Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority (SCWSA), is a Special Purpose District (SPD) that is charged with providing water and sewer service to the unincorporated areas of Saluda County. SCWSA is a young SPD that runs its operations like any private business. We are accountable for providing an excellent product at a reasonable cost. With that said, beginning in your April bill you will see a modest 4% increase. Expenses for everything go up. SCWSA must be responsible. Modestly raising rates for inflation is financially wise ensuring SCWSA’s long-term sustainability.
- Over the last 7 years, we raised water rates twice. That was only a 0.65% annual increase.
- Over the last 7 years, we only raised sewer rates for direct outside treatment increases.
- We continue to grow to support our existing customers.
- We have an obligation to grow for those in need of service where financially feasible.
- Our operational Regional Water Treatment Plant is the foundation for our future.
- SCWSA has two major projects on the horizon: 1. Phase 2 Water Project & 2. WWTP Project.
- Phase 2 Water Project will provide water to over 300 Saluda citizens.
- Phase 2 Water Project will also add major system improvements to improve service to SCWSA’s customers and sell to other water systems, increasing revenues and lowering unit production cost.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Project will be a county-wide system with Saluda CPW.
- WWTP Project will increase capacity from 1.4 MGD to 4 MGD, allowing us to serve more residents, helping current industries to grow and attracting new commercial/industrial businesses.
- WWTP Project will allow SCWSA to control future costs by treating our sewer.
- Assuring the 2 Projects viability, SCWSA conducted an independent rate study, charts below.
- Consultant advised SCWSA to raise its rates 4% for the next 3 years, then 1% a year thereafter.
- In comparison, we are still $6.77 below our neighbors on a typical residential sewer bill.
- In comparison, we are still $8.22 below our neighbors on a typical residential water bill.
- The good news is the 2 Projects are financially sound and allow us to better serve you.
If you have any questions, please call me, Jason Fell, General Manager for SCWSA at 864-445-9572.
