Ribbon-cutting ceremony marks a new era of safe, reliable drinking water for the town;
New transmission main, elevated tank, pump stations, & fire hydrants strengthen the area's appeal for greater economic development;
Fulfills SCDES's Corrective Action Plan for Batesburg-Leesville;
Key funding from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority via the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
JMWSC Contact:
Jay Nicholson, (803) 785-3220
jnicholson@lcjmwsc.com
Town Contact:
Jay Hendrix, (803) 582-8685
jhendrix@batesburg-leesville.org
Lexington, South Carolina. November 6, 2025: Today, the Joint Municipal Water & Sewer Commission (JMWSC) and the Town of Batesburg-Leesville celebrated the completion of their Water System Expansion Project. The $35 million effort not only provides the town with a safe, reliable, and permanent source of drinking water but also improves its overall water infrastructure, making western Lexington County more attractive to economic development. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the project's new tank site on Old Field Road near the intersection of Augusta Hwy.
The Water System Expansion Project involved the construction of seven-and-a-half miles of 24” water transmission main along Highway 1 from the JMWSC’s system to a new one-million-gallon elevated tank on Old Field Road. A 2,500-gallon-per-minute pump was built to provide proper pressure and flow, and 23 fire hydrants were installed along the route.
From Batesburg-Leesville’s side, more than four miles of 16” pipe were constructed to connect to the transmission main, and 33 new fire hydrants improve the town's fire protection. This infrastructure will meet the anticipated needs of this rapidly growing area of Lexington County for decades to come.
The project is part of Batesburg-Leesville's 40-year agreement with JMWSC to advance its water system and comply with a state Consent Order to address capacity concerns that have existed since 2013. By connecting to JMWSC’s water system, the Water System Expansion Project satisfies the town's Corrective Action Plan by delivering a sustainable, high-quality water supply.
"The end of this project marks a new beginning for our community," said Batesburg-Leesville Mayor Lancer Shull. "This is a prime example of how we can resolve long-standing issues and boost our citizens' quality of life at the same time,” said Shull. "The alliance we've forged with JMWSC will pay dividends for decades to come."
"Part of JMWSC's mission is to promote and support economic development, and address health, environmental, and quality of life concerns within Lexington County," said Frank Shumpert, JMWSC Chairman. "This project checks off all of those boxes for the western corridor along Hwy 1."
Helping reduce costs and keeping rates stable, the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (through the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program) provided $20 million in financial support. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund contributed another $9 million in low-interest money.
"This water system expansion project is an incredible demonstration of collaboration and commitment to ensuring the Batesburg-Leesville community has reliable access to clean, healthy water every day," said Myra Reece, Director of the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES).
"Not only does this project make strides in providing safe water to residents," Reece continued, "but it also supports local business opportunities to help meet the economic goals of Batesburg-Leesville and beyond. It's a great day to be able to celebrate the successful completion of this critical project."
“This project represents a substantial investment and provides the framework for transformational impact on the future of Batesburg-Leesville and surrounding areas,” said Bonnie Ammons, Executive Director of the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority. “By working together to address the need for reliable water infrastructure, we are laying the groundwork for prosperity now and in the future."