By PSA Newsroom Staff
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A newly introduced state bill aims to give residents a formal process to bring their failing municipal water and sewer systems under county control, after months of mounting community concern in towns like Summerton over water quality, billing errors and infrastructure issues.
House Bill 4747, sponsored by State Representative Fawn Pedalino, would add a new section to state law allowing counties that already operate countywide water and sewer utilities to acquire municipal systems if local residents petition for the change and a structured process of notices, hearings and adoption of an ordinance is followed.
What the Bill Would Do
Under the proposed legislation, residents served by a municipal water system could initiate a petition calling for the county to take over operations — establishing a legal pathway that does not currently exist under state law. If enough qualified electors sign the petition and county officials follow the required public process, the county could pass an ordinance to assume responsibility for the system.
Summerton’s Water Problems Spark Advocacy
Over the past year, residents in Summerton have repeatedly voiced frustrations over persistent water quality issues, inaccurate billing and a lack of accountability from the municipal utility. In response, Rep. Pedalino hosted a town hall meeting in July 2025 where residents packed into the venue to share firsthand experiences and photos documenting longstanding problems with their water and sewer services.
In interviews and public statements leading up to the bill’s introduction, Pedalino noted that she had heard from many residents over several months who were struggling with what they described as a deteriorating system.
One message she shared on social media underscored the volume of constituent outreach: “Over the past few months, many of you in Summerton have reached out with serious concerns about water quality, aging infrastructure…” which helped shape her legislative approach.
Rep. Pedalino on Why the Bill Was Filed
Pedalino, whose legislative district includes Summerton and surrounding areas, emphasized that the bill does not force county takeover of municipal utilities. Rather, it creates an option for communities that feel “trapped in failing systems” to petition for change. On her social media page, she explained: “When people in our communities came to me with concerns about failing water and sewer systems… this legislation was written to create a path where none previously existed and to give people a voice…”
She also has been clear in public comments that her goal is accountability and transparency, not stepping on local governance: at a town hall last summer, she told attendees “I’m not trying to step on toes,” while acknowledging the documented issues residents brought forward.
You can view the bill’s official text here: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/4747.htm.
Next Steps
After its formal introduction in mid‑January 2026, H. 4747 was referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. If it advances out of committee, it will return to the full House for debate and a potential vote.
