More Than Just Water Service
Effingham County is making a historic investment in our future through the development of a new, state-of-the-art regional water system that will give residents the control over their water that they deserve. This project will provide a sustainable, high-quality water supply to support residents, businesses, and long-term economic growth across the region.
This project is about more than water—it’s about the future of Effingham County and Southeast Georgia.
Sustainable Water Intake
Our advanced water intake system responsibly sources water directly from the Savannah River.
This process is carefully managed to ensure a consistent and sustainable supply for the entire community’s needs while minimizing our environmental impact.
High Tech Water Treatment Plant
The new treatment plant utilitzes advanced technology, including ozone disinfection and activated carbon filtration along with other conventional surface water technology.
The state of the art process is crucial in guaranteeing the highest standards of safety and quality for all residents in the community.
Project Overview
Key Components:
- Water Intake: Savannah River
- Water Treatment Plant
- Pipeline Infrastructure
- Elevated Water Tank to ensure adequate water supply
Through the collaboration of Effingham County, Governor Brian Kemp, Speaker of the House Jon Burns, the state of Georgia and GMC this project is being completed in far less than half the cost and time projected in earlier projections.
Project timeline was initially more than 20 years and has since been reduced to 4 years.
New Project Timeline
The New Effingham County Water System was born from a vision to revolutionize the region’s water supply. Here’s a look at our key milestones over the next four years:
2025
Funding Secured
2026
Construction Commencement
In 2026, construction of the water system infrastructure began, marking the start of a new era for Effingham County.
2028
Pipeline Project Completion
By 2028, the extensive pipeline network was completed, ensuring efficient water distribution across the region.
2029
Water Treatment Plant Operational
The state-of-the-art water treatment plant became operational in 2029, setting new standards for water quality.
2030
Operational Water System Start-Up
In 2030, the entire water system was fully operational, providing clean and reliable water to the community.
Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions about the New Effingham County Water System and their answers:
When will the New Water System be Operational?
The system is expected to go online in 2030. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with phased progress leading up to full operation.
Where Will the Water Come From?
Water will be sourced from the Savannah River by a state-of-the-art intake, treated at a new, modern water treatment plant, and distributed through a newly constructed pipeline system that will follow a previously disturbed existing easement.
How will Residents Access This Water?
Residents will continue to receive water through Effingham County Water & Sewer. The new system will supply water at a regional level, improving the overall quality and reliability of the existing distribution systems.
There will be no action required for most residents to “switch” to the new supply.
Will my Water Bill Increase?
The goal of this project is to provide long-term cost stability and efficiency.
While infrastructure investments can influence rates over time, the project is designed to:
- Minimize future increased costs.
- Reduce reliance on less sustainable or more expensive sources; and
- Deliver long-term savings through efficiency and scale.
Any rate adjustments would be determined by local utilities, not directly by the project itself.
Why is This Project Needed Now?
Effingham County is becoming an epicenter of growth and investment, and it is important that we deliver the highest quality resources for current and future generations. This water system will deliver the cleanest water in the state of Georgia to the people of Effingham County, while also being able to:
- Meet future demand from new residents and businesses.
- Ensure reliability during droughts or emergencies; and
- Support economic development, including major projects in the region.
Is this Environmentally Responsible?
Yes. Environmental protection is a core priority of this project and has been from the start. This project will take a significant amount of stress off the Floridan Aquifer. Additionally, most construction is occurring on existing easements and sustainably maintained areas, minimizing any potential impact to wildlife. The system is designed to:
- Use sustainable sourcing from the Savannah River.
- Meet or exceed all state and federal existing or future environmental standards; and
- Improve overall water system efficiency and conservation efforts in the area.
Who is Involved in the Project?
This is a regional collaboration involving:
- Effingham County
- Bulloch County
- Chatham County
- The City of Savannah
- Bryan County
- State agencies, environmental stakeholders and infrastructure partners
- Gov. Brian Kemp
- Speaker of the House Jon Burns
This cooperative approach ensures a cost-effective and forward-looking solution for all communities involved.
Will Construction Impact Us?
Construction will primarily occur along designated pipeline routes and project sites. Efforts are being made to:
- Minimize disruptions.
- Will follow a previously disturbed existing easement.
- Coordinate with property owners; and
- Maintain safe and efficient construction practices.
The Effingham County Water System represents a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure that will serve both current and future residents alike.
We look forward to sharing additional updates on this project in the future.
Stay Updated on Our Progress
Join us in shaping the future of Georgia by staying informed about the New Effingham County Water System.