End in sight to water woes?
Nothing seems to be in the way of the Valley Public Service Authority from deciding whether it will take control of the Avondale Mills water system.
Aiken County Council next Tuesday will hear third reading of an ordinance that will expand the boundaries that VPSA serves. If that vote is passed by Council, VPSA would have the authority to take over the system which has seen water rates skyrocket since midsummer. VPSA is the knight on a white horse for residents of the Graniteville area who are served by Avondale water.
The former textile giant contends it was losing money on the water system and adjusted rates to keep from losing more money. Residents were sent bills that were many times higher than previous billings.
Hopefully VPSA will see that taking over Avondale water is a suitable fit for its current customers as well as an opportunity to help out neighbors desperately in need. Many pieces need to fall into place for those on the Avondale system to get the up-to-date system they need. The OK of County Council to expand VPSA's boundaries is a good start.