What does GMD do?
GMD collects and treats our customers’ wastewater. This in turn, protects the public health and environment while supporting regional growth. GMD’s wastewater system includes over 410 miles of wastewater lines, 607 low pressure pumps and 32 lift stations. This system is designed to collect and transport the wastewater to one of two wastewater treatment plants: the Wilson Creek and West Alexander Wastewater Treatment Facilities. At the treatment plants, the wastewater is treated twenty-four hours each and every day, so that pollutants are removed for safe discharge into receiving waters – meeting all state and federal parameters.
What is dye testing and why is it conducted?
Dye testing is a method used to locate a defect within the sewer system that may be a source for rainwater and groundwater to enter the sanitary sewer system. Dye testing is also used to determine where an individual service line is connected to the sewer system. The dye is non-toxic, and safe for humans, plants, and animals. It will clean up easily with water.
What is this smoke I see in my yard?
Smoke testing is a process of blowing smoke through the sewer lines. It is used to locate and identify defects that permit rainwater and/or groundwater to enter the sewer system thereby overloading the sewer lines and wastewater treatment plants. The smoke is specially manufactured for testing and is not harmful to humans, pets or plants and will dissipate within a few minutes with proper ventilation.
How do I know that the people in my yard work for GMD?
You can identify a GMD employee by their uniform with their name and the GMD logo on it, ID badge and work vehicle. If you are still uncertain, you may verify the name by calling us at 864-943-8000.
Why do I pay Metro taxes for sewer service that I have never and probably will never receive?
Paying for sewer service is much like paying school taxes when you do not have children in school. If you live within GMD district boundaries, then you will pay Metro taxes. Having proper sewer infrastructure and capacity is what attracts people, business, and industry to Greenwood. Without it, Greenwood could not attract jobs or growth to our area. Sewer services are a basic human requirement for protecting public health.
I want GMD sewer service, but most of my neighbors do not because they have individual septic tanks. What can I do?
If you live in an area where GMD sewer service is close by, a survey can be conducted to determine how many people in your neighborhood are interested in connecting to GMD sewer. Once all information has been gathered, a representative from your neighborhood would approach the GMD Commission and ask for approval to connect. Applicable fees would be discussed throughout the survey and approval process. For additional information, contact our Engineering Department at 864-942-3901.
Can my bill be adjusted for a water leak?
In certain instances and with proper documentation, your bill can be adjusted for a leak. Please call our Finance Department at 864-943-8000 for assistance.
Why are wastewater treatment plants needed?
Although approximately 2/3 of the earth's surface is covered with water, only about 1% is usable by humans, thus making water a precious resource. Your wastewater treatment facility recovers the water from the waste stream and returns it to the environment.
After the water is recovered where does it go?
After treatment the water is discharged into a stream. As the name implies, the Wilson Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant discharges into Wilson Creek which is in the Saluda River drainage basin. West Alexander Wastewater Treatment Plant discharges into Hard labor Creek which is part of the Savannah River drainage basin.
Is sewer available in my area?
Our staff will be glad to assist in determining if sewer is available at a specific location. Please contact us at 864-943-8005 for additional assistance.
How do I get my FREE grease and fat can lid?
Stop by our office at 110 Metro Drive to get a grease and fat can lid free of charge. Grease is the enemy to any sewer system. If each GMD customer puts just 1 tablespoon of grease in this container each week, that adds up to 55 gallons of grease NOT in our sewer system. You can make a difference!
What happens after you wash the dishes, take a shower, or flush the toilet?
The wastewater goes through the pipes in your house or business, then flows into a sewer service lateral and drains into the GMD collection pipes (typically located in the street or an easement). It travels from the GMD trunkline pipes to the treatment plant to be cleaned before being discharged back into the environment.
How is GMD governed?
Six commissioners serve as the Governing Board for the sewer district.
How much wastewater does GMD treat?
While GMD is permitted to treat 14.2 million gallons of wastewater per day, GMD’s treatment plants process approximately 8 million gallons of wastewater from over 14,000 customers, on an average day.
How long does treatment take?
On average, a drop of wastewater will spend about 15 hours traveling through the plant while undergoing treatment.
Why does my sewer cost more than my water?
Wastewater treatment is a complicated process, because the treatment must clean the water thoroughly so that it is safe for integration back into the environment. The major reasons lie in the differences between the cost of installing the pipe systems and the biological and chemical treatment processes for treating wastewater. Over the last couple of decades, treatment has evolved to include sophisticated biological systems for removing organic materials, complicated filters, and modern disinfection methods. The advanced systems are costly to build and operate, increasing the overall cost of wastewater treatment.
What do my sewer services charges go toward?
Compliance with regulatory requirements
Operation and maintenance of 410-mile sewer system, 8,500 manholes, 32 lift stations and 2 treatment facilities
Emergency response 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Treatment and conversion of wastewater to clean water or biosolids for return to the environment
Installation, rehabilitation and maintenance of sewer pipes
Preservation of our water resources for future generations
Operation and maintenance of 410-mile sewer system, 8,500 manholes, 32 lift stations and 2 treatment facilities
Emergency response 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Treatment and conversion of wastewater to clean water or biosolids for return to the environment
Installation, rehabilitation and maintenance of sewer pipes
Preservation of our water resources for future generations