasses, dentures, toys, etc. - baby
wipes are incredibly resilient, flexible and durable. Instead of breaking down, the
wipes bind and clog, making system repairs frequent and costly. Already larger sys-
tems outside of the Isle of Palms have made million dollar repairs on their systems
purely because of baby wipes. An unfortunate and hazardous side effect of these
repairs happens when wastewater systems go down. The time lapsed between sys-
tems needing to repair to when their issue is fully resolved and back on line results in
harmful bacteria festering and pipe blockages to exponentially get worse. At its
worst, events like these push raw sewage back into people’s personal and commer-
cial properties where the homeowner is then responsible to contend with the mess.
Terrifying and disgusting.
PAINTs and prescription drugs
Have you just remodeled your home and have spare or antiquing paint lying around?
Perhaps you have expired prescription pills, medicine you no longer need, and want
to dispose of? If this applies to you, DO NOT flush or pour these items down the
drain. Latex paint, oil-based paint, and virtually every form of chemical solvent (e.g.
mineral spirits, toluene) are classified as household hazardous waste (HHW). Pre-
scribed medications on the other hand, expired or not, are extremely potent and
harmful to future human consumption when flushed down the toilet or sink. There is
no mechanism or chemical treatment used to break down pharmaceutical substances
leeched into wastewater. Over time all of these chemicals amass in local water sys-
tems and eventually filter back into the local water supply, potentially having adverse
effects on humans as well as wildlife. Throughout the US, these items have desig-
nated local facilities and programs that annually take back these items for proper
disposal. When discarding unused or out-dated paints and prescriptions carefully
read the label and follow any manufacturer’s directions. You can also check with
local recycling, take-back programs, and Hazardous Material departments through
out the tri-county area. In the Spring, the Isle of Palms Public Works department
holds an annual Hazardous Materials Collection where unacceptable items uncol-
lected throughout the year can be turned in.
FATS, OILS, AND GREASE
Everyone knows oil and water do not mix, so imagine the mayhem fatty compounds
and lipids wreak on residential, commercial, and waste treatment facilities. Fats in
general have poor solubility in water, giving them the tendency to separate, pool, and
thicken around the water surface. In the collection process of wastewater, pipes be-
come clogged with residue, decreasing pipe capacity and at times completely back-
ing up oncoming water flows. These events lead to costly cleaning and repair bills
and, depending on the circumstances, potential fire hazard. The Commission recom-
mends pouring left over grease into a container, freezing the liquid and then dispos-
ing of it in the trash.
Bath towels, mop heads, etc.
While we’re not entirely sure nor do we fathom how large home goods such as tow-
els, bathmats, wash clothes, etc., make their way into our wastewater systems we
imagine they travel through sewer systems and powerful toilets, like those found in
hotels and commercial spaces. While we struggle in our logic as to why these items
are expelled the way they are we highly suggest alternative and more appropriate
means of getting rid of unwanted and/or used items in the home and commercial
space - aka the trash can. While our systems are very efficient and able to stand up to
all kinds of pressures, overexerting our systems with trash can lead to costly conse-
quences which in the end if it doesn’t hurt our systems it definitely compounds prob-
lems in the home and commercial space. Just remember, NEVER USE YOUR
TOILET AS A TRASH CAN.
“pink slime”
Throughout the year, especially during warmer weather, have you ever
found light pink rings forming in your toilet, bathtub, and shower stall?
Or perhaps you have found a slimy film growing around wet surfaces in
your home such as the kitchen sink? Reminiscent of the terrifying and
profusely growing alien amoeba from the 1958 horror film, The Blob, the
pink pigmented bacteria Serratia marcescens, seemingly harmless, can be
anything but given the circumstances. A known human pathogen, S.
marcescens is a common hospital-acquired infection (HAI). The bacteria
naturally grows in nearly every moist environment harboring phospho-
rous containing materials and/or fatty substances. These sources of
growth include soap residue left behind in bathing areas, residues left
over from toilet waste and food particles left in sinks and pet bowls.
These pathogens are usually introduced into interior spaces by window
units or having a window open to the outside. Once the organism begins
to visibly fester, eradicating it from a space can be remedied with any
bleach-based disinfectant over time. Rinsing and drying wet surfaces also
prevents the establishment of these bacterium, thus removing it from its
food source and making its environment unsuitable.
