Walhalla, SC – Following a January 28 inspection, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SC DES) has given Walhalla’s water system a Satisfactory rating in its 2025 Sanitary Survey.
This upgrade is the result of a focused, citywide effort to strengthen operations, improve infrastructure and ensure the highest standards of water quality for residents. SC DES recognized the City’s hard work and commitment to improving both the conditions and programs of the water system. Walhalla received an ‘Unsatisfactory’ rating in February 2025, largely related to a lack of sufficient standard operating procedure documentation at its water plant and lack of a back-flow prevention program, the system’s lowest rating in several years. After receiving an upgrade to ‘Needs Improvement’ in a follow up inspection in July 2025, Walhalla has taken a rigorous and proactive approach to addressing previous findings.
Among the improvements:
• Expanded Expertise: The City has increased the number of licensed operators in both treatment and distribution.
• Operational Excellence: Comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manuals have been updated and/or developed for plant operations and routine maintenance. These manuals are detailed, practical and designed to maintain consistency and quality in every aspect of the system’s operation.
• Facility Upgrades: The plant’s “high-quality” condition is a direct reflection of the staff’s dedication and professionalism. As a result of these efforts, the Equipment Operations & Maintenance category has been upgraded from “Needs Improvement” to “Satisfactory.”
In addition, the City is continuing to build up inventory and enhance its backflow coordination program, further strengthening the system’s resilience and reliability.
Mayor Tim Hall, “Walhalla’s greatest strength has always been the dedication and commitment of its employees. In particular, I want to recognize acting Public Utilities Director Zane Thompson, acting Water Plant Chief Tommy Crooks, and Streets and Facilities Director John Galbreath and their teams for their efforts in fixing these problems over the last few months”
Utilities Chair David Underwood added, “It’s not us – it’s the employees. I appreciate all their hard work and teamwork. As City Council, we support their efforts and we’ll provide the tools they need. I’ll add, problems should be solved through the work order system and not Facebook.”
Celia Myers, City Administrator shared “It is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the City’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable water every single day.”
With this Satisfactory rating, Walhalla Water will now move to a routine inspection schedule, with the next survey expected in approximately one year. The City remains committed to building on this success and continuing to invest in the infrastructure and people who keep Walhalla’s water system strong.
