Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority ‘Working Well’

Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) treats and delivers drinking water to retail customers and Lowcountry residents. They operate three water systems in Beaufort and Jasper counties and have about 165 employees. BJWSA joined the Working Well initiative in October of 2012 as one of the eight Lowcountry businesses. A recent site visit by a S.C. Hospital Association’s Working Well Program, Eat Smart Move More Lowcountry and BJWSA Wellness Committee and upper-level management representatives indicate that BJWSA is laying the groundwork to build a robust and comprehensive wellness initiative that will dramatically shift the culture of their organization towards a focus on employee wellness.

In addition to their smoke-free policy, BJWSA is making strides to create a delicious, affordable, and healthy food environment. They currently have a community supported agriculture (CSA) program in place called the “organic farm box,” in which participants receive fresh produce weekly from a farm in Georgia. BJWSA also provides fresh fruits in their break rooms, as well as healthy, sugar-free beverages. Water fountains are also located throughout the facilities – a great way to encourage employees to consume more water.

BJWSA already has a lot in place to provide access to and opportunity for physical activity during the workday. They are currently in the process of creating a 1-mile walking trail, marked with signage, at their administrative site. We suggested creating maps of the trail to promote it to employees. Encouraging walking meetings is another great way to increase use of the trail! There is also a locker room and shower on site which makes physical activity at work more accessible for employees. BJWSA also provides their employees with a gym membership discount and has provided free pedometers in the past.