Laurens County Strategic Plan Advances for Water and Sewer Services

Laurens County Moves Forward with Strategic Plan for Water and Sewer Services

Laurens County, SC – The Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission (LCWSC) is taking significant steps towards the future with the adoption of a new Strategic Plan. This comprehensive plan is set to guide the county’s water and sewer services, ensuring they meet the needs of the growing community while maintaining high standards.

According to the LCWSC, a total of $100 Million has been invested in the county’s infrastructure over the past 10 years. One of the most substantial investments has been the $28M – $29 Million Lake Greenwood Water Treatment Plant and its intake facility. However, with future demands in mind, the LCWSC anticipates having to make similar investments in the next decade. The current water plant will need to be expanded, and a new sewer plant is planned for Gray Court.

In addition, the City of Clinton, an essential sewer customer of the LCWSC, is developing the former Whitten Center property, enhancing its utility infrastructure. The LCWSC also manages Lake Rabon, which is considered a hidden gem of Laurens County.

The commission’s board voted to adopt the strategic priorities on August 27, following a review by the Policy Committee on August 15. Jeff Field, LCWSC Executive Director, stated, “The job was just getting started when we built the water treatment plant.” He emphasized the importance of the new plan, which provides a structured roadmap for the water and sewer services provider. The five strategic priorities outlined in the plan include:

Employee Development and Retention

Focusing on creating an environment where team members feel engaged and valued.

Infrastructure Investment and Growth

Aiming to meet regional needs and provide high-quality services for the community.

Financial and Organizational Resiliency

Supporting effective financial management to sustain operations.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Focused on outreach and education to build stronger community relations.

High Quality Services

LCWSC is committed to providing high-quality and essential water and sewer treatment by meeting or surpassing all regulatory requirements and partnering with industry groups to protect public and environmental health.

Field noted the recent family gathering for commission employees, their first since 2019, which took place at Big Air in Laurens. This event underscored the significance of the new strategic plan, which was formally introduced this past January and began with a retreat in April involving board members, management, stakeholders, and elected officials.

The plan, according to Field, looks at the organization from a holistic perspective, differing from a simple master or infrastructure plan by encompassing broader goals and objectives for future growth. “We are proud of the involvement from our staff,” Field said. “They are aspiring to be the same organization that we want to be.”

The LCWSC employs 50 people and addresses global issues such as interest rates, inflation, and expanding government regulations, particularly those related to PFAS, or “forever chemicals.” The strategic plan will remain flexible, and the LCWSC already has plans to improve its employee dispatch system and explore customer feedback through surveys.

The board’s strategic plan resolution indicates that the plan will guide financial, operational, and policy decisions now and for the coming years, with annual reviews to track progress and reaffirm priorities.

LCWSC was established in 1993 from the merger of two agencies founded in 1972. Today, it serves 90% of Laurens County’s geographical area, providing essential services to more than 47,300 people. The Lake Greenwood Water Treatment Facility, one of LCWSC’s key assets, produces 4 Million Gallons Per Day (MGD) of quality drinking water and has the capacity to expand to 18 MGD or more if necessary. It has received accolades such as the State Finalist Award in Engineering Excellence from the American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina and the 2022 Pinnacle Award for Best Utility Project from the Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CACG).

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