Political Tensions Escalate Over Water Supply Control in Pickens County

Political Tensions Rise Over Water Control in Pickens County

Pickens County is currently the battleground for a hotly contested political issue regarding control over the precious water resources in the region. At the heart of this debate lies Lake Keowee, the primary water source for Greenville Water, a utility giant that has recently begun construction on a new 5-foot transmission main. This new project is expected to significantly increase the utility’s capacity to deliver over 150 million gallons of water per day—a move that has stoked the flames of political friction between Greenville Water and the newly-formed Pickens Regional Joint Water System.

Growing Population Drives Demand for Water

As the population in the Upstate continues to surge—an estimated 153,000 new residents are anticipated by 2042—the challenge of managing water resources becomes increasingly complicated. Greenville Water, which currently serves a large portion of the region, has been accused by Pickens Regional leaders of adopting aggressive tactics to monopolize water supplies. In response, Pickens Regional was established in 2019 as a joint effort to safeguard local access to this vital resource.

The tension has reached new heights with Pickens City recently deciding to withdraw from the Pickens Regional system to pursue an agreement for water supply directly from Greenville Water. This decision, city officials argue, will allow Pickens to significantly lower their water costs, freeing up funds to address critical infrastructure needs.

Legal Threats Loom as Cities Forge New Paths

However, this exit has provoked potential legal confrontations. Attorneys representing Pickens Regional have indicated they may seek to seize control of the Pickens city water system to recover costs associated with the city’s departure, underscoring the potential fallout in this ongoing feud.

Meanwhile, Pickens Regional is not standing idly by. Leaders emphasize their commitment to having local control over water distribution to better serve the area’s residents. They argue that having a new $100 million treatment plant on Lake Keowee would enable the system to provide water tailored specifically for the community’s needs instead of relying on a larger entity like Greenville Water.

Challenges and Conflicts Ahead

The takeover of utilities doesn’t just create logistical challenges; it also divides communities regarding governance. Much like the contentious consolidation of sewer systems in Greenville County mandated by the county council, the unfolding conflict in Pickens County echoes a broader trend of municipalities grappling for autonomy over their resources.

In Pickens County, where around 131,106 residents reside, the need for an equitable solution is urgent. Greenville Water maintains that its expansive, established service model—with reservoirs and treatment plants designed for growth—is the best way forward. Yet, Pickens Regional insists that establishing a regional system would offer greater leverage and control, essential for ensuring the future of water distribution in the area.

Community Voices and Perspectives

Community leaders like Jeff Boss from Greenville Water advocate for the benefits of a centralized system, arguing that doing so not only guarantees better quality water at a lower cost but also positions the region for economic growth. He emphasizes, “The more water we produce, the less it costs per gallon to produce it.”

On the flip side, members of Pickens Regional highlight that their approach allows for more democratic control over water services. They are determined to provide a genuine voice for Pickens County residents in decisions regarding their water supply, especially when faced with the uncertainty of future water availability and potential shortages.

Looking Ahead

This water war is far from settled, with public discourse growing heated as stakeholders weigh their options. Both sides agree that water will remain a critical issue as population pressures rise; however, routes to resolution diverge sharply. Pickens Regional is committed to forging ahead with its plans to use Lake Keowee water, aiming for operational readiness by December 2026. As the debate rages on, residents of Pickens County are left pondering the implications of this struggle for control over their vital water supply.

With both utility systems gearing up for what could be a prolonged conflict, the communities of Pickens County will need to keep a close eye on developments and decisions that may ultimately shape the future of water distribution in their area.