Political Tensions Rise Over Water Resource Control in Pickens County

Political Battle Brewing Over Water Resources in Pickens County

Pickens County is seeing quite a stir these days as a heated political battle brews over the control of its precious water resources. At the center of this struggle is the picturesque Lake Keowee, where various local governing bodies are vying for control of water distribution across not just Pickens County but also the broader Upstate area. Seems like water is about to become the next hot topic in town!

On a daily basis, Greenville Water draws millions of gallons from Lake Keowee. This mountain-fed water is treated and pumped through a complex transmission line winding its way into Greenville County. With the area experiencing rapid growth, access to water has become not just a vital necessity but also a contentious political issue. Who gets the water, and who controls the water supply? It’s turning into quite a showdown!

A New Development

Greenville Water has begun construction on a new, ambitious 5-foot transmission main. This substantial project aims to increase its capacity significantly, enabling the utility to manage well over 150 million gallons of water per day, particularly in Pickens County. Not everyone is cheering for this expansion, though. The Pickens Regional Joint Water System, formed only a few years ago in 2019, is stepping in to challenge Greenville Water’s rise, claiming that the latter has been using aggressive tactics to monopolize the region’s water supply.

On the flip side, the leaders at Pickens Regional argue that maintaining control over their water destiny, even if it means facing potentially higher rates, is of utmost importance. They have plans in motion to build a new, state-of-the-art $100 million treatment plant right on Lake Keowee, increasing local control of water resources. However, there’s been turmoil — after weighing the options, the city of Pickens has decided to leave the joint water system, citing a much lower cost structure if they partner with Greenville Water instead.

The Consequences

This sudden departure has thrown a wrench in the works. There’s talk of legal implications, with lawyers hinting that Pickens could find itself in a heap of trouble if the joint water system takes action to reclaim costs lost due to the city’s exit. The stakes are high, with serious financial implications for both parties. Pickens Regional has indicated a willingness to take drastic measures, including potentially taking over the city’s water system to recover losses.

Despite this upheaval, representatives from Pickens Regional remain hopeful that their system will be operational by late 2026—a glimmer of hope amidst the political chaos. And it looks like this isn’t just Pickens County’s issue. It reflects a larger trend in the Upstate, where utility control is becoming an increasingly hot topic of contention.

Similar Battles Across the Upstate

This water dispute mirrors past struggles in neighboring Greenville County, where a consolidation of sewer systems was initiated by the county. Leaders in the old sewer districts criticized this move, insisting that smaller, localized districts offer a more democratic approach to governance. Now, Pickens Regional is arguing similarly, positioning itself as a more representative choice for local residents compared to the larger, city-run Greenville Water.

Meanwhile, as more folks flock to the Upstate—approximately 40,600 new residents expected by 2042—the stakes continue to rise. Greenville Water claims it can efficiently support growth with its existing water treatment operations, which even includes resources beyond Lake Keowee. But Pickens leaders are persistent, insisting that they deserve more control for the future of their community and its water resources.

The Future of Water Supply

With both parties making strong cases, it raises essential questions about the future of water management in the Upstate. Residents are caught in the middle, hoping for a resolution that balances affordability and sustainability—after all, nobody wants to face steep water bills while their community continues to grow.

As conversations about water rights and community control heat up, it’s evident that this battle isn’t about to dry up anytime soon. Whether a peaceful solution can be found or if courtrooms will become the next battleground remains to be seen. But residents in Pickens County and the surrounding areas should keep a close eye on this developing saga—it could very well impact their daily lives and wallets for generations to come.