01/16/2026
***Public meeting will be held by JMWSC at the Swansea Freshman Academy, located at 1195 State Road 35 (IW Hutto Rd) on January 20, 2026, from 6pm-8pm.***
JMWSC to Become the Long-Term Operator & Manager of Swansea’s Water & Wastewater Systems
40-year lease agreement addresses Swansea’s “non-viable” utility system designation by the State of South Carolina.
The town has been without a permanent certified operator & manager since 2019.
Proposal crafted by JMWSC after a study revealed the town required up to $15 million in system improvements.
JMWSC is uniquely positioned to help the town. Will immediately invest $5 million to address failing meters & infrastructure.
The agreement received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture just before Christmas.
Town of Swansea customers will become JMWSC customers on February 1, 2026.
JANUARY 16, 2026: The Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission (JMWSC) is proud to announce that it will become the long-term provider of water and sewer service to the Town of Swansea starting February 1, 2026, enabling the town to come out from under the “non-viable” designation its utility system received from the State of South Carolina. Under the agreement, JMWSC will immediately invest $5 million to address Swansea’s significant infrastructure issues and resolve its staffing and revenue problems, while Swansea’s customers will become JMWSC customers.
Following the “non-viable” determination, the town brought in JMWSC to ensure the town received clean, safe water and wastewater services while Swansea leaders developed long-term solutions. To help with their efforts, town leaders contracted WK Dickson to conduct a planning study.
The study revealed Swansea would need to invest up to $15 million in upgraded infrastructure and new staff over the next decade just to bring it into compliance with state regulations. A 300% rate increase would be necessary to pay for these improvements.
At the state’s request, JMWSC and the Town of Swansea crafted a long-term, 40-year agreement to help Swansea resolve the problems without a 300% rate increase.
Under the contract, JMWSC assumes all utility responsibilities and will make necessary improvements at more reasonable rates. Because of its financial strength, JMWSC has the unique ability to invest the millions it acquired in state grant funding to address the town’s most critically failing infrastructure. Rates for Swansea’s customers may increase in some cases, but will remain at levels close to the town’s existing rates.
In October, the town approved the contract, but it required further approval from the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA). This was necessary due to requirements in the town’s bond ordinance. Just before Christmas, the USDA approved the agreement.
Starting in 2026, the town’s residents will see improvements to their services, with some upgrades taking place as soon as operationally possible. JMWSC will initially invest around $1 million to upgrade Swansea’s water meters and the $4 million it acquired in state grant funding to address the town’s failing infrastructure. Upon completion of the initial projects, JMWSC will continue to apply for available funding to address the remaining improvements identified in the WK Dickson planning study.
“Our mission is to ensure the citizens of Swansea continue to receive the best quality water and sewer services possible,” said Jay Nicholson, General Manager and CEO of Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission. “We understand that any rate increase can cause concerns, and we will work to develop trust in our stewardship by providing Swansea with services they can continuously rely on.”
"Congratulations to the Swansea Town Council and JMWSC Board of Commissioners for their vision and action to ensure reliable, affordable water services for Swansea and the surrounding area of Lexington County! When neighbor helps neighbor, everyone benefits.” Said Bonnie Ammons, Executive Director of the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority.
Swansea leaders chose the best possible option for a situation not of their making; system-wide infrastructure failures are too common across the country because of decades of inattention and artificially low rates. They chose to permanently work with JMWSC because of JMWSC’s knowledge of its issues and its ability to take on such a troubled situation while charging lower rates to its citizens.
"We're thankful for the ability to partner with JMWSC, and we’re looking forward to working with them to improve the town’s essential services.” Swansea Mayor Doris Simmons.
Town of Swansea customers will transition into becoming JMWSC customers on February 1, 2026. Further information about the changeover will be provided over the coming days, and a public meeting will be held by JMWSC at the Swansea Freshman Academy, located at 1195 State Road 35 (IW Hutto Rd) on January 20, 2026, from 6pm-8pm.
For more information about the agreement and JMWSC’s rates and policies, please visit www.lcjmwsc.com.
