Pure, Reliable, and Ready for You — Orangeburg DPU Water Division

At the City of Orangeburg’s Department of Public Utilities, we’re proud to deliver high-quality potable water to over 50,000 customers across Orangeburg and Calhoun County. Our extensive network spans over 600 miles of pipe, ensuring clean, safe water reaches homes, businesses, and industries across 300 square miles — making us a trusted regional water provider.

Exceptional Quality You Can Trust

Our water not only meets but often exceeds rigorous state (SCDES) and federal (EPA) drinking water standards. We’re dedicated to delivering water that’s as pure as it is refreshing.

Our State-of-the-Art Water Treatment Plant

The John F. Pearson Water Treatment Plant, built in 1937, has grown from a modest water softening plant into a cutting-edge facility with a 30 million gallon per day (MGD) capacity. Modern upgrades have transformed this historic site into a state-of-the-art operation, combining tradition with innovation.

A Natural, Pristine Water Source

Our water originates from the beautiful North Fork Edisto River, located in the scenic Edisto Memorial Gardens. The Edisto River is the longest undammed blackwater river in North America, flowing for 206 miles from Saluda County to the Atlantic Ocean. With its rich ecosystem and pure water source, we’re committed to protecting this vital resource for generations to come.

Our Advanced Water Treatment Process

From river to tap, we ensure every drop is clean, safe, and refreshing. Here’s how we do it:

1. Raw Water Intake: Water is drawn from the North Fork Edisto River and pumped to our treatment plant.
2. Rapid Mixing: pH levels are adjusted, and alum (a coagulant) is added to bind impurities together. 
3. Flocculation: Water flows slowly through basins, giving impurities time to form larger particles (floc).
4. Sedimentation: Heavy particles sink to the bottom and are removed.
5. Filtration: Water is filtered through layers of sand, gravel, and anthracite to remove remaining particles.
6. Disinfection: We use chloramines (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) to ensure your water is safe.  Fluoride is added for dental health, and phosphate is added to protect pipes from corrosion.

From Our Plant to Your Home

Once treated, clean water is pumped through our extensive distribution system — ensuring safe, reliable water reaches every home, school, and business we serve.


At the Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities, we’re proud to provide water that’s clean, safe, and sustainable — because you deserve nothing less.

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