CALHOUN FALLS, S.C. —
Some people living in Abbeville County are wanting answers to ongoing issues with water. According to Calhoun Falls Water and Sewer Department, residents between Jackson Street and Savannah Street in Calhoun Falls are currently under a boil water advisory until further notice.
Many residents tell WYFF News 4 they are dealing with brown water, low water pressure and leaks.
"I don't drink it. I don't want to bathe in it, be honest with you," said resident Brad Dixon. "I can run one thing at a time. So, I can't run my bathtub and my washing machine. It's very, very low and dirty."
Churches in the area are also feeling the impact.
"We have to run the water for a while for it to turn from brown to, clear water, even to wash our hands or anything in the church," said Michelle Barnes, member of Calhoun Falls Church of God.
According to Barnes, her home is outside of town, and she has been a help to church members.
"Some of the members come to my house and they bring gallon jugs to get well water to bring home, that's kind of sad," Barnes said.
I went to town hall to ask for an update on the water issues after calling the mayor and leaving messages. WYFF News 4 was told the town is "diligently working on it."
"The transparency of our town is not very well at all. And that's the problem because people cannot get any kind of information," said Viggo Lassen, Calhoun councilman. "I've got FOIAs that are outstanding — a year and a half."
The city of Abbeville has filed a lawsuit. Abbeville is under contract to supply water to Calhoun Falls for a monthly fee. The lawsuit specifically names Mayor Terrico Holland and Clerk and Treasurer Wendi Lewis.
According to the lawsuit, Calhoun Falls has not made payments since last September and now owes more than $400,000.
"It was reported to me from Abbeville City Water Department that 43% of our water is unaccounted for," Lassen said.
According to Lassen, the issue with the water comes from the piping system in the town being extremely old. He said it's deteriorating.
As far as when residents will see improvement, Lassen said it is not going to be a quick fix, especially now that they have to deal with a lawsuit.