♥
COMMISSION NIGHTMARES
“the day we had to drink
mixed water”
Thursday, August 14th, 2014, somewhere in the middle of the night Charleston Water Systems’ (CWS) pipeline
feeding Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms began losing pressure. Preparing for the worst, CWS shut off water
services to the line anticipating a quick repair. Faced with supplying both Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms with
potable water, IOPWSC had to pool all of its water resources together including the island’s more ‘flavorful’ well
water - much to the chagrin of its patrons.
Serratia marcescens under the microscope.
S. marcescens forming pink rings around a drain.
(Not to be confused with this.)
NEW GENERAL MANAGER?!
It’s true! As of August 2014, the Commission has been most fortu-
nate to welcome Kristen Champagne, P.E., as the Commission’s
new General Manager. An experienced civil engineer, having
graduated from Clemson University, Kristen has over eighteen
years of experience in the water and wastewater industry. For the
past twelve years she has worked with several local government
water systems and is excited about being a part of the Commission.
Featured above, CWS’ newly built pylon structure encompassing the leak at
Fort Johnson. Once complete, mechanical repair joints (shown below) will
be lowered in by crane to fit and protect the newly repaired pipe.

3. COMMISSION NEWSLETTER
IOP WATER & SEWER COMMISSION
1300 PALM BOULEVARD IOP, SC 29451
WWW.IOPWSC.COM ♦ (843) 886-6148
COMMISSIONERS
JOHN J. FERRELL, JR., PE
CURTIS HELFRICH, PE
JAY D. LEIGH
DANA W. LOVE, JR., PE
NICHOLAS J. STROUD
GENERAL MANAGER
KRISTEN J. CHAMPAGNE, PE
SPECIAL PROJECTS ADMIN
WILLIAM P. JENKINS
COMPTROLLER
LYNNE T. STONESIFER, CPA
AVOID LATE PENALTIES ALL TOGETHER ♦ INQUIRE ABOUT OUR AUTOMATIC DRAFT SERVICE
ONLINE AND IN THE OFFICE, THE COMMISSION HAS BANK DRAFT AUTHORIZATION FORMS AVAILABLE FOR AUTOMATIC BILL PAY WITHOUT THE MAILING AND
DEADLINE HASSLES. BILL PAY IS AUTOMATICALLY DRAFTED ON OR SHORTLY AFTER THE DUE DATE EACH MONTH. CUSTOMERS ENROLLED STILL RECEIVE A
POSTCARD BILL AS THEIR PERSONAL RECIEPT. DRAFT SERVICES CAN BE STOPPED AT ANY TIME.
‘smart’
SEWAGE
In October, 2014, CNN published the article, “What Lies
Beneath… ‘Smart Sewage’ Could Spot Epidemics Before
They Happen,” which stressed the significance of our sewer
systems in anticipation of human borne illnesses and diseases.
Carlo Ratti, Director at the Senseable City Lab at MIT, char-
acterized sewer systems as ‘microbiomes’, “home to the most
personal waste a city has to offer”. A sewer system, like our
own, is a catch basin for bacterial and viral populations. Each
colony of organisms is, in part, donated by the individuals
that feed the system, i.e. you and I. Each population is unique
and when put under the microscope, a specialist can easily
discern trends in health that fall within the geographic area
where the sewer sample was taken. The benefits of detecting
and tracking illnesses in a given population, such as influenza
and rotavirus, before they become a widespread nuisance are
monumental and, in the end, would save the general public
value added time and money.
For example, in 2012 Forbes reviewed the report published
by the Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI) which disclosed the
high costs of illness. IBI is a non-profit organization that
studies benefits programs from over 700 of its members,
some of which include the nation’s foremost employers (e.g.
Google, Microsoft, Chevron, etc.). According to their re-
search, having poor health costs the U.S. economy as much
as $576 billion a year. 39 percent of that number, or $227
billion, are costs associated with people having to stay home
from work, putting off productivity to a later date. Then,
there’s the well-meaning workaholic demonstrating
“presenteeism” in which they continue to work but produce
very little due to what ails them. For those who continuously
come to work sick, they run the risk of passing on their ill-
ness to their hapless cohorts, which in turn impacts the $232
billion each year that it takes them and their peers to seek
medical attention and/or pharmacy related costs.
