South Carolina Water Utilities announces consolidation of Lowcountry water and wastewater systems

Consolidation Helps Stabilize Rates and Supports Critical Infrastructure Upgrades

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – South Carolina Water Utilities (SCWU), the largest private water and wastewater provider in the state, has announced the consolidation of its four Lowcountry utility systems into a single regional utility. The move will streamline operations, reduce administrative costs, and allow for a more balanced distribution of infrastructure investment across nearly 7,000 customers.

The consolidation—approved by the South Carolina Public Service Commission—brings together systems serving Pleasant Point Plantation, Lady’s Walk, Vivian Island, Grand Oaks, Harbor Island, Chechessee Bluff, Callawassie, Spring Island, and Kiawah Island. This went into effect on Aug. 1, 2025.

“This is an important step forward for our customers and communities,” said Becky Dennis, Director of Operations for Kiawah Island Utility. “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.”

Under the consolidated structure, costs can be distributed across the entire Lowcountry customer base, helping to avoid sharp rate increases in smaller service areas.

Over the past several years, SCWU has invested in key infrastructure projects across the region. Consolidation will allow SCWU to continue these improvements while minimizing financial strain on any single group of customers.

The new structure will also help simplify regulatory filings, reduce administrative costs, and allow SCWU to dedicate more resources to direct customer service and system performance.

“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. “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.”

Customers with questions about the consolidation can email [email protected] for more information.

About South Carolina Water Utilities

South Carolina Water Utilities is the state’s largest private provider of water and wastewater services, serving thousands of customers across the Lowcountry, Midlands, and Upstate regions. Through infrastructure investment and operational excellence, we safeguard our natural resources for today and future generations. Our mission is to deliver excellent customer service while protecting public health and the environment through clean, safe, and reliable water systems. For more information, visit South Carolina Water Utilities’ website and follow us on Facebook.