Lexington County is planning for future water needs of Lake Murray’s fast-growing southern shore.

The Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission took a significant step last week in buying 47 acres on Lake Murray at the end of Counts Ferry Road from the Rawl family.

This is a $6.5 million investment in an area where population growth will demand additional water systems, said Commission Chairman and Lexington Mayor Steve MacDougall.

“We’re looking 20 to 30 years out now, so that we stay on top of planning for new infrastructure that ensures the best value for our customers.”

“The location on Lake Murray will easily connect into the existing and planned distribution system,” said General Manager Jay Nicholson.

The purchase averages a bit over $138,000 an acre, Nicholson said.

No date for a new plant has been set, he said. At today’s construction costs, a 10 million gallon plant would cost about $5 a gallon or $50 million.

That’s what Saluda County paid for their new one, he said.

The county is expected to double in population in the next 20 years.

The commission distributes water from the City of West Columbia’s treatment plant on Old Cherokee Road.

This plant will remain the primary source of water through 2054.

The new treatment plant will provide needed redundancy, making the water supply even safer and more resilient in the future.

“Lexington County has grown since the commission was created 25 years ago,” said Tem Miles, Mayor Pro-Tem of West Columbia. “Having additional treatment capacity at that location will be a benefit and help support the communities we serve.”

The commission plans expansion of capacity now so design and construction can be phased in with as little financial impact to customers as possible.

Buying the land is the first step, but a new treatment plant isn’t planned for many years.

The Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission is a regional partnership of 11 members throughout the county.