News Summary
Greenville, South Carolina, celebrates a century of commitment to clean water through Renewable Water Resources (ReWa). Originally established to tackle sewage pollution, ReWa has invested nearly $5 billion in infrastructure to ensure safe water for residents. As the city grows, ReWa is committed to future planning and community engagement to ensure the continued safety of local waterways while facing new challenges. This milestone showcases a successful journey towards sustainable water solutions and highlights ReWa’s collaboration with local organizations.
Greenville Celebrates 100 Years of Clean Water Commitment with Renewable Water Resources
In the heart of South Carolina, Greenville is making waves as it celebrates a century of dedication to clean and safe water! Over the years, Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) has evolved from its original mission—preventing raw sewage from polluting the county’s streams and rivers—to a robust commitment to ensuring that waterways like the beloved Reedy River are pristine and safe for thousands of residents. This milestone marks a significant journey for both the organization and the community it serves.
From Sewage to Safety: A Century of Progress
Back in 1925, the Greater Greenville Sewer District was established to handle sewer services for the majority of the city. At that time, most wastewater went straight into the Reedy River. Fast forward to 1928, and Greenville became the first city in the South to launch a modern wastewater treatment plant. This innovative step not only addressed public health concerns but also paved the way for a clean and sustainable future.
Over the past century, ReWa has poured nearly $5 billion into infrastructure aimed at keeping Greenville’s water clean. It’s not just about getting rid of wastewater; it’s about ensuring that all residents feel confident about the quality of the water flowing through their taps. The organization emphasizes that water safety should be something people can take for granted, like the air they breathe!
Planning for Tomorrow’s Needs
As Greenville grows, so do the challenges associated with wastewater treatment. ReWa’s leadership recognizes that strategic planning is just as important as daily operations. Adapting to community growth and changes in regulations is crucial for continued success. The cost of building wastewater treatment capacity has drastically increased over the years, soaring from about $5 per gallon in 1974 to between $40-$50 per gallon today. With these costs rising, ReWa is committed to planning for the future while ensuring current needs are met.
The sense of trust among residents regarding water quality has also experienced a refreshing boost! The organization has greatly alleviated the community’s worries about pollution, achieving high levels of confidence through transparency and education.
Engaging the Community
ReWa doesn’t just stop at treating wastewater; it actively collaborates with other local organizations such as the Conestee Nature Preserve and the Roper Mountain Science Center to raise awareness about water quality. These partnerships aim to educate the public and encourage community involvement, especially in light of environmental challenges like those posed by Hurricane Helene.
As part of its innovative initiatives, ReWa has introduced interesting programs such as the Bandalong Floating Litter Trap. This initiative is designed to collect trash and debris from waterways, serving both to clean up the environment and to promote education about the importance of keeping our water systems pristine.
Fostering a Sustainable Future with Nature
In a unique collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, ReWa is recycling oyster shells to create oyster reefs—this not only helps combat coastal erosion but also enhances marine habitats. By integrating these sustainability efforts into its mission, ReWa continues to champion clean water and environmental protection.
A Change in Leadership
As the organization moves into a new chapter with leadership transition, the current Chief Operating Officer will step up on April 30, ensuring that ReWa remains dedicated to its mission. Promoting employee empowerment and ongoing community involvement will be key focuses as ReWa ventures further into its next century of service.
The future looks bright for Greenville’s waterways, and with organizations like ReWa leading the charge, the community can continue to enjoy clean and safe water for generations to come. Here’s to another century of commitment to our precious natural resources!
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: Milestone ReWa Celebrates a Century of Making Greenville’s Water Safe
- Fox Carolina: Greenville Water Provides Update on Effect of Wildfires on Drinking Water
- Post and Courier: Greenville Water and Pickens Regional SC Lake Keowee
- Livability: Renewable Water Resources is Making the Future Brighter
- Upstate Business Journal: ReWa CEO Joel Jones Announces Plans to Retire
- Wikipedia: Water Quality
- Google Search: Water Safety
- Google Scholar: Wastewater Treatment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Sustainability
- Google News: Clean Water Initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
