City of West Columbia has small sewer spill due to pump failure

West Columbia, SC (Paul Kirby) – The City of West Columbia experienced a pump malfunction with their sewer system Saturday that allowed what they are describing as a small amount of un-treated sewage to spill into the Lower Saluda River. According to the city, the pump is now back in operation,

According to an e-mailed statement from their public information officer, the city said, “The City of West Columbia Water and Sewer Department responded swiftly and appropriately to repair a pump that experienced a mechanical failure on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Before the repair was completed, some sewer discharge went into the Saluda River. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control was notified. The City will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

These small spills are not uncommon as systems that serve our county age. Many are undergoing upgrades to make them more reliable and less prone to problems in the future.