MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Standard & Poor’s (S&P), one of the nation’s leading bond-rating agencies, has upgraded South Blount County Utility District’s (SBCUD) waterworks revenue bond rating from A to A+ based upon the district’s maintenance of its “consistently strong financial profile.”

According to S&P, the rating upgrade reflects the following credit strengths: stable and diverse local economy, coupled with access to the Knoxville metropolitan statistical area; ample capacity and relatively low capital needs; and historically strong financial metrics.

“We are pleased to receive an A+ rating from S&P,” said Al Scott, SBCUD district manager. “S&P’s independent analysis is further evidence of the positive momentum in our area’s economy and shows our commitment and quality to the community.”

The stability of the region’s water supply also aided in S&P’s decision to upgrade SBCUD’s rating. The water supply comes from Tellico Lake, which has ample raw water to serve a 6-million-gallons-per-day treatment plant, well in excess of the area’s average and peak-day demands. Due to the ample water supply and lack of any growth-based pressure, the capital improvement plan focuses largely on maintenance and rehabilitation projects.

SBCUD provides retail water service to a 150-square-mile service area with 500 miles of water line, providing water service to most areas on the periphery of South Blount County, which includes the Town of Louisville, and accounts for 30 percent of the county’s population. It operates five wastewater facilities within the area. SBCUD serves more than 14,500 customers and produces between 2.5 to 5 million gallons per day.

About South Blount County Utility District (SBCUD): SBCUD has provided reliable water service to the area since 1958. Its service has flourished into more than 14,500 homes, businesses and schools in Blount County, Friendsville and Louisville, which is approximately 30 percent of the county’s population. SBCUD’s service area covers 150 square miles and incorporates five decentralized wastewater systems. On overage, SBCUD customers use 3.5 million gallons of water each day. For more information, visit www.southblountutility.org.