Florence, South Carolina – A sweeping effort to reshape the backbone of Florence’s water and sewer systems is now underway, marking the beginning of a long-term push to strengthen reliability, improve water quality, and prepare the city for future growth.
City officials have launched a multi-year initiative backed by millions in funding, aimed at upgrading both drinking water infrastructure and sanitary sewer systems. The plan is designed not only to resolve persistent challenges but also to build a more durable and efficient network capable of serving residents for decades ahead.
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At the core of the initiative is a comprehensive master plan approved by City Council, laying out a roadmap for improvements over the next 20 years. Work tied to this plan has already been in motion since fall 2025, with a focus on modernizing aging systems and reducing water quality concerns at the household level.
A significant portion of the investment, nearly $85 million, will be directed toward enhancing water quality. This includes major upgrades to the city’s surface water treatment plant, where capacity is set to increase from 10 million to 15 million gallons per day.
At the same time, attention is being given to groundwater sources, which supply more than half of Florence’s drinking water. Efforts are underway to improve well performance and optimize treatment processes.
Technology is also playing a central role. The city is introducing a SCADA system, allowing operators to monitor and manage infrastructure in real time, improving efficiency and response times across the network.
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On the sewer side, plans call for expanding the Jeffries Creek interceptor, a key piece of infrastructure that will significantly increase system capacity. This upgrade is expected to reduce the risk of overflows and protect surrounding environments from potential contamination, while also supporting future development.
Recent years have exposed vulnerabilities in the system, with hurricanes, flooding, and extreme cold causing disruptions such as low water pressure and boil water advisories. This initiative directly addresses those issues by strengthening storage, boosting system resilience, and improving emergency readiness.
Implementation will follow a phased approach. Immediate actions over the next two months include site investigations, engineering work, and testing. In the months ahead, design work and system enhancements will accelerate, leading into long-term construction and performance management efforts.
City leaders say the initiative represents a decisive step forward, combining planning, investment, and technology to deliver a more reliable and sustainable utility system for the community.
For more information and updates on the Water Quality Improvement Plan, visit: Water Quality Improvements | City of Florence, SC
