News Summary
Carl Kilpatrick has been appointed to the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority Board by Governor Henry McMaster. With over 30 years of banking experience, he aims to enhance water and wastewater services in the Lowcountry amidst new EPA regulations on PFAS contaminants. BJWSA faces significant investments and challenges in meeting compliance deadlines and improving public health safety in drinking water.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Carl Kilpatrick has been appointed to the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) Board of Directors by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. Kilpatrick attended his first meeting as a voting member of the board recently. He brings with him a wealth of experience as the Chief Banking Officer of the Bank of the Lowcountry, where he oversees all business lines while focusing on improving customer satisfaction and leadership development.
Board Chair Greg Padgett expressed optimism regarding Kilpatrick’s addition, highlighting his 30 years of industry experience as an important asset amidst the increasing complexities of BJWSA’s services. Kilpatrick, a native of Beaufort, is eager to contribute to the enhancement of quality water and wastewater services for both current and future customers in the Lowcountry region.
Kilpatrick fills the position vacated by Gerald Schulze, who recently retired and was acknowledged for his contributions during the board’s April meeting. As BJWSA faces rigorous Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—known as “forever chemicals”—Kilpatrick’s leadership could be pivotal.
The authority is under pressure to comply with new EPA regulations regarding PFAS in drinking water by 2029. A substantial investment of $100 million is required for the installation of a filtration system designed to reduce PFAS levels in the water supply. Current testing has shown that PFAS contamination in BJWSA’s water exceeds the new EPA limits, with PFOS and PFOA levels recently recorded between 4.1 and 4.9 parts per trillion (ppt).
PFAS contamination has been linked to various health issues and has been found in approximately 45% of drinking water across the nation. The EPA has set a stringent limit of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, along with additional limits for four other PFAS compounds at 10 ppt. Monthly testing by BJWSA commenced in 2023, with results fluctuating between 2.9 and 11 ppt over that period.
In the event that BJWSA fails to meet the new EPA requirements, the authority will be obligated to inform the public and develop a strategy to address and reduce PFAS levels. To address this, BJWSA is piloting two types of filtration systems that include carbon removal technologies as potential solutions.
The infrastructure change necessitates constructing a separate building at the water treatment plant for the filtration system, which is estimated to incur an annual maintenance cost of $3 million. To assist in financing these efforts, BJWSA has applied for a state revolving fund loan that may provide up to $6 million in forgiveness for pilot testing. Additionally, BJWSA has initiated a lawsuit against manufacturers 3M, DuPont, and Corteva to seek funding that can be used for the new filtration system, should the authority prevail in court.
To further support its financial health amid these changes, BJWSA plans to implement rate increases for homeowners and developers. Over the next five years, the authority projects maintenance and expansion projects totaling more than $600 million. Homeowners will see an 18% increase in rates, to be phased in over three years. This increase will raise average monthly billing from approximately $144.97 to an expected $171.02 by summer 2027.
As the BJWSA navigates these complex challenges involving regulatory adherence and service enhancement, Kilpatrick’s contributions may play a significant role in ensuring the authority remains responsive to the needs of its community while addressing critical public health concerns.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Local Environment News
- Wikipedia: Environmental Protection Agency
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Jasper Water Authority
- Google Search: Beaufort Jasper Water Authority
- WTOC: Contaminated Water Warning
- Google Scholar: PFAS Contamination
- Island Packet: Politics & Government News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Contamination
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