Now, imagine saving a fraction of those costs, lost wages,
and co-pays thanks to better foresight and monitoring the
mettle of sanitation systems. Scientists could foresee flu out-
breaks before those infected began feeling symptoms. Drugs
intended for prevention could be administered before emer-
gency drugs or hospital visits would be necessary, allowing
people to take off one to two days for preventative care and
contamination rather than three days to a week for full blown
illnesses. Sounds crazy but with proper research and imple-
mentation, our sewage could be more advantageous to our
health than previously thought.
At this time, MIT’s program to monitor select sanitation sys-
tems is in its pilot stage. In 2016, MIT will locally monitor the
city of Boston’s sewer system before moving on to a bigger
study in Kuwait City where MIT and the Kuwait Ministry of
Health have partnered up for research.
In case you couldn’t wait for a program to study our immedi-
ate population, CNN’s article also mentioned the rising in-
trigue in more personal ‘smart toilets’. Such units have existed
for several decades and are very popular in Japan. Depending
on how much you’re willing to spend (the most expensive
units are priced well over $6,000) the more advanced models
measure blood pressure, glucose levels, body temperature,
BMI, among other health measurements.
All in all, the same premise holds true for ‘smart toilets’ as it
does for MIT’s project: allowing technology to analyze our
waste works wonders for our overall picture of health.
As the new Forest Trails Wastewater Treatment facility (FTWWTP) nears
completion, the Commission and the Isle of Palms community must bid
farewell to the aging beast that was FTWWTP. Constructed in 1966 by the
Beach Company, the new facility serviced residential subdivisions and
commercial properties developed on the Isle of Palms. As of Thanksgiv-
ing 2014, the new wastewater treatment facility took over operations that
the old facility carried on for 48 years. Since March of this year, the old
facility has been deep cleaned and, soon, the Commission expects for the
remaining structure to be disassembled and moved before the summer
hits. Will the old structure be missed? Chances are, not so much. Resi-
dents who could remember the smell on a hot summer day, the cacopho-
nous noise the aeration system made when engaged, or just the out of
place appeal the structure had against homes and edifices along Waterway
and 41st Avenue... People will not miss it. But in reality, for having gone
through so much (hurricanes, peak season hours, 48 Fourth of July holi-
day weekends...) the structure has served the Island well for nearly a half
century. Cheers to new beginnings.
farewell,
OLD FRIEND
41ST
AVENUE
41ST
AVENUE
W
ATERW
AY
BLVD
W
ATERW
AY
BLVD
The new Forest Trails Wastewater Treatment Facility (left) will replace the existing facility (lower
right corner of the property) which will be disassembled by summer 2015.
SUMMER 2015
The latest update on Google MapsTM
: Aerial view of the new Forest Trails Wastewater Treatment
Facility (left) and the decommissioned existing facility (right).
FRIPPISLAND,
REWAINGREENVILLE,
ANDNOWUS.
OUTOF380
DOMESTICWASTEWATER
TREATMENTFACILITIESINTHE
STATEOFSOUTHCAROLINA,
WEAREONEOFTHREE
TOPROUDLYFEATURE
MEMBRANEBIOREACTOR
TECHNOLOGY
THEISLEOFPALMSWATER&SEWERCOMMISSION

4. KIDS
Color!
The Atlantic Sailfish
I s t i o p h o r u s a l b i c a n s
Found throughout the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the
Atlantic Sailfish is a pelagic fish, found neither too close to the
ocean floor or too close to shore. It is a migratory species and freely
moves through tropical and temperate water in the open ocean and
as far as the Mediterranean Sea. Much like its relative, the Marlin,
Sailfish are prized game fish, reaching lengths of 10 feet or greater
and weighing in at well over a hundred pounds. Their two most
notable features include their elongated bill and sail-like dorsal fin.
When swimming a Sailfish’s dorsal fin is typically folded unless
threatened or excited. When hunting, groups of sailfish will also use
their sails to “herd” schools of fish or squid. Despite their size and
girth, don’t let them fool you. Sailfish are known for their speed and
incredible jumps, clocking in at over 35 mph at a wide range of
ocean depths. Their typical coloration includes metallic blues with
silvery white undersides. If you caught this fish, what would you
want your catch to look like?
Ernest Hemingway with an Atlantic Sailfish that he caught.
