Chapin, S.C., August 15, 2025
News Summary
Chapin, South Carolina, is under scrutiny due to persistent sewage overflows into Lake Murray, with 35 incidents reported since 2022. The town is working on an action plan requested by the Department of Environmental Services to address these issues, which have continued for years. Recent measures include converting a pond into an equalization basin and sealing manholes to prevent overflows. Funding and permitting delays have hindered progress on necessary infrastructure upgrades, leading to community concerns over potential health risks associated with drinking water quality.
Chapin, S.C. Under Scrutiny for Persistent Sewage Overflows into Lake Murray
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has requested the town of Chapin to submit an action plan to tackle persistent sewage overflow issues following two significant incidents in May 2025. The request underscores the urgency of addressing a troubling trend, as the town has reported a staggering total of 35 sewage overflows since 2022.
Chapin officials have acknowledged awareness of these overflow problems, noting that they have been apparent since at least 2020. While the town claims to have informally operated a corrective action plan for five years, increasing state scrutiny suggests that more formal measures are needed. In a bid to manage excess flows during peak periods, Chapin converted an obsolete pond into an equalization basin, which is intended to provide better storage capacity.
The town is actively engaging with local developers to facilitate the installation of larger force mains in future developments, which should help in handling increased wastewater flow. Furthermore, manholes located in areas prone to overflows have been sealed as part of ongoing corrective efforts.
Despite these measures, funding delays have presented challenges to capital upgrades necessary to improve the town’s sewage infrastructure. Chapin has submitted three applications for partial funding from the Rural Infrastructure Authority but has not yet secured the necessary financial support. Compounding these issues are permitting delays and setbacks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which have lengthened the timeline for overcoming sewage overflow challenges.
In response to the situation, Chapin has increased tap fees and implemented impact fees on developers, aiming to build reserves for much-needed infrastructure developments. The town is also conducting regular inspections and reviewing flow records from pump stations. Smoke tests are being performed to identify leaks within the system, which can contribute to overflows.
High-risk segments of the sewer system are being prioritized for replacement, with upgrades to pump stations already in progress. A new 16-inch force main for the East Chapin area is scheduled for installation by the end of 2025, with plans for a new 12-inch main on Primrose Lane expected to be completed by the end of next year.
State officials have advised residents to maintain their private sewer lines and tanks, as many overflows are linked to issues within homeowners’ plumbing systems. The pump station at Murray Lindler Road and Old Bush River Road has been notably problematic, recording 15 overflow incidents to date.
Chapin has made recent improvements at the Bush River Pump Station, which have reportedly mitigated overflows during periods of heavy rainfall. A significant incident occurred on December 17, 2023, when 96,000 gallons overflowed due to intense rain, with 16,000 gallons requiring truck transport to the wastewater treatment facility.
Residents have expressed growing frustration over the ongoing sewage overflow issues, particularly concerning the potential health and safety risks associated with drinking water drawn from Lake Murray. In total, the Department of Environmental Services has identified eight additional overflow incidents from previous years, cumulatively exceeding 110,000 gallons. These issues have often been linked to structural failures, including damaged manholes exacerbated by heavy rainfall.
Amid the ad hoc system improvements, Chapin’s Mayor has emphasized a data-driven approach to enhance infrastructure performance, aimed at safeguarding residents from excessive costs associated with overflowing sewage systems.
Key Issues Highlighted:
- Total Sewage Overflows Since 2022: 35
- Significant Overflow Incident on December 17, 2023: 96,000 gallons
- Recent Improvements at Bush River Pump Station: Reported to stop overflows during heavy rain
- Residents’ Concerns: Health and safety regarding drinking water quality
- Pending Infrastructure Upgrades: New force mains in development
FAQ
What action is being taken regarding sewage overflows in Chapin?
The S.C. Department of Environmental Services has requested an action plan from the Town of Chapin to address persistent sewage overflow issues following recent incidents.
How many sewage overflows has Chapin experienced?
Chapin has recorded a total of 35 sewage overflows since 2022, with several incidents linked to heavy rainfall.
What efforts are being made to improve the sewage system?
Chapin has converted an obsolete pond into an equalization basin, is collaborating with developers for larger force mains, and has prioritized high-risk sewer segments for replacement.
How can residents help with overflow issues?
Residents are encouraged to maintain their private sewer lines and tanks, as many overflows are connected to issues in homeowners’ plumbing systems.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sewage Overflows Since 2022 | 35 reported incidents |
| Recent Significant Overflow | 96,000 gallons on December 17, 2023 |
| Ongoing Measures | Equalization basin, developer collaboration, sewer line inspections |
| Recent Improvements | Enhancements to Bush River Pump Station |
| Community Engagement | Encouragement for residents to maintain private sewer systems |
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Additional Resources
- The State: Chapin, S.C. Under Scrutiny for Persistent Sewage Overflows into Lake Murray
- The State: Update on Chapin Sewage Issues
- WYFF4: Severe Weather Outbreak in Upstate South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sewage Overflow Management
- Google Search: Sewage Overflow Chapin SC
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
