Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) celebrated the beginning of a sewer improvement project in Pelzer and West Pelzer thanks to a $10 million grant from the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP). Officials from both communities and the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority participated in a ribbon-cutting event to discuss the project.
PELZER, SOUTH CAROLINA (Feb. 21, 2025)—A $10 million grant secured by Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) from the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP) is leading to an improved sewer system for the towns of Pelzer and West Pelzer.
Two phases of work will take place in the towns through 2026. The South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) awarded the federally funded SCIIP grant.
“Pelzer and West Pelzer have a rich history, and we appreciate the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority’s investment in both communities,” said Joel Jones, ReWa’s CEO. “The work we’re undertaking supports efforts by people in Pelzer and West Pelzer who are honoring legacy while focused on the future.”
A rehabilitation phase, which includes cleaning and inspecting nearly 16,000 feet of sewer main to identify repairs has already begun. The next phase will involve relocating and replacing almost 9,200 linear feet of sewer line, installing 63 manholes and replacing 93 service lines. Work also includes boring under CSX Corp.’s track beds in three locations.
“This investment will have a transformational impact on the future of these communities,” said Bonnie Ammons, executive director of the RIA. “By modernizing and upgrading critical sewer infrastructure, we are improving services to residents and businesses and putting these communities in a position to prosper.”
Relocating lines will increase capacity and improve access for utility workers.
“It is comforting knowing ReWa is taking care of a priority need of the Town of West Pelzer,” said West Pelzer Mayor James Riddle. “I am excited about their next project to further serve our community.”
Pelzer Mayor Will Ragland said the project supports ongoing efforts.
"We know this town's potential,” Ragland said. “We have a rich history, woven from a mill town heritage, and now are poised for the new growth coming our way. This upgrade of our sewer system comes at the perfect time to ensure we have the infrastructure to achieve Pelzer's potential. For this, we are grateful and excited."
Pelzer, founded in the 1880s, and West Pelzer, established in the early 1900s, were textile villages. Like many Upstate textile villages, sewer service lines were built after mills were established when sewer service became available. Lines were often built in backyards because there was more room to dig, it was cost-effective and there were fewer disruptions to streets and walkways.
RIA has awarded $1.369 billion in SCIIP funding to more than 200 communities across the state to improve drinking water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure.
CHA Consulting is the engineering design firm contracted for the Pelzer and West Pelzer project, and North American Pipeline Management is the contractor for the rehabilitation and relocation phases of the project.
ABOUT RENEWABLE WATER RESOURCES (ReWa): Since 1925, Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) has been committed to providing high-quality wastewater services to the Upstate of South Carolina while providing a cleaner environment, protecting public health and sustaining our community. With nine water resource recovery facilities and more than 430 miles of pipe, we serve a broad geographic area, including Greenville County and portions of Anderson, Laurens, Pickens and Spartanburg counties. Each day an estimated 44 million gallons of water passes through our trunk lines and reclamation facilities before being cleaned and returned to our area rivers and streams.