Pickens to withdraw from regional water system

PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — The City of Pickens is withdrawing from the Pickens Joint Regional Water System (PJRWS).

City Council approved the decision during Monday’s meeting.

Pickens Mayor Isaiah Scipio said the decision was made for the best interest of the community.

“Our primary goal is to ensure that the residents and businesses of Pickens have access to a reliable and sustainable water supply as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Mayor Isaiah Scipio said in a statement. “After extensive study, we have decided withdrawing from the PJRWS is in the best interest of our community.”

During Monday’s meeting, Scipio said the city plans to partner with Greenville Water moving forward. He said it will be a more cost-effective option than contributing to PJRWS to build a new water treatment plant on Lake Keowee.

“Our share of costs for construction and operating a new water plant with the regional water group over 20 years would be an eye watering $43 million,” Scipio said. “In contrast, buying into Greenville Water comes at a far more manageable $17 million.”

A PJRWS commissioner urged city council to reconsider their decision Monday.

“Should city council proceed today to withdraw from any discussion with its fellow members, it may jeopardize the ability of its fellow water providers to proceed with the water plant,” he said.

Councilman Floyd Rogers urged city council to delay Monday’s vote until they could meet with PJRWS.

“I don’t think this is the right thing to do without at least entering into a negotiation process with an attorney, or maybe just council can meet with the joint water,” Rogers said.

City officials said leaving PJRWS is part of a plan to try and improve the city’s water infrastructure. Aging water pipes have created discolored water, water main breaks and other issues. While the city is working to replace the pipes, the next step retire the City Lake reservoir, to find a source derived completely from Lake Keowee, according to the city.

“We appreciate the efforts and collaboration of the PJRWS over the years, but that solution has proven too slow and overly costly compared to other immediately available options. Moving forward, we are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition and accelerating the improvements our residents and businesses need and deserve to warp speed,” City Administrator Tim O’Briant said in a statement. “Our team is already working on a comprehensive plan to address immediate needs and long-term water solutions.”

According to the city, there will be no immediate changes to water services for homes and businesses. The city will provide updates as the transition progresses. Scipio said he hopes the city will begin using Greenville Water by the end of the year or early 2025.

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