BISHOPVILLE, S.C. — The City of Bishopville is undergoing major infrastructure upgrades, investing about $30 million into improving its water and sewer lines and systems.
City officials say the work has been underway for about six years, with funding coming from a combination of state and federal grants, along with city and county support. The goal is to modernize aging infrastructure and prepare the system for future growth.
Freddie DuBose, the city’s utilities director, said parts of the wastewater treatment plant are decades old.
“We have one part of the treatment plant that is 50 years old, and the other part was built in ’89 so it’s 37 years old. It involves about 15 processes, major processes. We’ve been able to accomplish and upgrade seven of those processes out of the 15 with outside funding,” DuBose said.
Officials say the improvements are not only about replacing aging infrastructure but also about preparing for potential growth in the area while improving service for current residents and businesses.
New technology is also being implemented as upgrades continue to make the system more efficient. Additional work is underway at the wastewater treatment plant, with one phase of construction expected to be completed next week.
One of the more visible projects will be a new 600,000-gallon water tank along Highway 34. Officials say the tank will help increase the city’s reserve capacity to about 2.5 million gallons and strengthen water pressure on the western side of town.
Bishopville Mayor Luke Giddings said the city’s water and sewer system is one of its most important assets.
“It allows us to really operate the system that is in the best interest of our general public, our potential manufacturing jobs and current manufacturing industry, as well as our citizens. It’s a public safety issue, but it’s also an economic driver for what keeps the city afloat,” Giddings said.
He added that the improvements make the city more attractive for future industry, development and housing.
Bishopville continues $30M major water and sewer improvements
