The company Pioneer District used to print our costumer’s monthly bills have unfortunately and unexpectedly went out of business. Pioneer is working with a new company to get the June 2025 bills mailed out as soon as possible. There will be NO late penalties for the month of JUNE due to this inconvenience. If you have any questions or want to know what your current bill balance please call our office at (864) 972-3082 between 9am-5pm.

Laboratory Analysis Report Results from Eurofins Eatons Analytical:

Finds No Detection for Algae Toxins in Pioneer Rural Water District’s Finished Water and No Detection for Algae Toxins in the Raw Water.

SCDES Issues Recreational Water Watch for Lake Hartwell in Anderson County 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 30, 2025 >

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) today issued a Recreational Water Watch for the entirety of Lake Hartwell in Anderson County after identifying the presence of a harmful algal bloom (HAB). 

SCDES was notified of a potential HAB by multiple residents of Lake Hartwell, prompting staff to collect samples from three lake locations near Brooks Drive, Gordon Road, and Whitfield Road in Anderson County on April 29. SCDES received additional notifications on April 30 that residents spotted the HAB in other areas of the lake.  

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) capable of producing cyanotoxins were observed in each of the samples collected. These samples were then analyzed for the presence of two cyanotoxins: cylindrospermopsin and microcystins. Concentrations of cylindrospermopsin were below the analytical detection limit in all three samples. Microcystins were detected in two of the three samples but were below the recreational standard of 8 micrograms per liter (µg/L).  

While cyanotoxin concentrations associated with this HAB are low, it is recommended to avoid contact with the water and to keep pets and animals from swimming or drinking from the lake until the bloom has subsided. SCDES has been coordinating and communicating with Anderson Regional Joint Water System, Pioneer Rural Water District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and representatives from neighboring Georgia.  

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a common occurrence in natural bodies of water, most likely to occur in South Carolina in late spring to early fall when water temperatures are warmer and there is increased sunlight. They can persist for several weeks. These blooms can look like bright green spilled paint or blue-green discoloration of the water. With cooler temperatures, heavy winds, and rain, these blooms may begin to break up and die off.  

For more information, contact SCDES’s Bureau of Water at 803-898-8374. If calling after hours, please leave a message that can be returned. For additional information about harmful algae in South Carolina, visit the SCDES HABs webpage and Algal Bloom Monitoring Map. 

As stated in the SCDES Press Release, Pioneer Water personnel have been in communication with representatives from the SCDES to determine Pioneer’s course of action. Pioneer’s Water Treatment Facility will analyze additional samples utilizing a third party laboratory facility to determine if there is any level of harmful algae as determined by SCDES and the EPA. Pioneer will release the results of the testing once it’s completed. For any additional information please our office at 864-972-3082 or visit our website at pioneerwater.net