Graniteville Water Customers Say ‘The Well With It!‘

Aiken County, SC—The bills came, two weeks ago:

Thomas Scott, water and sewer customer: “600% increase.“

….and they were due by August 15th.

Marlene Lewis, customer: “Flabbergasted. I was just shocked.“

So were local representatives:

State Representative J. Roland Smith, (R) Aiken County, SC:  “These folks have a right to be angry.”

They wrote a letter to the South Carolina Public Service Commission, which approved the rate increase, stating that the water and sewer company, Avondale Mills Inc., should have given customers at least 30 days notice that a rate increase was coming.

Amy Sharpe, customer: “The increase and policy change and everything came with this bill.”

The Public Service Commission suspended the rates; but Avondale officials said that wasn’t legal. So, the Commission re-instated the rates.

Ladson Baker, customer: “They said they would cut it off, and Avondale said you would pay, and they want their pay now.“

But Thursday, local representatives got a judge to delay the rates and bills until at least August 25th.

Scott: “This is what, the third time? And now it’s ‘don’t pay it.’ I don’t know. Do we pay it or not?”

Some customers are funneling all their anger and confusion in a new direction…

Wayne Johnston, customer: “I’m having a well put in.“

This well cost Wayne Johnston $3,200. With his current bill, it will pay for itself in 3 years.

Johnston: “That’s what I had to do. Felt like I had to do it, and I think there’s going to be several more people in the area, if they can, that will put a well in.“

And as for Avondale? They say they can’t afford to not enforce the rate increases, and they aren’t happy with the judge’s order.

Avondale Mills Corporate Development Vice President Stephen Felker Jr. says: “I don’t believe this order is valid. We will continue to fight this. We cannot continue to operate at a loss…if we have to defend ourselves, we will.“

Scott: “If we don’t pay it, are they going to cut the water off? I’ll tell you what, I’m about at the point where they can cut it off, and it doesn’t make a difference to me if they cut it off or not.“

On August 25th, there will be a hearing at the Aiken County Courthouse. A judge could grant another extension on those rates and due dates.

Then there’s state-level hearing in October. Avondale will be at that, along with the Public Service Commission, to determine if the rate increases still stand.