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Our Interactive Voice Response (IVR) number is 888-375-8126.
We are aware of a discolored water situation in the Bluffton area. Crews are flushing lines to alleviate the discoloration. To clear your water lines, run the cold faucet for 10 minutes. If the water continues to be discolored, please let us know by calling 843-987-9200 or emailing info@bjwsa.org.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEAUFORT-JASPER WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 OPERATING BUDGET
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the 14th day of June 2023. The hearing will be held at the office of Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority, which is located at 6 Snake Road, Okatie, SC. The purpose of the public hearing will be to allow members of the public to express their views regarding the proposed operating budget for Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. All persons who attend the public hearing will be given an opportunity to speak. Copies of the proposed budget are available at the Authority office. A copy may also be obtained from the Authority’s website at www.bjwsa.org. As required by Section 6-1-80, Code of Laws South Carolina, 1976, as amended, the public is advised of the following:
The budget of Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority for the current Fiscal Year calls for revenues of $86,515,500 and expenses of $81,193,085.
The proposed budget of Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 calls for total projected revenues of $95,968,252, operating expenses of $82,143,100 and non-operating expenses of $3,573,000. These amounts include non-operating revenue, capacity fees, contributed capital, depreciation and interest expense. Annual Capital Improvement Program Spending, which is included in the Capital Budget, is not included.
The proposed revenues for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 operating budget of Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority are comparable to revenues from the operating budget for the current Fiscal Year.
Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority has proposed changes to its schedule of ancillary fees and charges effective July 1, 2023. Customer water and sewer rates are proposed to increase effective July 1, 2023. The average residential water and sewer customer (7kg) is projected to receive an increase of $8.24 on their total monthly bill. A complete schedule of the proposed new rates is included in the budget.
Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority does not levy ad valorem property taxes. The Authority relies on user charges to meet its operational needs.
Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority has detected a naturally occurring algae bloom in our source water that can cause some people to detect an earthy smell or taste in our treated water. The presence of geosmin and methylisoborneol produced by the algae at the detected levels cause aesthetic issues, especially for those with sensitive senses of smell, but is not a health or safety concern.
The Authority is taking steps to reduce the effects of the algae with powder activated carbon to absorb the taste and odor. Customers may continue to use water from their taps as normal, even as we work to resolve the issue.
Local partnership awarded nearly $6M grant that will protect Bluffton’s Stoney Creek Watershed and May River
May 19, 2023 (Okatie, SC) – Beaufort County, the Town of Bluffton, and Beaufort Jasper Water Sewer Authority (BJWSA) have received a South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP) grant to install a new sewer system in Bluffton’s Stoney Creek Watershed, adjacent to the May River.
The need for the project was originally identified by the county, Bluffton and BJWSA as part of the 2011 May River Watershed Action Plan. It will allow septic systems for 150 properties to be decommissioned, removing the risk of contamination of the May River from septic system failures. The existing septic tanks and drain fields will be replaced by a vacuum sewer system that will transport wastewater to a BJSWA treatment plant for treatment and ultimate disposal.
BJWSA responded to wastewater release in Berkeley Place
(Okatie, South Carolina) – May 6,2023 – Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) reports that an estimated 27,000 gallons of wastewater was released from a ruptured force main at Berkeley Place off Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton, on May 5, 2023.
BJWSA was alerted of the overflow at 3 p.m. on May 5, and crews immediately responded. The overflow was stopped at 4:30 p.m., and crews have finished the process of cleanup and recovery. The majority of the standing sewer was recoverable.
Signs have been posted in the area to inform the public.
BJWSA has notified the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) and is working in conjunction with SCDHEC to address any effects caused by the overflow.
BJWSA has well-trained and experienced field operations crews to monitor our wastewater collection system, which delivers an average of 10 million gallons of wastewater to eight wastewater treatment facilities for treatment and disposal.
If you see or suspect any type of spill from the sewer collection system, please contact BJWSA at 843-987-9200.
BJWSA responds to wastewater release in Roseida Road neighborhood
(Okatie, South Carolina) – April 27,2023 – Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) reports that an estimated 25,000 gallons of wastewater was released from a force main into the salt marsh on Roseida Road not far from County Shed Road. BJWSA has notified the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), and signs have been posted in the area to inform the public.
The exact start time of the overflow is unknown, but it was discovered by BJWSA staff around 2:00 pm on April 26, 2023 and was completely stopped by 6:00 pm. The sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) was caused by the failure of a force main pipe, which was under the tidal creek upstream of Albergotti Creek, due to corrosion. The force main was repaired and placed back into service later that evening.
BJWSA has well-trained and experienced field operations crews to monitor our wastewater collection system, which delivers an average of 10 million gallons of wastewater to eight wastewater treatment facilities for treatment and disposal.
If you see or suspect any type of spill from the sewer collection system, please contact BJWSA at 843-987-9200.
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Our Interactive Voice Response (IVR) number is 888-375-8126.
BJWSA names Greater Cincinnati Water Works executive as incoming General Manager
(Okatie, SC) –March 13, 2023– After a nationwide search, the board of directors at Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) has chosen Verna J. Arnette, PE, BCEE, who will assume the role of General Manager May 1. Arnette brings to the Lowcountry more than 30 years of experience in planning, design and operations within the water and wastewater industry. A 22-year veteran at the Greater Cincinnati Water Works, she has served as the Deputy Director of Operations for the past seven years. In her new role, she will lead the team of 220 employees tasked with providing water and wastewater services to more than 150,000 customers across Beaufort and Jasper counties. Arnette will take the reins from current General Manager Joe Mantua, PE, who is retiring after four and a half years at BJWSA.
Prior to joining the utility sector, Arnette managed water and wastewater infrastructure projects for a consulting engineering firm. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Ohio Northern University and a Master of Science degree in environmental engineering from the University of Cincinnati. She is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Ohio and a Board-Certified Environmental Engineer (BCEE).
Jimmy Baker, chairman of the board, said, “Our board conducted a most thoughtful search process, and we are delighted to have Verna join and lead BJWSA. She brings a wealth of water and wastewater industry experience and a remarkable leadership record. We value the talents of everyone on our team, and we look forward to Verna’s engagement and guidance for BJWSA’s future.”
Arnette added, “I am thrilled to lead the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority and to be part of a team that provides such vital services to customers and communities. I look forward to serving as the new General Manager for BJWSA.”
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