EPA Recognizes Excellence and Innovation in South Carolina Water Infrastructure Projects
COLUMBIA, South Carolina (April 9, 2026) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Jessica Kramer recently recognized 48 water infrastructure projects for excellence and innovation, including two in South Carolina. These projects, financed in part by state revolving fund (SRF) programs, demonstrate the importance of water infrastructure for supporting healthy Americans and laying a foundation for economic prosperity.
“Across the country, states are putting State Revolving Fund resources to work in ways that deliver real, lasting benefits for communities by modernizing aging systems, strengthening resilience, and ensuring families can rely on safe, clean water every day,” said Kramer. “These projects show that when we pair federal investment with state leadership, we can protect human health, support local economies, and reach communities that have too often been left behind.”
“The awards in the Southeast region prove that smaller communities can execute big ideas when it comes to improving water infrastructure,” said EPA Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber. “I am thrilled to see communities utilizing the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs to strengthen their water utilities for the protection of human health and the environment.”
The CWSRF and DWSRF programs have provided a foundation of federal investment in water infrastructure for decades. The SRF programs directly support EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which emphasizes the agency’s commitment to securing clean air, land, and water for every American and advancing cooperative federalism.
Batesburg-Leesville recognized with AQUARIUS award
EPA’s AQUARIUS program celebrates drinking water projects financed in part by the DWSRFs that are innovative, resilient and protect public health. Twenty-two projects carried out by state or local governments and drinking water utilities were recognized by the 2026 AQUARIUS program, including an honorable mention in Batesburg-Leesville.
Partnering with the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission that serves nearby Lexington, Batesburg-Leesville used DWSRF funding to build a shared supply from West Columbia’s Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant. This project delivered safe drinking water to all customers while resolving PFAS contamination and longstanding capacity concerns. In total, Batesburg-Leesville secured a $12.54 million DWSRF loan, including more $9 million in principal forgiveness and $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act grants.
James Island Public Service District recognized with PISCES award
EPA’s George F. Ames PISCES program celebrates innovation demonstrated by wastewater and stormwater projects financed by the CWSRF programs. Twenty-six projects carried out by state or local governments, public utilities, and private entities were recognized by the 2026 PISCES program, including an honorable mention in James Island.
James Island Public Service District (JIPSD) and Charleston Water System force mains are at risk of rupture, threatening a significant raw sewage spill into the James Island Creek watershed and surrounding areas. JIPSD proposed installing a new parallel force main and diversions to provide emergency transmission redundancy for existing pump stations. This project aims to ensure that backup systems are in place, preventing sewage spills in the event of a main break. The total cost of the Harbor View Road Force Main Capacity Upgrade Project is $8,923,955, and the
CWSRF assistance amount is $4,485,303.
See the full list of recognized projects and learn more about the AQUARIUS and PISCES programs.
Background
The SRF programs are EPA-state partnerships that provide communities with low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality and drinking water infrastructure projects. The SRFs have provided over $265 billion in financial assistance to more than 50,000 water quality infrastructure projects and 76,000 drinking water projects across the country.
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