Could new development affect private well water in Lexington? What we know
A member of the Facebook group “Happening in Lexington, SC” asked the following: “Can anyone tell me why Lexington County is running water lines down the 800 block of Windy Wood Rd when all homes have individual wells.”
The unincorporated locale is south of Interstate 20, near the intersection of Calks Ferry Road and Old Charleston Road, not far from Pelion. Lexington County is often regarded as one of South Carolina’s fast-growing areas. Despite the influx, some of the county remains categorically rural, including this area.
Some speculated that development was the reason. Several ongoing developments in the area are continuing to build single-family houses, including Ferry Grove Homes and Summer Orchard.
A spokesperson for the Town of Lexington said any water line being installed on Windy Wood Road isn’t operated by the town. The State reached out to Lexington County and the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission to find out if a water line was headed that way. The Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission recently expanded broader areas of the county, including those in the southwest portion of the county, like Pelion, Swansea and Gaston.
While its unclear how any specific project in Lexington County might impact well water, experts say development has the potential to affect private wells.
Construction projects, residential development and road expansions can sometimes reduce or cut off water flow to wells, according to Epp Well Solutions, a company that works to solve well water problems. Excavation, dewatering or land clearing can compact soil, fracture bedrock and ultimately alter groundwater paths. Land clearing and grading can cause water runoff and deplete aquifers over time.
Epp Well Solutions advises that those with wells ensure they are properly constructed and maintained, and should monitor their well levels, water pressure and water clarity.
