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Project Purpose
The Go2Sewer for a Cleaner May River initiative is a collaborative effort between Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA), the Town of Bluffton, and Beaufort County. It aims to transition properties from septic systems to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly public sewer system, enhancing public health, groundwater quality, and the ecological vitality of the Stoney Creek and May River watershed.
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• Reduces the risk of water contamination from septic systems.
• Supports environmental sustainability and community health.
• Complies with S.C. Department of Environmental Service's (SCDES) new regulations on septic systems in areas served by utilities.
Surveying has recently been completed in the area, and a $512,000 engineering contract was awarded to design phase one of the project, which includes just under 100 homes.
The design is expected to be completed this fall. Once finalized, we will begin the permitting process, which typically takes several months. After permits are secured, we will move forward with selecting a construction contractor. Funding for phase one comes from the following partners:
- $1 million from Beaufort County
- $1.5 million from the State Rural Infrastructure Authority
- $4.6 million from BJWSA
Stay engaged through each project phase by revisiting this page.
Go2Sewer for a Cleaner May River is an initiative for property owners to help transition from older, less efficient, and environmentally risky septic systems to a modern, centralized sewer system managed by BJWSA.
Currently, area septic systems are leaking waste into our environmentally fragile watershed, including Stoney Creek and the May River, threatening wildlife, water quality, and public health and risking the future of recreation opportunities like fishing, paddling, and boating in the area.
At the state level, regulations and permitting for septic systems have evolved, reflecting a broader push towards more sustainable waste management practices. This project aligns with these regulatory changes, offering a timely solution for residents to comply with new standards and avoid potential future complications with septic systems.
A Gateway to Development: This project is an infrastructure upgrade for existing properties to protect the environment and reduce health and safety risks for people living nearby or and those utilizing the Stoney Creek or May River. No development plans are attached to this utility upgrade project.
Affecting Residents' Property Rights: Residents will retain their "by-right" development property rights. The project's focus is on environmental sustainability and community well-being rather than altering property owners' rights or capabilities regarding property development. Easements for BJWSA maintenance and access will be required for property owners to participate in the project
If you are a BJWSA customer and your property is in a teal shaded area of our project area map, great news! Your property is in the proposed Phase I project area.
If your property is in the teal shaded project area (and on the list) and you are not a BJWSA water customer, please complete the Water & Sewer Availability Request Form found on the BJWSA website: https://bjwsa.org/173/Water-Sewer-Availability
Avoid Expensive and Surprise Septic System Repair Costs
Septic systems, especially older ones, are prone to failures and require expensive repairs or replacements. The cost of pumping, repairing, or replacing a septic tank, drain field, or other components can be substantial, easily reaching thousands of dollars. In some cases state regulations will prohibit replacing septic equipment. Once connected to centralized utilities, property owners no longer bear the worry or financial burden of maintaining a septic system, which can lead to significant long-term savings.
Predictable Monthly Costs
When you connect to BJWSA service, you will start receiving a monthly bill. While that sounds like an added cost, it is predictable. When your septic systems begin to fail or need maintenance, it’s often a large and unexpected bill. They might break down without warning, and fixing or replacing them can really drain your wallet or be impossible under environmental regulations.
Here’s the good news: Switching over to our services means you can stop worrying about big repair bills. Once you’re connected, all those system headaches and the costs that come with them? They’re gone. This switch can save you some serious cash over time, making life a bit easier.
Environmental Compliance and Reduced Liability
BJWSA services comply with current environmental regulations, reducing the property owner’s liability for contamination that can occur with failing septic systems. Costs associated with legal fees, fines, and remediation of septic leaks or failures can be significant. By connecting through BJWSA’s Go2Sewer for a Cleaner May River and our incentive programs, property owners transfer the responsibility for wastewater treatment to us, along with the associated risks and liabilities.
Long-term Sustainability and Community Support
One of the goals of the Go2Sewer for a Cleaner May River initiative is to help protect our watershed, including Stoney Creek and the downstream May River. Currently, leaky septic tanks are leeching waste into the watershed, threatening our community’s health, safety, economy, and ecosystem. By taking part in our incentive programs, you are not only getting the long-term support of the team at BJWSA and saving thousands of dollars, but you are also helping to keep our waterways clean for families, wildlife, and recreational pursuits like fishing and kayaking!
Potential Insurance Savings
Reduced Liability Risks
- Septic Failures: Septic systems can fail, leading to potential groundwater contamination or property damage. This risk can increase liability premiums. Connecting to a sewer system eliminates the risk of septic failure, potentially lowering liability insurance costs.
- Environmental Cleanup: If a septic system leaks or overflows, property owners may be liable for the cleanup of any environmental contamination. This risk can also affect insurance premiums. By eliminating the septic system, property owners reduce the risk of such events and associated liability.
Lower Risk of Water Damage
- Sewage Backups: Homes with septic systems can experience backups if the system is not maintained correctly or if it fails. These backups can cause significant water damage to the home, leading to higher claims and, thus higher insurance premiums. Municipal sewer systems generally have a lower risk of causing such backups in the home, potentially reducing insurance costs.
- Flood Damage: In areas prone to flooding, septic systems can fail during flood events, causing additional damage. Homes connected to municipal sewer systems might be considered at lower risk, potentially leading to reductions in flood insurance premiums.
Discounts for Improved Infrastructure
- Some insurance companies offer discounts for homes that are considered lower risk due to improvements in infrastructure. Switching to a more reliable and efficient municipal sewer system could be viewed as such an improvement, making property owners eligible for these discounts.
Increased Property Value and Risk Assessment
- Properties connected to municipal sewer systems may have higher values and might be assessed as lower risk, affecting insurance premiums. This is because sewer-connected properties are less likely to experience problems that lead to insurance claims, such as environmental cleanup costs or damages from sewage backups.