Florence, South Carolina – Florence is turning long-planned utility needs into active improvements, moving ahead with a multi-year effort to strengthen water service, sewer capacity and storm drainage.
With projects completed, underway and being designed, the city says its focus is dependable service, future growth and rebuilding customers’ confidence.
One completed project elevated manholes to reduce the risk of future sanitary sewer overflows. Finished in spring 2026, it is also the first step toward a larger plan for a new sewer interceptor intended to increase capacity and address stormwater infiltration.
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Water-line upgrades have also been completed. About 30,000 linear feet of new 6-inch and 12-inch water lines were constructed and connected to improve flow for fire protection, water quality and system pressure. The project was completed in winter 2026.
Several larger improvements remain under construction. Contractors and operators completed a filter high-rating study and submitted it to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
The proposal seeks to increase permitted water production from 10 million gallons per day to 15 million gallons per day. The project is designed to strengthen resilience, improve efficiency and extend the facility’s useful life by an estimated 20 years, with completion planned for 2029.
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Crews are also building 15,700 linear feet of a new 30-inch water line. Scheduled for completion in summer 2026, it will expand the service area and extend the reach of the Pee Dee Surface Water Treatment Plant, improving distribution, capacity and water quality.
At the plant and off-site well locations, demolition, construction and new infrastructure installation continue under a capital rehabilitation project. The work is expected to improve water quality, capacity and reliability when completed in fall 2026.
Storm drainage work is progressing as well. Along McQueen Street, the contractor is installing drainage infrastructure, while construction of a major crossing on Coit Street and work at the Cedar and McQueen intersection began in May. The upgrades are intended to slow runoff, provide natural filtration before it reaches waterways and reduce flooding. Completion is expected this fall.
In another stormwater project, debris and sediment removal from existing infrastructure is finished, and new infrastructure is being installed to increase runoff capacity and improve performance during heavy rainfall. Completion is also anticipated in fall 2026.
A project now in design will move into public engagement on Monday, June 8, when interested property owners are invited to hear an overview of Phase I from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Center, 324 W. Evans Street. Attendees may speak directly with CDM Smith and city staff. Phase I, the East Section, is expected in winter 2028, followed by Phase II, the Middle South Section, in fall 2029.
Florence is bringing these investments together through its new RISE Program, short for Resilient Infrastructure and System Enhancements. Guided by “Investing Today. Building Tomorrow. Serving our community,” the program will identify water projects in blue, stormwater in dark green and sewer in light green.
“We are committed to keeping customers informed as projects progress”, said City Manager, Scotty Davis. “Information about the RISE Program’s key projects – including updates, timelines, and project details will be shared through a variety of outreach channels. Together, these efforts underscore the City’s commitment to transparency and building a stronger, more resilient community.”
Additional project information is available on Florence’s RISE utilities page.
