Joel Jones, ReWa's recently retired CEO, was presented with the Order of the Palmetto by state Sen. Ross Turner. It's the highest civilian award given in South Carolina
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA (May 19, 2025)—Joel Jones, the recently retired CEO of Renewable Water Resources (ReWa), received the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian award given in South Carolina.
The honor is bestowed at the governor's discretion in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service and contributions to the state.
“Mr. Joel Jones has spent his career improving the quality of life for South Carolinians through his leadership at Renewable Water Resources,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “His commitment to the Upstate, dedication to environmental stewardship, and expertise in water management have left a lasting impact, making him truly deserving of the Order of the Palmetto.”
State Sen. Ross Turner presented Jones with the award during a retirement celebration hosted by ReWa’s Board of Commissioners on May 19.
"Joel Jones is a true asset to South Carolina,” Turner said. “His leadership at ReWa, coupled with his extensive community involvement, demonstrates a deep commitment to our state's well-being. He embodies the qualities of leadership, service and dedication that the Order of the Palmetto represents."
Jones spent 32 years working in the water industry across the Upstate. He began his career as a wastewater operator trainee at ReWa and steadily advanced at the utility and Spartanburg Water before spending three years as ReWa’s CEO. He retired on April 30.
His leadership in the water industry and the Upstate has included him serving as the chair of the Sewer Implementation Committee for the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority since 2024. He serves on the Ten at the Top and the South Carolina Water Quality Association boards. Jones is a past board member of the Dacusville Rural Fire District and a former chairman of the Water Environment Association of South Carolina Biosolids Committee.
Earlier this year, Jones was named to the Greenville Business Magazine’s “50 Most Influential” list. In 2024, he and ReWa were recognized with the Greenville Area Development Corporation’s Chairman’s Award for the utility’s support of various economic development projects across Greenville County. In 2017, Jones received the Water Environment Association of South Carolina’s Golden Manhole Award for making significant contributions to the advancement and management of wastewater collection systems.
Jones was the visionary behind ReWa’s recent upgrades to portions of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail that crosses its Mauldin Road campus and the new Clean Water Connector Loop that allows trail users to experience ReWa’s Innovation Campus, which has buildings dating back to 1928. Educational signage is sprinkled across the trail on the utility’s campus to educate people about the wastewater treatment process and the land surrounding the Mauldin Road Water Resource Recovery Facility, which includes wetlands and floodplains.
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.