Spartanburg Water Responds to Hypochlorite Release at R.B. Simms Plant

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Jennifer Candler

Communications Manager

(864) 809-1186

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2026

Spartanburg Water Responds to Hypochlorite Release at R.B. Simms Plant

Spill was identified and ongoing coordination with SCDES and SCDNR continues

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Spartanburg Water is responding to a sodium hypochlorite release at its R.B. Simms Drinking Water Treatment Plant that resulted in fish deaths in the river downstream of the facility.

A fitting on a chemical feed line failed on the evening of September 23. Plant staff stopped the leak that night and replaced the damaged connector. When staff completed the tank inventory, it was discovered that an estimated 4,000 gallons of sodium hypochlorite had leaked. The amount that reached the river has not yet been determined.

Once staff identified the potential discharge, they stopped the affected pumps and began removing and treating water remaining in the plant’s wash-water system. Spartanburg Water notified the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services and the Department of Natural Resources, which are assessing the fish loss and environmental impact. The containment area is between Peachtree Rd. and above the waterfowl wild life area upstream from Parris Bridge Rd.

No adverse human-health effects have been identified, and this incident has not affected the drinking water delivered to customers. Sodium hypochlorite is used to disinfect drinking water. In a river, however, chlorine can harm fish even at low concentrations. The fish deaths are an environmental impact that Spartanburg Water is taking seriously; they do not, by themselves, indicate a threat to customers’ drinking water.

SCDNR has currently released the affected area to Spartanburg Water, and utility staff will utilize boom netting to help contain impacted fish.

“We understand why the sight of dead fish is concerning, and we share that concern,” said Guy Boyle, CEO of Spartanburg Water. “Our team stopped the leak, halted the affected discharge and brought in environmental specialists to address the water remaining at the plant. We are working closely with state agencies to understand the full impact and will share what we learn. Our customers can be assured that we are responding with urgency and care.”

Environmental contractors are continuing treatment work at the plant. State officials are assessing the fish loss, and Spartanburg Water will assist with additional monitoring and recovery as directed.