BRANCHVILLE -- Although traces of gasoline have been detected in Branchville's water, officials of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control have assured the town's mayor that the water is safe to drink.
Mayor Tim Cooner said DHEC arrived in Branchville Wednesday and took about 40 samples of the town's drinking water. Results from the testing are still pending, but Cooner said the state agency told him "the water's okay to drink."
Cooner said DHEC officials believe the gasoline is coming from an old service station located in Branchville.
In the event another water source is needed in the town, Cooner advised residents not to worry. Branchville's new well is ready to go on line, he said.
T&D Correspondent John Ott can be reached by phone at 803-829-3638.