FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 23, 2025

 

Pioneer Water District Announces Water Rate Adjustment Effective July 1, 2025. 

 

Pioneer Water District will implement a scheduled adjustment to water rates effective July 1, 2025, to support ongoing infrastructure improvements, rising operational costs, and long-term service reliability.

 

The monthly base rate will increase from $33.80 to $34.75, and the usage rate will increase from $5.80 to $6.55 per 1,000 gallons. Our flat fee tiered system will remain the same. You may refer to our website for our new fee schedule. 

Pioneerwater.net

 

These changes are necessary to maintain the quality and dependability of our water system.  We understand the importance of affordable service and have worked to keep this adjustment as minimal as possible while addressing the increasing costs of operations, maintenance, and future planning.

 

The rate increase was approved by the Pioneer Water District Board of Directors following a detailed financial review to ensure continued investment in infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and system sustainability.

 

Customers with questions about the rate change are encouraged to call customer service at 864-972-3082

The company Pioneer District used to print our costumer’s monthly bills have unfortunately and unexpectedly went out of business. Pioneer is working with a new company to get the June 2025 bills mailed out as soon as possible. There will be NO late penalties for the month of JUNE due to this inconvenience. If you have any questions or want to know what your current bill balance please call our office at (864) 972-3082 between 9am-5pm.

 

Laboratory Analysis Report Results from Eurofins Eatons Analytical:

Finds No Detection for Algae Toxins in Pioneer Rural Water District’s Finished Water and No Detection for Algae Toxins in the Raw Water.

SCDES Issues Recreational Water Watch for Lake Hartwell in Anderson County 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 30, 2025 >

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) today issued a Recreational Water Watch for the entirety of Lake Hartwell in Anderson County after identifying the presence of a harmful algal bloom (HAB). 

SCDES was notified of a potential HAB by multiple residents of Lake Hartwell, prompting staff to collect samples from three lake locations near Brooks Drive, Gordon Road, and Whitfield Road in Anderson County on April 29. SCDES received additional notifications on April 30 that residents spotted the HAB in other areas of the lake.  

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) capable of producing cyanotoxins were observed in each of the samples collected. These samples were then analyzed for the presence of two cyanotoxins: cylindrospermopsin and microcystins. Concentrations of cylindrospermopsin were below the analytical detection limit in all three samples. Microcystins were detected in two of the three samples but were below the recreational standard of 8 micrograms per liter (µg/L).  

While cyanotoxin concentrations associated with this HAB are low, it is recommended to avoid contact with the water and to keep pets and animals from swimming or drinking from the lake until the bloom has subsided. SCDES has been coordinating and communicating with Anderson Regional Joint Water System, Pioneer Rural Water District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and representatives from neighboring Georgia.  

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a common occurrence in natural bodies of water, most likely to occur in South Carolina in late spring to early fall when water temperatures are warmer and there is increased sunlight. They can persist for several weeks. These blooms can look like bright green spilled paint or blue-green discoloration of the water. With cooler temperatures, heavy winds, and rain, these blooms may begin to break up and die off.  

For more information, contact SCDES’s Bureau of Water at 803-898-8374. If calling after hours, please leave a message that can be returned. For additional information about harmful algae in South Carolina, visit the SCDES HABs webpage and Algal Bloom Monitoring Map. 

As stated in the SCDES Press Release, Pioneer Water personnel have been in communication with representatives from the SCDES to determine Pioneer’s course of action. Pioneer’s Water Treatment Facility will analyze additional samples utilizing a third party laboratory facility to determine if there is any level of harmful algae as determined by SCDES and the EPA. Pioneer will release the results of the testing once it’s completed. For any additional information please our office at 864-972-3082 or visit our website at pioneerwater.net

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Water bills are due the 10th of each month

Business Hours:
Monday – Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM

Pioneer Rural Water District
5500 West-Oak Hwy

PO Box 203

Westminster, SC 29693
864-972-3082

Next board meeting

Next Board Meeting, Rescheduled Meeting

Board Meeting, July 15, 2025 @ 3pm

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Water bills are due the 10th of each month

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Next Board Meeting

Rescheduled next Board Meeting July 15, 2025 @ 3pm

Annual Board Meeting Dates for 2025

January 14th

March 4th

May 6th

June 17th

July 8th, Rescheduled for July 15, 2025

September 9th

November 11th