Port Royal Celebrates Community Spirit at the Annual Walk for Water
Port Royal, a charming town known for its historic district, recently witnessed an impressive display of community spirit as over 600 walkers donned bright blue T-shirts and strolled through the streets, each carrying a bucket to symbolize their mission. This annual Walk for Water event, held this past Saturday, was not just a leisurely stroll but part of a significant fundraising effort for Water Mission International, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to clean drinking water for communities in need around the world.
Impact of a Meaningful Mission
This year’s walk raised a remarkable $72,000. The funds will go directly toward the construction and installation of water treatment facilities in various communities that struggle to secure clean water for their families. It’s astonishing to think that, despite the abundance of water readily available to many of us, there are still families who walk for miles daily to fetch water. The walkers’ demonstration highlighted this stark contrast and served as a reminder of the critical need for clean water globally.
A Growth Story
Founded in 2002 by a couple from Charleston who recognized the urgent need in Honduras, Water Mission International has blossomed into a vital resource for many communities worldwide. Originally adopted by a handful of Beaufort churches, the Walk for Water campaign has seen exponential growth over the past eight years and is now expanding to Bluffton, where an additional walk is scheduled for September 21. This growth reflects a rising awareness and commitment to the cause of providing clean water to those in need.
Local Water Challenges
Interestingly, the focus on clean water access reflects a scenario that several residents in the Lowcountry can relate to. Not so long ago, residents in more rural areas primarily relied on well water, a stark contrast to the municipal water systems now in place. It wasn’t until 1954 that the state Legislature established the Beaufort Water Authority to meet the growing demand for reliable water through a treatment system tapping into the Savannah River.
Today, the Beaufort Water Authority services an expansive area, including Jasper County, distributing over 20 million gallons of treated water. However, the Authority is now facing challenges as new residential developments continue to crop up, putting pressure on the water supply. To combat this, the board recently approved a $110 million capital investment plan, which unfortunately includes rate increases for both residential and commercial water users.
Preserving the Environment
Alongside the growing water needs, Port Royal Town Council is taking steps to put the brakes on personal self-storage unit businesses, fearing that their community might become overrun. Recently, they unanimously voted to halt new self-storage facilities in specific zoning areas after receiving numerous concerns from locals. Residents expressed their fears of becoming the “storage unit capital of the Lowcountry.”
While a property owner argued the need for additional storage due to smaller homes lacking space, the council felt it necessary to protect the town’s character. Current rates for storage units have averaged at $120 nationwide, though South Carolina sees a cheaper average of $108.
Change in Leadership in Neighboring Hardeeville
The growth in both towns reflects an exciting yet challenging time for our local communities. As we all adapt to these changes, from water access to keeping our town’s character intact, it’s essential to remember that community involvement is what truly makes the difference.
