May 28, 2025

Chapin, SC Faces Sewage Overflow Challenges After Rain

News Summary

Chapin, SC is dealing with serious sewage overflow problems following heavy rainfall in May, resulting in two significant sanitary sewer overflows. The incidents, which occurred on May 12 and May 16, led to the discharge of sewage into Lake Murray, affecting local households and raising health concerns. The town is investing over $4.5 million for upgrades to its sewer infrastructure to prevent future incidents, while implementing measures to locate sources of excessive rainwater entry into the sewage system.

Chapin, SC, is grappling with significant sewage overflow issues following heavy rainfall in May, experiencing two substantial sanitary sewer overflows. The incidents occurred on May 12 and May 16, leading to the discharge of sewage into Lake Murray, which is situated near a municipal pump station.

The S.C. Department of Environmental Services reported that the first overflow incident on May 12 released approximately 30,000 gallons of sewage over an eight-hour timeframe. This incident was triggered by substantial rain, with 2.7 inches falling within a six-hour period. Just days later, on May 16, a second overflow occurred, resulting in a much larger discharge of 90,000 gallons of sewage in about five hours. This overflow was caused by a malfunctioning bypass pump that led to a closure of the main valve at the Old Bush River pump station.

The sewage overflows took place in a specific area known for its vulnerability to flooding, particularly around Murray Lindler Road and Old Bush River Road. Compounding these issues, it was noted that the Old Bush River pump station had previously sustained damage from a car accident months before these May incidents. Although the town acquired a new pump to help address the problem, installation delays have ensued due to persistent rainfall.

Currently, only two out of three pumps at the Old Bush River station are operational, which is less than ideal for handling the area’s sewage demands. Despite these issues, testing conducted on the overflow revealed that the sewage discharges were “highly diluted,” primarily consisting of rainwater, with laboratory results showing that bacteria levels remained within acceptable limits for Lake Murray.

Chapin’s sewer system serves around 7,000 households located north of Lake Murray. The town has faced similar overflow challenges in past years, including incidents in 2022 and 2023, where approximately 2,000 gallons of sewage runoff was reported near the lake. Concerns related to the impact of sewage leaks on local health have been emphasized by local representatives as the community seeks solutions to mitigate these issues.

The Department of Environmental Services has pointed to ongoing problems with inflow and infiltration within Chapin’s wastewater collection system, which tend to exacerbate overflow scenarios following significant rain events. In response, the town has drawn on expertise from the department to explore additional measures to address these pressing challenges.

After the recent overflow events, community notices were circulated to keep residents informed. The town attributed the overflows to heavy rainfall, stating that the sewer systems are not equipped to effectively treat large volumes of rainwater. These repeated sewer overflows also carry financial implications, dramatically inflating water department expenses for services.

In recognition of the need for an upgrade, the town is investing in over $4.5 million to enhance its sewer mains and improve its capacity to handle excess flows, with completion anticipated by the end of the year. Town officials have identified one of the primary solutions as reducing the amount of rainwater entering the sewer system in the first place.

To address these infiltration issues, Chapin has implemented “smoke tests” to locate sources of rainwater entry, which have revealed that many of the issues arise from homeowner pipes. Additionally, the Chapin Town Council approved a $1.04 million upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant designed to increase capacity in anticipation of future growth. These upgrades are considered proactive measures aimed at preventing similar overflow events in the future rather than direct reactions to the May incidents.

As Chapin works through these sewage overflow challenges, the community’s health and the environmental integrity of Lake Murray remain at the forefront of local discussions and planning efforts.