As part of our long-term plan to upgrade the Stekoa Creek Water Reclamation Facility (SCWRF), The Rabun County Water and Sewer Authority (RCWSA) has recently completed the first phase of the project by installing three new influent pumps. These pumps replace the existing pumps, which were over 30 years old and well beyond their useful life. The influent pumps take the wastewater coming into the facility and direct it to the aerators, the first step in the treatment process. 
Replacing the old pumps with new, up-to-date equipment will allow the facility to run more efficiently as well as add capacity, helping to withstand high flow amounts, especially during rain events.
In addition to the new pumps, three new check valves were also installed downstream of the new pumps. The work was carried out by both RCWSA maintenance crews and the pump contractor Southern Valve and Pump (SVP). The project was begun on Monday, June 15th and completed on Thursday, June 18th of 2026. Portable pumps were rented and used while the work was being completed to ensure that the facility’s operations were not interrupted. The new pumps have now been tested and are online, providing improved processing capabilities, and improved capacity.
The cost for this phase of the upgrade of the SCWRF was $120,000 and was paid for through a combination of customers’ rate dollars and SPLOST funds directly designated for water and sewer capital improvements. It is critical that communities invest in water and wastewater infrastructure maintenance and upgrades in order to preserve public safety, provide exceptional service and protect the environment as well as our vital water resources. For more information on the importance of investing in infrastructure, watch the following video produced by the American Society of Civil Engineers, or click on the link below. The RCWSA is committed to being good stewards of our water and wastewater system by continually investing in and working on upgrades and improvements to ensure our system will continue to serve our Rabun County Community for generations to come.
