Richland County continues to make headway on a $24.2 million water and sewer expansion in Lower Richland, with the project’s first phase on track for completion this summer.
Construction crews are installing water and sewer lines concurrently across four sections of Southeast Richland. Over the next few months, those crews will work near the intersection of Garners Ferry Road and Lower Richland Boulevard, as well as in the Hopkins area.
Work on the substantial infrastructure project began last April.
“We are very pleased with the progress our contractors have made so far in constructing the new Southeast Sewer and Water Expansion,” said Richland County Utilities Director Bill Davis. “The project is about 80 percent complete, and most of the work on the major roadways is finished.”
The expanded system will link public water and sewer services to residences, small businesses, schools and churches, as well as to McEntire Joint National Guard Base, with the goal of improving water quality and easing environmental concerns in Lower Richland.
Additionally, by installing 15 miles of water lines and 116 fire hydrants along part of the project route, the County can improve fire protection, increase home values and lower insurance rates in the area. Crews have installed 84 hydrants so far.
“This project represents a significant investment by Richland County,” County Administrator Leonardo Brown said. “It will result in the build-out of an infrastructure system that will provide access to needed water and sewer services that are part of a comprehensive utilities system.”
The water and sewer expansion is being funded through Utilities revenue bonds.
Looking Ahead
The project’s final stage, expected to begin in February, involves installing seven pump stations to help the County transition sewer flow from old wastewater lagoon systems to a new treatment system.
Hopkins Middle School, Hopkins Elementary School, Gadsden Elementary School and Franklin Park will gain access to the new system at the Eastover Wastewater Treatment Plant. The County also plans to rehabilitate the wastewater system between April and July.
“We anticipate the project to be fully online by July 2021, and we are looking forward to providing reliable and sustainable water and sewer services to the Lower Richland communities,” Davis said.
Utility crews contracted by Richland County install a valve on Air Base Road in Hopkins.
Progress Updates Online
As work continues, Richland County Utilities is providing weekly progress reports and biweekly project progress maps, found under the Utilities tab at www.richlandcountysc.gov.
The County plans to further expand Lower Richland’s infrastructure in subsequent years by building out from the main line of the system. Planning for the water and sewer project’s second phase is expected to start later this year.
A technological boost for the area will complement the new water and sewer lines. In September, the County announced that TruVista Telecom is installing fiber optic cable to enable broadband internet service in Lower Richland.
Residents with questions about the projects or about County water and sewer service should email Richland County Utilities at RCU_Service@richlandcountysc.gov.