Water War In Southern Greenville County

Down this stretch of road in southern Greenville County, a deep debate has neighbors digging in different directions.  The residents of Ware Place, just off Highway 25, are all thirsty they’ve never had:  public water.  “Everybody wants water,“ says resident Greta Mcintyre.  “City water would be wonderful!“  Mcintyre and her husband, Don, like many others have lived off wells for years.  Many have gone dry.  They want water, but like most, are pinching pennies.

County County member Fred Payne has devised a plan to lay water lines in Ware Place, to the tune of $3.7 million dollars.  Residents gathered Thursday evening, many displeased with the cost.  Families would have to pay a one time fee of $6000, or $600 every year for the next 15 years.  Mcintyre says that’s outrageous.  “There’s some people that scrape just to pay for their prescriptions and their food.  Where are they going to find 50 extra dollars a month and then pay their water bill?“  If residents don’t pay the annual fee, leaders say they could technically put a lien on their home and take it away.  “They better bring an army,“ says Don Mcintyre.  “Cause I ain’t giving my house up to nobody.“

The county needs two thirds of residents to vote for the plan by petition.  Many says it’s something they have to do.  “Eventually you gotta have it, and it’s clear water,“ says resident Larry Coker.

The County Council has to give the final say on the plan, if it passes the vote.  Construction could begin next year.