Privies, Pipes, and Progress…
May 10, 2025 – October 5, 2026

Renewable Water Resources Celebrates 100 Years of Cleaning Water

November 1, 1928, ushered in a new era for the Upcountry as the then Greater Greenville Sewer District began operations at the recently completed Mauldin Road treatment plant. The realization of this “modern sewerage system” in the “first city in the South to be completely sewered” brought with it expectations, opportunities, and progress for the 20th century.

Over the next few decades, upgrades and advanced improvements were made to keep the utility on mission for cleaning water and protecting public health, while additional facilities were built to help meet the demands of a growing region. As the service area and functions expanded, the utility was renamed Greenville County Sewer Authority in 1968, and by 1969, S.C. Act 688 established it as the primary wastewater treatment provider in the Greenville area.

The succeeding years brought increased environmental responsibilities, escalating infrastructure demands, as well as an anticipated expansion in scope of responsibility for surrounding counties. So, the General Assembly authorized S.C. Act 1415 in 1974 to rename the utility to Western Carolina Regional Sewer Authority (WCRSA).

For the next 35 years, WCRSA made pioneering and groundbreaking advancements in numerous areas of wastewater treatment, many of which positioned the utility as the definitive leader at the state and national levels.

By the early 2000s, the utility’s vision had evolved to encompass a more thorough commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its communities by transforming wastewater into a clean, fresh, renewable resource. State legislators agreed and by approval of Act 102 in 2009, the name became Renewable Water Resources (ReWa).

Over the past 100 years, ReWa has established itself as an organization dedicated to protecting Upstate waterways, supporting public health, and promoting a cleaner environment. It has also become a steadfast community partner motivated to lead, engage, and serve.

This exhibition takes visitors on a journey through ReWa’s 100 years and features interactive displays, archived materials from early days of operations, photo collages highlighting the decades, and more.

Support provided by