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

The St. Luke Community Sewer Improvement Project is a major initiative by the Georgetown County Water & Sewer District (GCWSD) to replace failing septic systems with a full modern public sewer collection system. The project will install pump stations, gravity and force mains, manholes, and individual sewer services to provide safe, reliable wastewater disposal for one of Georgetown County’s historically underserved communities.

Why This Project Matters

Many St. Luke residents currently rely on aging septic systems that frequently fail, leading to sewage surfacing in yards, unsafe living conditions, and environmental risks. The lack of public sewer service also limits property use, restricts recreation, and hinders commercial development. Without modern sewer infrastructure, the community faces health hazards, economic barriers, and limited growth opportunities.

 What Phase III Will Deliver

The project will construct a complete sewer collection system including:

• Pump stations
• Gravity mains
• Force mains
• Manholes
• Individual household sewer connections

These improvements will ensure dependable wastewater disposal, eliminate hazardous septic failures, and make future development possible. GCWSD also confirms the system will have sufficient capacity to support both current residents and future growth.

Supporting Our Rural & Disadvantaged Communities

The St. Luke community qualifies as a disadvantaged area under federal Justice40 and HUD criteria, with higher poverty rates, lower median incomes, environmental stressors, and limited access to essential services such as sewer. Replacing septic systems privately would be financially impossible for many households.

By funding the project through the Capital Projects Sales Tax (CPST), Georgetown County removes these financial barriers and ensures equitable access to modern utilities. The project helps protect vulnerable families, reduce environmental burdens, and improve quality of life.

 Long-Term Benefits

Long-term community benefits include:

• Improved public health
• Elimination of sewage exposure hazards
• Reduced homeowner burden from failing septic systems
• Expanded opportunities for residential and commercial development
• Stronger environmental protection
• Increased economic resilience and property usability
• Additional future growth supported by existing treatment capacity

Ultimately, the project is not just infrastructure—it is an investment in community safety, dignity, and revitalization.

Project Timeline

Following funding approval:

• Final Design: 10 months
• Permitting: 6 months
• Bidding & Mobilization: 4 months
• Construction: 12 to 18 months



This timeline positions the community to see significant improvements within just a few years of project approval.