Key West, Florida in the 1940s

5. COMMISSION NEWSLETTER
IOP WATER & SEWER COMMISSION
1300 PALM BOULEVARD IOP, SC 29451
WWW.IOPWSC.COM ♦ (843) 886-6148
COMMISSIONERS
JOHN J. FERRELL, JR., PE
CURTIS HELFRICH, PE
JAY D. LEIGH
DANA W. LOVE, JR., PE
NICHOLAS J. STROUD
GENERAL MANAGER
KRISTEN J. CHAMPAGNE, PE
SPECIAL PROJECTS ADMIN
WILLIAM P. JENKINS
COMPTROLLER
LYNNE T. STONESIFER, CPA
AVOID LATE PENALTIES ALL TOGETHER ♦ INQUIRE ABOUT OUR AUTOMATIC DRAFT SERVICE
ONLINE AND IN THE OFFICE, THE COMMISSION HAS BANK DRAFT AUTHORIZATION FORMS AVAILABLE FOR AUTOMATIC BILL PAY WITHOUT THE MAILING AND
DEADLINE HASSLES. BILL PAY IS AUTOMATICALLY DRAFTED ON OR SHORTLY AFTER THE DUE DATE EACH MONTH. CUSTOMERS ENROLLED STILL RECEIVE A
POSTCARD BILL AS THEIR PERSONAL RECIEPT. DRAFT SERVICES CAN BE STOPPED AT ANY TIME.
THE
LEAK ISSUE
The question we receive most often here at the Commission
begs the question ‘what constitutes normal usage’? Despite all
the reports we run, national and local averages, the idea of
‘normal’ does not exist when it comes to each individual house-
hold. Consumption stems from a myriad of factors: the number
of people in your household, their habits (hour long showers,
amount of clothes washed, etc.), the devices in your home (e.g.
high efficiency washers and toilets versus older models), the
health of your plumbing, pools, irrigation… the list goes on.
Regardless of not knowing how much you should be using, if
your goal as a consumer is to consistently receive the lowest bill
each month your greatest strength is to educate yourself and
know what to look for. For instance, where do you start when
you receive a high bill? If your usage is high this month does
that mean something is still wrong and will also affect next
month’s bill? If you've faced these questions before you already
know how nerve-racking the process can be. That is why we are
here to help.
So, imagine that you’ve just received a high bill:
 First thing, check your meter (see the adjacent article for
directions). When you do this, have all of your water-using
appliances in the home and outside turned off or not in use
(e.g. no showering, running washing machines, dish washers,
outside irrigation, ice makers, automatic pool fill, etc.) Wait a
few minutes if you must to confirm that everything at the
property is not using water when you check the meter.
 Determine if the leak indicator is turning. If it is, some-
where on the property something is using water. If the leak
indicator is turning, recheck all of your appliances, toilets,
outside spigots, etc. Look around the property if there are
any obvious wet spots, etc. If the leak indicator is still turn-
ing and nothing on the property can be found to have con-
tributed to high usage, call a leak detection specialist.
 In the instance that the leak indicator is not turning yet the
usage is still consistent with the value read at the meter, re-
count any and all recent events at the property that
could have contributed to high usage. This includes any pool
fillings, an influx in guests and their usage, power washing,
new irrigation system, establishing new sod/landscaping,
running hoses, running toilets, etc.
As mentioned before, the most nerve-racking element to receiv-
ing a high bill is the idea that the problem is still ongoing and
will generate yet another high bill. Protecting yourself by being
ever vigilant of your devices and plumbing makes all the differ-
ence. Routinely check your appliances, toilets, and systems that
require water. Inspecting your pipes on a regular basis can be
very beneficial.
By far, the most common leak the Commission deals with on a
monthly basis involves running toilets. When left unchecked
over the course of 30 days, some of the worst toilet leaks have
contributed to well over 100,000 gallons of water wasted. If you
feel you may be experiencing a running toilet at your property,
the Commission Office offers free dye tablets that allow you to
test for these leaks.
If you’re unavailable to drop by, simple food coloring works
just as well. Place either the food dye or crushed up tablets into
the back tank of the commode and let the coloring sit. DO
NOT FLUSH. Over time, 30 minutes or more, if any dye
leeches into the bowl without the unit being flushed will let you
know that there is a leak and needs to be repaired.
While there are several manufacturers and models of water meters, they all
perform and function virtually the same way. Much like the odometer on
your dashboard, all meters are keeping a continuous record of water usage
specific to your property. While the meter itself is the device that feeds
water to your home, the meter register that sits on top is what keeps a
running total of usage at all times.
Below are three examples of meter registers used on the Isle of Palms. All
of them have the same features, just look slightly different.
The two features every register device has includes a visible numeric
reading and the leak indicator. As mentioned before, the numeric
reading is a continuous reading.
