Jerusalem & Northwest Old Pee Dee Water Improvements
Investing in Reliable Water, Community Resilience, and a Stronger Future for Rural Georgetown County
The Georgetown County Water & Sewer District (GCWSD) is proud to introduce the Jerusalem & Northwest Old Pee Dee Water Improvements Project—a strategic infrastructure investment designed to deliver safe, reliable drinking water and critical fire protection to one of the county’s most underserved rural regions.
This transformative initiative advances GCWSD’s long-standing mission to protect public health, support community growth, and ensure that every resident—no matter their location—has access to essential water services.
Why This Project Matters
Residents along Jerusalem Drive and Old Pee Dee Road currently rely entirely on aging private wells. These shallow wells come with significant challenges:
- Declining water quality and quantity over time
- Increasing repair and maintenance costs
- Greater risk of service interruption due to storms and power outages
- No access to fire hydrants, resulting in higher fire risk and elevated homeowner insurance costs
As costs rise and water reliability decreases, families face growing economic strain and health uncertainty. This project changes that.
What the Project Delivers
The Jerusalem & Northwest Old Pee Dee Water Improvements project brings modern public water infrastructure to the area for the first time. GCWSD will install:
- Over 6 miles of new water mains (8-inch and 2-inch lines)
- Approximately 10 strategically placed fire hydrants
- A fully managed, maintained, and resilient water supply system operated by GCWSD
This system will immediately serve 62 existing homes, with capacity built in to support future residential and commercial growth.
A Lifeline for a Disadvantaged Rural Community
This area includes Census Tract 9201—identified through Justice40 and HUD criteria as a disadvantaged community facing multiple socio‑economic and environmental challenges:
- Higher-than-average poverty rates
- Lower median household income
- Limited transportation access
- Increased environmental and climate vulnerability
- Limited access to affordable water and sanitation options
By providing affordable, reliable water access, the project reduces financial burden on families, mitigates climate‑related risks, and lays the foundation for future economic opportunity.
Stronger Resilience for a High‑Risk Region
Georgetown County is one of South Carolina’s highest-risk zones for hurricanes and coastal storms. Private wells are especially vulnerable during severe weather, with outages and potential contamination increasing the risk to families.
The new public water system:
- Reduces outage risk during natural disasters
- Eliminates dependence on shallow wells susceptible to saltwater intrusion
- Provides reliable fire protection that could lower insurance costs
- Ensures safe drinking water—no matter the storm season
Estimated Project Timeline
GCWSD is fully prepared to advance the project quickly and efficiently. All work will occur within existing public rights‑of‑way, ensuring no need for easements or property acquisition.
Estimated Milestones:
- Final Design: December 2026
- Permitting: April 2027
- Bidding: May 2027
- Construction Notice to Proceed: June 2027
- Construction Completion: December 2027
A Strategic Community Investment
Ranked as GCWSD’s#7 priority project, the Jerusalem & Northwest Old Pee Dee Water Improvements represent a smart, targeted investment with immediate benefits for rural residents and lasting value for the county as a whole.
This project strengthens infrastructure, increases safety, and ensures equitable access to the essential resource every community needs to thrive: clean, dependable water.
Building a Better Future — Together
By expanding modern water infrastructure into rural Georgetown County, GCWSD is bridging gaps, improving quality of life, and supporting long-term resilience. These improvements aren’t just upgrades—they’re a promise to the families and future generations who call the Jerusalem and Old Pee Dee communities home.
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