Bluffton’s Alljoy sewer project begins first phase for about 100 homes

Early work is underway in Alljoy after a July 22, 2026, groundbreaking for a sewer project intended to connect approximately 100 eligible homes to a low-pressure public wastewater system.

Alljoy is a community along the May River downstream of the Town of Bluffton in unincorporated Beaufort County. The project is a partnership among the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority, the Town of Bluffton and Beaufort County.

Homeowner coordination has started

BJWSA’s July 29 update said pre-construction activity began July 21, when Malphrus Utilities marked grinder-pump station locations with homeowners along Thomas Lawton, Alljoy Road, Shad Avenue and Scotia Street. The contractor also left flyers and locate flags at parcels where owners were not home.

The update said marking work was continuing along Sailors Choice Road, Croaker Street, Trout Street and Blackfish Street. Each participating single-family residence is planned to receive a grinder pump connected to the low-pressure sewer system.

Owners will be contacted in person when possible or will receive a flyer asking them to contact Malphrus Utilities Construction Superintendent Blake Doyle or BJWSA Project Manager Rich Tetrick about pump locations and next steps.

Phase 1 targets aging septic systems

Phase 1 is designed to move roughly 100 homes from private septic systems to BJWSA infrastructure. The project includes decommissioning or replacing aging septic systems within the eligible project area.

BJWSA says the initiative is intended to reduce risks associated with septic failures and protect groundwater, Stoney Creek and the downstream May River watershed. Officials quoted by WTOC also described the targeted septic systems as vulnerable during wet conditions.

The stated purpose is a wastewater and watershed-protection upgrade for existing properties. BJWSA says the project is not a development program and does not change participating owners’ existing by-right development rights. Property owners who participate will need to provide maintenance and access easements.

Contract record and completion targets

An April 23, 2026, BJWSA board agenda recorded approval of a contract award for Alljoy Phase 1 construction to Malphrus Utilities, LLC, for $4,747,651.99, pending review and approval by the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority. The agenda supplied for this report does not independently establish whether the contract was fully executed.

BJWSA’s July 29 construction update lists substantial completion for December 15, 2026, followed by final completion on January 14, 2027. The July 22 groundbreaking marked the launch of the project, not completion of the sewer installation.

Phase 2 remains a proposal

A June 26, 2026, South Carolina Department of Environmental Services Clean Water State Revolving Fund priority list identifies a separate Alljoy Low Pressure Sewer System Phase 2 proposal. The entry describes a project to decommission at least 84 additional septic systems and connect affected properties to a low-pressure sewer system.

Being listed on the state priority list is not a commitment that Phase 2 construction will proceed. Future phases remain dependent on additional funding.

What affected residents should watch

Flags, flyers and homeowner contacts may precede installation work.
Participating single-family homes are planned to receive individual grinder pumps.
Substantial completion is targeted for December 15, 2026; final completion is targeted for January 14, 2027.
Owners should respond to BJWSA or Malphrus Utilities about pump locations, access and easement requirements.
Phase 2 could address at least 84 more septic systems, but it is not yet a construction guarantee.

Sources

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