The reading does not reset every
time a new billing cycle starts and
will continue to grow in value
unless the register device is dam-
aged and/or replaced.
When you receive your monthly bill
the present reading and the previous
reading from the month prior are
always posted along with the dates
when the device was read on the
left side of the bill. If you received
a very high bill and wanted to
check the current reading you
would compare the present reading
value on your bill it to the present
meter reading at the street. The
Commission calculates billable
usage per every 1,000 gallons of
water used. All present and previ-
ous readings posted on your bill are
followed by three zeros.
The second thing to notice on the
register face is the leak indicator.
On the left are three different regis-
ters with different ways of indicat-
ing water usage. When you turn on
your shower each one of these reg-
isters’ leak indicators will show wa-
ter usage by either spinning very
quickly, or as seen in the bottom
model will show a plus sign (+).
If you believe you have a leak at the
property, as mentioned in the article
on the left, have all of your devices
turned off and then check the me-
ter. If a continuous leak is present
at the property, the leak indicator
will be turning/showing a sign even
if it’s the slightest amount of usage.
Toilet leaks or other intermittent
leaks that start and stop when not
caught are the trickiest leaks to dis-
cover. Regardless, as long you re-
frain from tampering and/or dam-
aging the meter and the meter regis-
ter, being well acquainted with this
equipment can only help you.
HOW TO
READ YOUR METER
FALL 2015
THEISLEOFPALMSWATER&SEWERCOMMISSION
LEAK INDICATOR REVOLVES WHEN IN USE
TRIANGULAR INDICATOR SPINS WHEN IN USE
A PLUS SIGN (+) APPEARS WHEN IN USE
SAMPLE REGISTERS FOUND ON THE ISLAND
HURRICANE
SEASONAREYOUPREPARED?
WWW.NHC.NOAA.GOV/PREPARE/
WWW.READY.GOV/HURRICANES
WWW.REDCROSS.ORG/PREPARE/DISASTER/HURRICANE

6. KIDS
Color!
LIGHTS OUT FOR THE LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLES
Loggerhead nesting occurs on the beaches of South Carolina from May to mid-August every year, each turtle depositing 120 eggs on average. After 60 days, the
loggerhead hatchlings emerge from their nests at night and head in the direction of the ocean. Unfortunately due to artificial lighting, hatchlings become disoriented
and will head in the opposite direction. That’s where we need your help. The nesting population has been declining for years and, due to recent numbers, the species
is being reclassified from threatened to endangered.
Sea turtle friendly light fixtures and bulbs are available and greatly reduce the amount of light that distracts the baby sea turtles from finding their way.
Be aware that the species is protected by federal and state laws that carry heavy fines if your local lighting is affecting their trip to the ocean.

7. EBB+FLOWTHEISLEOFPALMSWATER&SEWERCOMMISSION
COMMISSIONNEWSLETTERISLEOFPALMS,SC
IOPWSC
KIDS
WINTER2016
IFYOUWEREASKEDTODESIGNAMANHOLE
COVERFORTHEISLEOFPALMS,YOURFAVORITE
DESTINATION,THEMEPARK,ORAMAKE-BELIEVE
PLACE,HOWWOULDYOUDESIGNIT?SEE
EXAMPLESFROMTHEINSIDECOVERFORIDEAS!

8. WINTER
2016EBB+FLOW
COMMISSION NEWSLETTER
IOP WATER & SEWER COMMISSION
1300 PALM BOULEVARD IOP, SC 29451
WWW.IOPWSC.COM ♦ (843) 886-6148
COMMISSIONERS
DIANN FILL
CURTIS HELFRICH, PE
JAY D. LEIGH
DANA W. LOVE, JR., PE
NICHOLAS J. STROUD
GENERAL MANAGER
KRISTEN J. CHAMPAGNE, PE
SPECIAL PROJECTS ADMIN
WILLIAM P. JENKINS
COMPTROLLER
LYNNE T. STONESIFER, CPA
AVOID LATE PENALTIES ALL TOGETHER ♦ INQUIRE ABOUT OUR AUTOMATIC DRAFT SERVICE
ONLINE AND IN THE OFFICE, THE COMMISSION HAS BANK DRAFT AUTHORIZATION FORMS AVAILABLE FOR AUTOMATIC BILL PAY WITHOUT THE MAILING AND
DEADLINE HASSLES. BILL PAY IS AUTOMATICALLY DRAFTED ON OR SHORTLY AFTER THE DUE DATE EACH MONTH. CUSTOMERS ENROLLED STILL RECEIVE A
POSTCARD BILL AS THEIR PERSONAL RECIEPT. DRAFT SERVICES CAN BE STOPPED AT ANY TIME.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF
MANHOLES
You may notice one a day, maybe more, in which case you’ve
never or, perhaps on occasion, asked yourself what is the sig-
nificance of the manhole and its importance in your life? In the
development of any city, let alone civilization, the need for
waste removal is essential for the sake of growth, sanitation, and
perpetual residence. Designs for manholes and manhole covers
date as far back as 3500 BCE.
