A Capital Projects Sales Tax (CPST) Investment in Georgetown County

The Georgetown County Water & Sewer District (GCWSD) is launching a major, multi‑phase infrastructure initiative to strengthen water service for residents along the Highway 701 corridor. This project focuses on connecting and upgrading some of the county’s most rural and historically underserved communities, ensuring access to clean drinking water, improved fire protection, and long‑term system reliability.

Why This Project Matters

Many of the water systems along Highway 701 were built decades ago—some as far back as 1975—and are now approaching the end of their useful life. Aging water lines, limited capacity, and isolated water systems have led to increased maintenance needs, water quality concerns, and vulnerability during emergencies.

Several wells in the Plantersville water system have shown rising fluoride levels, and the system’s small pipelines cannot reliably support neighboring systems during high‑demand situations. These communities deserve a safer and more resilient water supply.

Communities Served

This project strengthens water service for rural and disadvantaged areas including:

• Plantersville
• Annie Village
• Choppee
• Browns Ferry

Many households in these areas fall below the state’s median income and face higher poverty rates. By funding this project through CPST revenues, local families can benefit from improved services without bearing the burden of significant rate increases.

What the Project Will Do

GCWSD will complete the Highway 701 Regional Water Improvements in multiple phases:

Phase I – System Interconnection (Completed Design)

• Install approximately four miles of new 18‑inch water main along Highway 701.
• Connect the Plantersville water system with the larger Kilsock system.
• Establish an important link that also supports Browns Ferry Water Company and Georgetown Rural Community Water District.
• Strengthen regional water supply and improve fire protection.

Phase II – Upsizing Aging Water Lines

• Replace and enlarge more than five miles of 6‑inch water main installed in 1975.
• Increase water flow capacity to the elevated storage tank at Exodus Drive.
• Reduce outages, line breaks, and service interruptions.

Phase III (Submitted Separately)

• Add fire hydrants and replace additional aging infrastructure in Plantersville, Annie Village, and Choppee Road areas.

Benefits to the Community

This project will deliver long‑lasting improvements for residents across western Georgetown County:

Improved Water Quality
By reducing dependence on older wells with high fluoride levels and connecting to the larger Kilsock system, families will enjoy safer and more consistent drinking water.

Greater Resilience During Emergencies
Interconnected systems mean better protection against hurricanes, flooding, and other natural hazards—critical in one of South Carolina’s most storm‑prone regions.

Enhanced Fire Protection
Larger water mains and additional hydrants will boost fire safety throughout these communities.

Support for Future Growth
Expanded capacity helps attract new development and supports long‑term economic stability.

Reduced Financial Burden on Residents
CPST funding prevents major rate increases that would otherwise impact households already facing economic hardship.

Project Timeline

Phase I is fully designed and ready for permitting. Work will take place in existing public rights‑of‑way, allowing construction to proceed efficiently with no need for property acquisition.

• Phase I Completion: Approximately 24–28 months after funding
• Phase II Completion: Approximately 36–48 months after funding

The entire project is structured to ensure that water service improvements remain cost‑effective and timely.

LINKS

Project Map