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Awendaw authorizes emergency hydrant purchase as water staff warns system will face rapid growth
Summary
Council authorized up to $3,500 from reserve funds to purchase a replacement fire hydrant after a collision, while water staff reported the system serves 544 metered accounts and expects roughly 240 new housing units in the next 18 months.
The Awendaw Town Council authorized an emergency purchase from water reserves to replace a damaged fire hydrant and heard a report that the town’s water system will face substantial near-term growth.
Water staff told council the system currently has 416 active customers and 128 inactive services for a total of 544 metered accounts. The water official said roughly 240 housing units are expected in three near-term subdivisions (Reserve at CB Sound, Seaweed Landing, and Kate Main phase one), increasing demand on the north district.
“You had 416 active customers and you had 128 inactive customers. So that's a total of 544 metered customers that we have in this system,” the water superintendent stated during the meeting. He said the current wells and storage should serve another five to 10 years under present usage but emphasized the need to plan for growth.
Council then approved a motion to access emergency repair funds from the water reserve to buy a replacement hydrant, with the purchase capped at $3,500. The estimated unit cost discussed was $3,200; installation and reconnection work will return to council with contractor quotes at the February meeting.
Town staff said one hydrant had been struck and pulled out of the ground, requiring valve shutoff on a 6-inch main to make the line safe. The immediate ask was to purchase the appropriate hydrant so installation can proceed quickly once contractors are selected.
Councilmembers questioned supply timelines and whether the property owner who damaged the hydrant would contribute; staff said purchase from reserves is appropriate and that installation quotes will be presented for approval next month.
The action was taken by voice vote; the meeting record shows the motion carried.
