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

The Georgetown County Water & Sewer District (GCWSD) is proud to share the next major step in improving water service for our rural western communities: Phase III of the Highway 701 Corridor Regional Water Improvements Project. This phase is part of a multi‑year, multi‑phase initiative designed to strengthen water reliability, safety, and capacity for the Plantersville, Annie Village, and Choppee Road areas.

Why This Project Matters

Many of the water lines serving these communities were originally installed in 1975 with one goal—to provide clean drinking water. At the time, the system wasn’t designed to meet modern needs such as fire protection, community growth, emergency demands, or long‑term resiliency.

Today, these aging lines are nearing the end of their useful life. Residents have limited fire hydrant access, lower water pressure in certain areas, and more frequent water line repairs. Phase III directly addresses these challenges and invests in a safer, stronger future for our community.
 

What Phase III Will Deliver

Phase III is the final stage of the Highway 701 regional improvement plan and will include:

• Replacing approximately 17 miles of aging water lines (originally 2”–8” pipes) with larger, modern 6”–12” mains
• Improved water pressure and overall system capacity
• New fire hydrants throughout Plantersville, Annie Village, and Choppee Road
• Greater resiliency for storms, flooding, and other natural hazards
• Stronger interconnection with Browns Ferry Water Company

These upgrades will significantly reduce line breaks and outages, improve water quality, and provide the fire protection residents have requested for years. Improved fire coverage may also lower homeowner insurance costs.

Supporting Our Rural & Disadvantaged Communities

This project focuses on Census Tract 9204—an area identified through federal criteria (Justice40 and HUD) as rural and disadvantaged. Many households in this tract have lower-than-average statewide incomes and higher poverty rates.
Improving critical water infrastructure in these communities ensures long‑term affordability and reliability for residents who need it most.
 
Long-Term Benefits

Once complete, Phase III will:

• Increase fire protection and public safety
• Enhance water quality
• Strengthen system reliability during hurricanes and coastal storms
• Support future economic development
• Reduce emergency repairs from aging infrastructure
• Prepare these communities with reliable water service for the next 50+ years
   

Project Timeline

If approved for Capital Projects Sales Tax (CPST) funding, Phase III will move forward as follows:

• Final Design: 24–30 months
• Permitting: 30–36 months
• Bidding: 36–38 months
• Construction: Begins around month 40
• Completion: 60–66 months

All work will take place within existing public rights-of-way—meaning no property acquisition will be required.

LINKS

Project Map