LCWSC closes Water Quality Month by highlighting the people and planning behind every drop

Employee development, infrastructure investment, workforce outreach and community education demonstrate a year-round commitment to water quality and sustainable service

As Water Quality Month ends, the Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission (LCWSC) is highlighting the people, projects and partnerships that protect water quality every day while supporting safe, reliable and sustainable water and wastewater service for the communities it serves.

“Water quality is not a one-month initiative. It is the result of trained professionals, proactive planning and careful work performed every day throughout our system,” said LCWSC Executive Director Jeff Field. “From developing our employees to strengthening infrastructure and preparing for emerging challenges, every effort reflects our values and our promise to provide service our communities can depend on.”

Developing the team behind the system. LCWSC marked several professional examination milestones during August. Josh Fridy passed the Class A and Class B examinations in both Wastewater Collection and Water Distribution; Steve Griffin passed the Water Distribution Class B Examination; Ayden Rudder passed the Water Treatment Class D and Class C examinations; and Devin Sullivan passed the Water Treatment Class D Examination. Devin also received an apprentice bonus from the National Rural Water Association after completing 1,000 hours of on-the-job training and 70 hours of classroom instruction.

Each achievement represents a different role and stage of professional development, but all contribute to the strength of the team. Water quality depends on knowledgeable, experienced employees at every point in the system – from treatment and distribution to wastewater collection and treatment. Investing in employees strengthens LCWSC’s ability to operate safely, respond proactively and sustain dependable service for the future.

Investing in resilient water and wastewater infrastructure. At its August 25 project update, LCWSC reported progress across a broad portfolio of water and wastewater improvements. Recent milestones include placing the one-million-gallon Metric Road elevated tank and 5.3 miles of 16-inch waterline into operation, along with receiving approval to operate the new one-million-gallon Hospital Zone elevated tank. Related booster pump station and waterline work is nearing completion.

The Joanna 2025 CDBG Water and Sewer project is also advancing important improvements in the Joanna community. The work includes replacing, lining or pipe bursting 2,752 feet of eight-inch gravity sewer; installing and rehabilitating manholes; replacing 1,350 feet of water main; installing five new hydrants; and renewing water and sewer service connections.

Other initiatives include planning for a new two-million-gallon clearwell at the Lake Greenwood Water Treatment Facility; upgrading lift stations, force mains in northern Laurens County; and improving wastewater treatment equipment and rehabilitating manholes and gravity sewer in and around the City of Clinton. Together, these projects are designed to increase storage and capacity, strengthen system reliability, reduce infiltration and inflow, improve treatment and monitoring, and renew infrastructure needed for long-term service.

Preparing for the future of water in Laurens County. LCWSC continuously works to optimize its water treatment process, which includes evaluating treatment options for PFAS and other unregulated contaminants through State Revolving Fund-supported studies and pilot work. LCWSC is also advancing a Lake Rabon safe-yield evaluation, bathymetric survey and water-supply assessment to support drought preparedness, reservoir operations, permitting, capital planning and future water-resource development. These efforts demonstrate the Proactive and Sustainable values that guide LCWSC’s long-range planning.

Showing the work behind essential service. LCWSC crews also participated in the South Carolina Workforce Collaborative’s Day in the Life initiative. A field crew was filmed installing a water tap, including boring beneath a roadway, to give students and job seekers a behind-the-scenes look at the skilled, hands-on work performed by water and wastewater utility professionals. The initiative helps connect the public with essential careers that protect public health and keep critical infrastructure operating in every season and all types of weather.

The behind-the-scenes outreach also went underground with LCWSC’s Wastewater Collection crew, which demonstrated how Pipe Inspection CCTV (PIC) equipment provides an inside look at sewer lines. This technology helps staff identify defects, blockages, infiltration and other conditions so maintenance can be targeted before problems become service disruptions.

As one more way to connect families with that mission, LCWSC’s new mascot also made its first public appearance at Laurens County School District 56’s back-to-school event.

Connecting water quality with the community. Throughout the month, LCWSC used its public outreach platforms to share practical information about backflow prevention, responsible wastewater practices, source-water protection and the daily work required to maintain water quality from source to tap. The team also lived out LCWSC’s Partners value by supporting community activities. LCWSC joined Christ Central Ministries’ Back-to-School Bash in Joanna with games, prizes, bottled water and an equipment display, and provided hydration for the Laurens and Clinton high school cross country teams during the 10th Annual Game Ball Run.

Together, these efforts reflect LCWSC’s values – Safe, Reliable, Proactive, Sustainable and Partners – and reinforce a simple message: protecting water quality requires coordinated work every day, a trained team and continued investment in the systems and resources that communities in Laurens County depend on.