Renewable Water Resources start $10M sewer improvement project in Pelzer and West Pelzer

Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) is working on a sewer improvement project for Pelzer and West Pelzer in Anderson County.

A $10 million grant from the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program will help Pelzer maintain these upgrades, according to Dudley Brown, Strategic Communications Manager for Renewable Water Resources.

The project will involve replacing almost 9,200 linear feet of aging sewer line while installing 63 manholes and replacing 93 service lines, Brown said.

“The current system’s capacity will be expanded to meet the community’s growing needs, as well as increasing capacity and improving access to sewer lines for utility workers by relocating to street rights-of-way,” Brown said.

Blake Sanders, former mayor of the Town of West Pelzer and State House representative for District 9, appreciates Renewable Water Resources’ commitment to modernizing the sewer system.

“These improvements will ensure a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for the community,” he said.

Sanders highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population and protect the environment.

“It’s about protecting the environment, supporting economic growth, and improving the quality of life for residents for generations to come,” Sanders said.

Town of Pelzer and West Pelzer sewer line history

The Town of Pelzer and West Pelzer are in Anderson County and situated along the Saluda River.

Pelzer was founded in 1881 as a mill town, and West Pelzer, originally called Frankville, was founded in 1918, according to historical records.

Town of Pelzer Mayor Will Ragland emphasized the town’s historical significance in the region’s textile history, noting, “We had four modern cotton mills in Anderson County.”

“Now the community is poised to continue its legacy of innovation with the upcoming sewer improvement project,” Ragland said.

Brown explained that, like many Upstate textile villages, these towns were established without access to modern sewer services.

Brown said these early sewer systems were laid out cost-effectively, often running behind homes and through alleys to minimize disruption to streets and walkways.

According to the latest United States Census Report, Pelzer’s population has reached 1,422, while West Pelzer has grown to 1,020 residents.

These aging sewer lines require significant upgrades to meet modern standards and accommodate growing communities, Brown said.

“The planned sewer improvements will ensure that the infrastructure can support future growth while maintaining residents’ health and safety,” Brown said.

According to West Pelzer Mayor James Riddle, in his 78 years living in the Upstate and the last 40 plus living in West Pelzer, he has seen a lot of changes and growth.

“Change and growth are inevitable in our community,” Riddle said.

How soon will the sewer improvement project begin for Pelzer and West Pelzer in Anderson County?

Pelzer and West Pelzer: sewer improvements

Pelzer and West Pelzer sewer improvements have already commenced, and the project is expected to span two years and conclude in 2026.

“Inspections of the existing lines have been ongoing for the past few months and will continue as part of the preparation for the upgrade,” Brown said.

Throughout the project, efforts will be made to ensure residents have continuous access to essential services, Brown said.

Access to community members’ property may be necessary for renewable water resources. 

Sewer improvements: Community members’ property

“Residents have already received letters over the past couple of months, informing them of potential minor inconveniences,” Brown said.

In some cases, workers may need to gain access to residents’ properties to perform essential upgrades.

Residents may also be asked to limit water use at certain times, he said.

Here is what you should know about the project phases.

Sewer improvement: First phase

The project’s first phase involved a detailed inspection process, Brown said.

“This includes using advanced camera technology to assess the condition of existing sewer lines,” Brown said. “Technicians operate cameras remotely, navigating through the pipes to identify any issues that need addressing before proceeding with the upgrades.”

Accessing sewer lines can be challenging, especially when they run through private areas like backyards, crawl spaces, or basements, he said.

Brown said that in some Upstate communities, these lines are integrated into the fabric of residential properties, complicating the inspection and upgrade process.

Sewer improvements: Second phase

The second phase will relocate certain sewer lines from private properties to road rights-of-way.

This strategic move aims to enhance accessibility for utility workers and reduce digging on residential land, Brown said.

“By shifting these lines, the project will streamline future maintenance and minimize homeowner impact,” Brown said.

The relocation process will involve replacing many lateral lines within neighborhoods.

“These lateral lines connect residential properties to larger trunk lines, which ultimately transport waste to wastewater treatment plants,” Brown said.

“By upgrading these connections, the project aims to improve overall system efficiency and reliability,” he said.

Renewable Water Resources: treatment quality

According to the Renewable Water Resources official website, it has nine water resource recovery facilities and operates more than 430 miles of pipe.

The company estimates that 44 million gallons of water pass through its trunk lines and reclamation facilities.

This water is cleaned and returned to Upstate rivers and streams, Brown said.

“We are always mindful of the quality of the water we release back into the environment,” Brown said. “ReWa ensures that treated water meets or exceeds environmental standards.”

Emily DeRoberts, Renewable Water Resources Board Chair, said the planned improvements to the water lines would enhance the system’s efficiency and help preserve the Saluda River’s water quality.

“The Saluda River is an important part of this community, thereby protecting public health as well as this natural resource is crucial,” DeRoberts said.

According to the company’s official website, Renewable Water Resources has undertaken stream restoration, water treatment plant upgrades, and water transmission main construction as part of its project portfolio.

“These projects aim to improve water quality, increase capacity, and expand recreational opportunities,” Brown said.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: What to know about ReWa’s sewer project in Pelzer, West Pelzer