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COLUMBUS—On Monday, March 17, the Board of Commissioners approved the formation of the Polk County Regional Water Authority, a significant step toward improving water service in Polk County. Attorney Belton Ziegler addressed the commission, recalling the collaborative efforts initiated in 2008 when the Polk County Broad River Water Authority and the Inman-Campobello Water District first joined forces to secure reliable water supplies for the region.

Ziegler emphasized the importance of resource sharing among entities, which fosters economies of scale and lowers customer costs. This regional approach has allowed for substantial improvements, including the construction of a 20-inch waterline connecting Broad River to South Carolina, which supports water service expansion in Polk County.

“Over the years, Inman and Campobello have been able to supply up to half a million gallons per day to Polk County, allowing for seamless growth,” Ziegler explained. He noted that this partnership has enabled Polk County to extend its water system while utilizing capital from the Campobello and Inman entities, providing services more efficiently and affordably than the county could do independently.

The resolution to create the new authority marks a monumental achievement, establishing a governance structure incorporating two-thirds representation from North Carolina and one-third from South Carolina. This new entity will represent Polk County residents directly, streamlining services and addressing any issues without needing to rely on entities in South Carolina.

This initiative also anticipates future water needs, as Ziegler highlighted the planning for additional suppliers to meet the demands of growth in the area over the next 15 years. The recent success of the Tryon Equestrian Center’s water services made possible through this collaborative arrangement, highlighted the immediate benefits of this partnership. The new system also supplies water during emergencies to the Town of Columbus water system.

Following a public hearing on the proposal before the meeting, the commission unanimously adopted the resolution to officially establish the Polk County Regional Water Authority, marking it as the first interstate public water authority in the region. Key changes in legislation on both sides of the border facilitated this groundbreaking achievement.

Commissioners expressed their satisfaction with the resolution’s passage, with Ziegler thanking them for their longstanding commitment to improving the water supply for Polk County. The creation of this authority not only signifies a leap forward in water management but also sets a precedent for future regional cooperation between North Carolina and South Carolina.

“We just made history here,” said Commissioner Myron Yoder. “Our first water authority in Polk County. It’s historical, too, because it’s the first interstate authority. It’s got South Carolina and North Carolina components.”