SC Water Utilities to consolidate 4 Lowcountry systems

South Carolina Water Utilities, the largest private water and wastewater provider in the state, is turning its four utility systems in the Lowcountry into a single regional utility.

The SCWU consolidation is intended to streamline operations, reduce administrative costs and create more balance among its 7,000 customers, according to a news release.  

The new utility will combine systems servicing Pleasant Point Plantation, Lady’s Walk, Vivian Island, Grand Oaks, Harbor Island, Chechessee Bluff, Callawassie, Spring Island and Kiawah Island.

“This is an important step forward for our customers and communities,” Becky Dennis, director of operations for Kiawah Island Utility, said in the release. “By consolidating our Lowcountry operations, we can help ensure smarter investments in infrastructure, improve long-term reliability, and reduce the financial impact on any one small community.” 

The consolidation will distribute costs evenly across all Lowcountry customers to avoid increases in smaller service areas, the release said.  

“We are proud of the high-quality service we deliver across the Lowcountry and are committed to keeping communication open throughout this process,” Dennis said in the release. “Customers were the first to hear about this plan last year, and we will continue to work closely with them and local homeowners’ associations as the transition moves forward.”