The manhole cover in the
picture to the left, is from
Vienna, circa 1st to 4th cen-
tury CE, when the city was
under the command of the
Roman Empire. In the mod-
ern era, carved stone has been
replaced by cast-iron, con-
crete, glass reinforced plastic,
and other composite materials.
Like its initial material, so too
has the design for the manhole
and manhole cover changed. The circular manhole and man-
hole cover are nearly ubiquitous in the modern age due to its
safe design. Unlike square and rectangular forms, a circular
manhole cover will never fall in regardless of angle.
Due to a growing abundance of urban utilities, e.g. cable, elec-
tric, gas, telephone, fiber optics, etc., manhole use is not seques-
tered to water and wastewater services only. Essentially a vault
for ease of access, manholes serve as an access point for main-
tenance repairs, servicing valves, inspection points, etc., de-
pending on the utility. Accessing a manhole is reserved for pro-
fessionals of that specific utility and should never be accessed
by a non-affiliate. If the weight of the manhole cover doesn’t
deter people from tampering (they’re very heavy, some weigh-
ing as much as 300 pounds or more) there’s a great potential for
injury or worse once the underground opening is left exposed.
In case of storms and flooding, those access points are kept
sealed tight to keep the vault from being inundated with water.
Never pull a manhole cover up in an attempt to drain water into
it as, depending on the utility, copious amounts of water could
affect the utility and its services. Even sewer manhole covers
should be kept tamped down during storms and flooding.
Storm drains and its services are equipped to deal with storm
and flood water, not sewer systems—they are completely sepa-
rate utilities. If the sewer system takes on too much water, over-
flows occur which can have major repercussions on public
health and the surrounding environment. If you see an over-
flowing sewer manhole please contact the Commission immedi-
ately and stay away, as exposure to sewage and wastewater can
contribute to potential health risks.
Also refrain from tampering or removing customer clean out
tops, pictured below. Accessing customer clean out tops is like
tampering with raw sewage. Some people have used them as a
means to drain their yards but when overwhelmed sewage will
overflow and leave fecal matter on lawns and spill into the
roadway. Do not mess with them.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
NEVER REMOVE A MANHOLE COVER
OR A CUSTOMER CLEAN OUT TOP
IF YOU SEE WHERE ONE HAS BEEN REMOVED, REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY.
UNCOVERED MANHOLES AND CLEAN OUT TOPS POSE A DANGER TO ANYONE,
ANIMAL, OR VEHICLE THAT MAY COME ACROSS IT - RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INJURY
AND/OR DAMAGE TO PERSONAGE, PROPERTY, AND INTERIOR EQUIPMENT.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
MAINTAINING AND CARING FOR OUR WATER EQUIPMENT
HELPS US HELP YOU
WINTER 2016
THEISLEOFPALMSWATER&SEWERCOMMISSION
Courtesy www.sewerhistory.org
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, USA OSAKA, JAPAN
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
LONDON, ENGLAND
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, USA
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, USA
MATSUYAMA, EHIME, JAPAN
ROME, ITALY
MANHOLE COVER ART
FROM AROUND
THE WORLDCourtesy of Google Images
NO TOUCHIE.
THE COMMISSION IS PROUD TO
RECOGNIZE DIANN FILL AS ITS
NEWLY ELECTED COMMISSIONER
______________________________________________________
THE COMMISSION IS ALSO PLEASED TO
WELCOME COMMISSIONER JAY LEIGH
BACK FOR A SECOND TERM
PICTURED LEFT:
COMMISSIONER FILL TAKING HER OATH OF
OFFICE AT THE JANUARY 5TH, 2016, SWEARING-IN
CEREMONY AT THE ISLE OF PALMS CITY HALL
NEWIN2016