Sewer System Transfer Agreement
After careful consideration, the City of Travelers Rest and the Metropolitan Sewer Subdistrict (MetroConnects) have engaged in preliminary discussions concerning the transfer of Travelers Rest’s sewer collection system.
Why is the City considering transferring the sewer system now? The City currently owns and operates the sewer system within City limits. Recent changes to the City’s permit will result in a substantial increase in costs to operate and maintain the system should the city continue to offer sewer services to its residents.
Who is MetroConnects?
MetroConnects, is a special purpose district serving as a wastewater collection agency in Greenville County since 1969. Due to MetroConnects greater size and its technical expertise and operational capacity, the City believes that they are better able to operate, maintain, and rehabilitate the City System over a long-term period.
How does the transfer benefit residents?
- As a homeowner within city limits, you are currently responsible for repairs to the lateral line – the sewer pipe that connects your home to the main line – even if it’s in the street or not on your property. The estimated cost to replace or rehab a lateral is $5,200 or more. Once the City sewer system is transferred, MetroConnects will be responsible for maintaining and repairing the laterals which will amount to substantial savings for many customers
- MetroConnects has an excellent record in making investments in its sewer collection system and will maintain the City System in the same manner that it maintains the rest of its system
- Residents will benefit from MetroConnects responsive emergency services, on call 24 hours, 7 days a week
What will my bill look like under MetroConnects compared to what I pay now under the City?
Once the transfer takes place, the City Sewer fee of $10 will no longer be included in your bill. In its place, MetroConnects sewer collection charges will be listed as a line item on your monthly water bill. Customers will pay a monthly base charge of $11.72 and a volumetric charge of $1.65 per 1,000 gallons of water used. Customers who have a separate irrigation account will not be billed by MetroConnects for water used through the irrigation meter.
Who decides our future sewer rates?
MetroConnects’ Board of Commissioners establishes its sewer rates for the entire MetroConnects district in Greenville County as a whole, not just for Travelers Rest. MetroConnects’ charges are in addition to charges for Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) that you already pay.
Who will residents call for sewer-related issues once the transfer takes effect?
Emergency service will be available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. MetroConnects customer service representatives will answer customers’ non-emergency questions Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Customers may also find more information about MetroConnects and its services by visiting its website www.metroconnects.org.
Is there a customer-assistance program?
MetroConnects customers are automatically enrolled in a Six-Month Savings Program. MetroConnects realizes that during the warmer months, there is an increase in outside water use (i.e. irrigation, swimming pools, etc.). The six-month savings period begins after meters are read in April and ends when meters are read in October. The average number of gallons each customer uses during the winter months (winter months begin after your meter is read in October and continue until your meter is read in April) to establish the customer’s average use. This number is then set as the maximum amount the customer will be charged during the summer months.
How would this affect septic tank customers?
Residents on private septic systems will not be affected by the transfer.