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Anson County commissioners authorize investigation into repeated water-line damage
Summary
Following multiple contractor-related breaks and a recent large line failure, the board voted to investigate water-infrastructure intrusions, direct staff to prepare a corrective-action plan and examine enforcement options including fines or contract bans.
The Anson County Board of Commissioners voted to authorize an investigation into recurring damage to the county’s water infrastructure and to develop a corrective action plan for preventing and reimbursing costs from future incidents.
Commissioners described a recent 20–24-inch line breach that produced a high-pressure geyser on West 74 and recounted a series of breaks and contractor-related damages that have interrupted service. County leaders said the incidents pose public-safety and economic risks and cause repeated cleanups and boil-water notices.
"So we have a motion, by Commissioner Ellerbe to move forward with an investigation into the water infrastructure intrusion, and develop a corrective action plan to get it corrected," the chair summarized after the motion was seconded. Commissioners discussed options including fines, civil litigation to recover damages and potential restrictions on contractors who fail to pay assessed costs.
The board approved the motion by voice vote. Staff were directed to compile a 45-day report of recent water-line incidents documenting cause, costs and whether contractors have been billed or paid, and to work with county counsel on legal remedies and enforcement tools. The board did not record a roll-call tally in the public record; the vote was taken by voice and the motion passed.
The next steps are an investigatory report and recommendations from county utilities and legal staff on enforcement measures and potential ordinance or contract changes to hold responsible parties accountable.
