SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — Effingham County officials have launched a new website aimed at keeping residents informed about the development of a new county water system project.
The website, effinghamwater.org, is intended to serve as a central source of information about the project, providing updates on construction, timelines, milestones and other details as work progresses.
About the project
The website comes as a major regional water infrastructure project continues to move forward across southeast Georgia. In March 2025, state leaders approved a roughly $500 million funding package for Bryan and Effingham counties and the City of Savannah to expand water capacity through upgrades to existing treatment facilities and construction of new infrastructure along the Savannah River.
The largest share of the funding is earmarked for a new surface water treatment plant in Effingham County, which will treat water drawn from the Savannah River. County leaders have said the project will help meet growing demand driven by rapid residential and industrial growth, including development associated with Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America.
Officials have also said the project will reduce reliance on groundwater drawn from the Floridan Aquifer, a key concern as much of southeast Georgia falls within restricted groundwater withdrawal zones.
Project details available online
According to county officials, the site includes a project overview, frequently asked questions, photographs and contact information for project team members. The website will be updated regularly throughout construction.
County Manager Tim Callanan said the website is designed to provide residents with easy access to information about the project.
“This project represents a major investment in the future of Effingham County and the long-term sustainability of our water infrastructure,” Callanan said in a statement. “We understand residents want reliable, easy-to-access information about the project, and this website will help ensure the public remains informed every step of the way.”
Officials said the website launch will not affect how current Effingham County water customers pay their bills. Existing payment methods and customer support services will remain unchanged.
Board of Commissioners Chairman Damon Rahn said the project is intended to support the county’s future growth and long-term water needs.
“The project is designed to deliver a modern, reliable water system capable of supporting the county’s continued growth while providing high-quality water service for generations to come,” Rahn said. “Here in Effingham County, everything we do is with our residents and their families in mind. We all agree that nothing is more vital than clean, sustainable water.”
Phase one of the regional project includes upgrades to Savannah's Industrial & Domestic Water Treatment Plant, new transmission lines in Effingham County and a connection to the Hyundai site. Construction on Effingham County's portion is expected to begin in 2026, with the first phase projected for completion by 2028. A second phase, including the new Effingham County treatment plant, is expected to follow in the early 2030s.
Residents can visit the website for project information and updates as construction moves forward.
