Consolidation creates state’s largest private water utility system, serving more than 70,000 customer connections.
COLUMBIA — South Carolina Water Utilities (SCWU) has announced the consolidation of Blue Granite Water Company into its Midlands operations, creating the largest water utility consolidation in South Carolina history.
Approved by the South Carolina Public Service Commission on June 18, the merger becomes legally effective July 1, with system integration scheduled to begin July 6. The consolidation brings more than 70,000 water and wastewater customer connections across the Midlands, Piedmont and Upstate under a single utility.
According to SCWU, the merger is expected to improve operational efficiency, strengthen service reliability and provide greater long-term rate stability through coordinated management and infrastructure investments.
“This planned consolidation represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services,” said Craig Sorensen, president of South Carolina Water Utilities. “By bringing these systems together under one structure, we can make more strategic infrastructure investments, streamline operations, and continue improving service for customers across South Carolina.”
SCWU has managed Blue Granite’s systems since 2024 and says it has reduced annual operating expenses through operational improvements, including closing high-cost facilities, reorganizing field operations and streamlining administrative processes.
The company also reported significant improvements in system performance during that time. According to SCWU, boil water advisories have declined by more than 80 percent since assuming management of Blue Granite’s systems, while customer satisfaction surveys have shown continued improvement in service quality and responsiveness.
“We are seeing measurable progress in customer satisfaction as we combine resources and best practices across the organization,” Sorensen said. “This consolidation enables us to strengthen customer service, modernize operations, and maintain the level of reliability South Carolinians expect from SCWU.”
South Carolina Water Utilities is the state’s largest private provider of water and wastewater services, serving customers throughout the Lowcountry, Midlands and Upstate. Company officials said the consolidation is part of a broader strategy to improve operational performance while continuing to invest in infrastructure that supports reliable water and wastewater service across the state.
Customers with questions about the consolidation may contact South Carolina Water Utilities for additional information.
