Florence SC, September 13, 2025
News Summary
The Florence City Council has unanimously approved three comprehensive master plans aimed at addressing critical water and infrastructure issues. The plans, which include the Water Distribution System Master Plan, Sewer Collection System Master Plan, and Stormwater Master Plan, will guide improvements over the next two decades. With a focus on enhancing water quality and managing stormwater, these initiatives mark a significant step in revitalizing the city’s aging infrastructure and preparing for future growth.
Florence, South Carolina – On September 9, 2025, the Florence City Council unanimously adopted three comprehensive master plans aimed at addressing pressing water and infrastructure issues within the city. The newly approved Water Distribution System Master Plan, Sewer Collection System Master Plan, and Stormwater Master Plan are the culmination of years of planning and are designed to tackle ongoing concerns such as discolored water, urban flooding, and sewage overflow stemming from the city’s aging infrastructure.
The Assistant City Manager of Florence, Clint Moore, stated that these master plans will serve as a strategic framework for infrastructure improvements over the next two decades, focusing on enhancing the city’s overall water quality and addressing critical stormwater management challenges. Councilmember George Jebaily acknowledged the extensive effort put forth by city staff in creating these plans, reflecting a collaborative approach to significant municipal improvements.
The significance of these plans is underscored by the fact that Florence has not updated its stormwater master plan since the 1970s. This long overdue update highlights the city’s urgent need for infrastructure revitalization. To facilitate the development of the Stormwater Master Plan, the city contracted with AECOM, an infrastructure consulting firm, in late 2022. However, the compilation of the stormwater plan faced some delays due to the previously limited data on stormwater infrastructure.
Moore clarified that most stormwater issues in Florence are classified as nuisance flooding, which disrupts traffic but does not compromise road usability. As the city continues to experience gradual growth—recorded at 1.5 to 2% in recent census data—there is a growing necessity for infrastructure systems to adapt to increased demand. To this end, the Water Distribution System Master Plan directly addresses concerns related to water quality, particularly the high iron content in water produced from groundwater sources, aiming to improve both the water’s safety and appearance.
Moreover, the successful implementation of major grant applications requires a master plan in place, emphasizing a proactive attitude on the city’s part regarding infrastructure redevelopment. Moore assured that the master plans will remain consistent and resilient to changes in city staff or management, ensuring continuity in the effort to improve municipal services. The projects based on these master plans are slated to begin in 2026.
In addition, the council passed a resolution to finalize an agreement with the South Carolina Office of Resilience for the North Church Street and Oakland Avenue stormwater mitigation project, which involves increasing the funding amount by $399,529.52, bringing the total funding to $3,472,833.52. This crucial mitigation project focuses on upgrading failing stormwater infrastructure, which includes various components such as pipes and junction boxes, further highlighting the city’s emphasis on addressing its infrastructure challenges in light of ongoing community growth and development.
Key Highlights of the Master Plans
- Adoption Date: September 9, 2025
- Duration: Outlined improvements over the next 20 years
- Goals: Address discolored water, mitigate flooding, and prevent sewer overflow
- Main Contracts: Engagement with AECOM for stormwater planning
- Initial Projects: Set to commence in 2026
- Funding Update: $3.47 million secured for stormwater mitigation efforts
Conclusion
The approval of these master plans marks a significant step forward in addressing Florence’s infrastructure needs and highlights the proactive approach taken by city officials to ensure a sustainable and functional urban environment for its residents.
FAQ
What are the three master plans adopted by the Florence City Council?
The Florence City Council adopted the Water Distribution System Master Plan, Sewer Collection System Master Plan, and Stormwater Master Plan.
When will the projects based on these master plans begin?
The projects resulting from the master plans are expected to commence in 2026.
What is the main goal of the Water Distribution System Master Plan?
The main goal is to improve the water quality in Florence, particularly reducing discoloration caused by high iron content and groundwater sourcing.
How are the stormwater issues characterized in Florence?
Most stormwater issues in Florence involve nuisance flooding that impacts traffic without affecting road usability.
Key Features Summary Chart
| Plan | Key Focus Areas | Implementation Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Water Distribution System Master Plan | Improve Water Quality | Beginning 2026 |
| Sewer Collection System Master Plan | Prevent Sewer Overflow | Beginning 2026 |
| Stormwater Master Plan | Mitigate Flooding & Upgrade Infrastructure | Beginning 2026 |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Florence Master Plans Infrastructure
- WPDE: Florence Flooding and Sewer Stormwater Plans
- Spectrum Local News: South Carolina Water System in Florence
- Wikipedia: Water Supply and Sanitation in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Management
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence 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 Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
