Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission

PROGRESS THROUGH COOPERATION 
PRESS RELEASE 
December 12, 2019

Contact: Donna Peeler, Intergovernmental Relations, Joint Municipal Water & Sewer Commission, 803-785-3212

In a move that restructures debt and provides funding for new capital projects, the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission is issuing a new series of revenue bonds in the amount of $44 million in December 2019.  By refunding and defeasing outstanding water and sewer revenue bonds, the Commission will realize a savings of approximately $2.18 million and the return of approximately $566,000 in reserves.  Additionally, the new revenue bonds will provide approximately $20 million for new capital projects.   

As a result of strong financial planning and performance, the rating agencies have assigned an upgrade to the Commission’s bond rating. 

Moody's Investors Service has upgraded Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission, South Carolina's (JMWSC) revenue rating to Aa2 from Aa3. 

Moody’s report stated that the “Upgrade to Aa2 reflects JMWSC's long trend of strong financial performance, very healthy liquidity and demonstrated willingness to utilize its unlimited rate setting authority.”  

S&P Global Ratings raised its long-term rating on the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission, S.C.'s water and sewer system revenue debt to 'AA+' from 'AA.'  

S&P’s report stated that “The upgrade is based on the Commission's improved financial profile, as evidenced by roughly doubling its liquidity position over the past five fiscal years to extremely strong levels and maintaining robust all-in debt service coverage (DSC) which we believe to be sustainable given its established track record of raising utility rates annually to support its capital improvement program (CIP).” 

General Manager, Jay Nicholson says “Strong leadership and support from our commissioners and the management of our financial model have provided a favorable path for efficient performance.  This is affirmation of our commitment to be good stewards of the community’s resources.”  

Many of our customers have noticed the earthy smell and taste to your tap water recently.

This is an issue with all water providers drawing water from Lake Murray. While this is not uncommon for surface water systems across the country, it has never been this unpleasant locally.

We have been working with treatment plant personnel to implement immediate and long-term strategies to address this issue once and for all.  We hope to see improved results soon. 

Please be assured this is an aesthetic nuisance only and not a water safety concern. We apologize for the inconvenience and frustration this is causing the communities we serve.  We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to resolve the issue.

Now available! The 2018 Water Quality Report is now available online. The Report includes important information about the source and quality of our drinking water. 

2018 Water Quality Report

Job Opening Available

Competitive pay and State Benefits.

Details on the Employment page.

Press Release

Lexington County’s Water Future Sits on Counts Ferry Road 

Commission’s future water treatment plant to be built on 47-acre site 

January 11, 2019 | News Release

Contact: Donna Peeler, Joint Municipal Water & Sewer Commission, 803.785.3212  

The Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission took a significant step today in planning for the future water needs of Lexington County by purchasing 47 acres on Lake Murray. The purchase is an investment in serving the county, where population growth and the need for redundancy in the water system mean additional treatment capacity will be necessary.

“A rapidly growing region means we will have the need to increase our water supply. We’re looking 20 to 30 years out now, so that we stay on top of planning for new infrastructure that ensures the best value for our customers,” said Commission Chairman Steve MacDougall.

Several factors led to the decision to purchase the property. “The location on Lake Murray will easily connect into the existing and planned capital projects for the distribution system and will ensure the same, reliable water supply our customers expect,” said the Commission’s General Manager, Jay Nicholson. “The site was specifically identified to secure future water supply for the county. When built, the plant’s location will allow for service continuity in the region.” 

The Commission is planning to meet the future needs of Lexington County which is anticipated to double in population over the next twenty years. The Commission currently distributes water from the City of West Columbia’s treatment plant located on Old Cherokee Road. This plant will remain the primary source of water for the Commission.  The new treatment plant will provide needed redundancy to the water system, making the water supply even safer and more resilient in the future.

“Lexington County has grown since the Commission was created 25 years ago,” said Tem Miles, Mayor Pro-Tem of West Columbia. “Having additional treatment capacity at that location will be a benefit and help support the communities we serve.”

The Commission is planning for expansion of treatment capacity now, so design and construction timelines can be phased and implemented with as little financial impact to customers as possible. The land purchase is the first step in building a new treatment plant, but construction isn’t planned for many years to come. 

__________________________________________________________________________________

The Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission is a regional partnership of 11 members throughout Lexington County. Since 1993 we’ve developed a reliable system that provides safe drinking water with a focus on excellent service and affordable rates.

Our mission is to provide exceptional service to communities through responsible stewardship of resources.     

Fact Sheet

Press Release

One position available at this time.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  

See Details under About Us/ Employment

Some of you may have noticed an earthy smell or taste to your tap water recently.  

The treatment plant operators have increased carbon feed and made other process adjustments to help eliminate these odors.

This seems to be due to Lake Murray water temps reaching a peak for this season, combined with slightly lower water levels at the lake. Please be assured this is an aesthetic nuisance only and not a water safety issue. Our crews are responding to each call to confirm chlorine levels are adequate as well as flushing when/where appropriate. 

Other plants drawing water from Lake Murray are experiencing similar issues. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this causes while we work to resolve the issue. Your patience and understanding is appreciated. 

Jay Nicholson

General Manager

Joint Municipal Water & Sewer Commission

Utility Technician Position 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  

See Details under About Us/ Employment

The Water Quality Report for the reporting period of 2017 is available now and will be mailed to all customers on the water system on May 31, 2018.  Should you have questions about this report please call our Customer Service Department at (803) 359-8373.

2017 Water Quality Report 

Applying for Service just got easier!

You can now apply for service online by completing the form and submitting it.  Once we receive your application we will contact you with the deposit amount due.

If you are unsure if we service your location please call our Customer Service Department at (803) 359-8373, option 3.

Apply online now!