News Summary

Aiken County is set to increase wastewater rates for residents due to a significant $127 million upgrade to the Horse Creek Water Treatment Plant, the largest investment in county history. This rate hike, essential for necessary renovations, will affect residents within city limits and aim to align charges with actual utility usage. The county’s budget reading is scheduled for June 3, with a finalized budget expected by June 30. Additionally, construction of a $70 million water treatment plant is underway to address the growing demand for clean drinking water.

Aiken County is set to experience an increase in wastewater rates for residents, primarily affecting those living within the city limits. This change is attributed to a major upgrade and expansion of the Horse Creek Water Treatment Plant, which will cost approximately $127 million. This initiative is underscored as the largest single-cost project in the history of Aiken County.

Aiken County Chairman Gary Bunker has acknowledged the significance of the project, emphasizing its scale in terms of raw dollars. The upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility are essential, as it has reportedly been neglected for decades and now requires substantial renovations and enhancements. As a result, improvements at the plant will increase wastewater bills for residents, although this rate hike will not affect property taxes.

The proposed rate changes come amid discussions about ensuring that charges align with actual utility usage, thereby promoting water conservation. Councilman Landon Ball highlighted the need for an equitable fee structure, while raising concerns over how the implementation of slight upcharges for city maintenance and upkeep, particularly for the City of Aiken and North Augusta, might differ in fairness across local governments. Councilmember P.K. Hightower expressed concerns that North Augusta could potentially benefit more from the new rates in contrast to other areas within Aiken County.

North Augusta is preparing for increased population growth, with projections suggesting that its population could double within the next two decades. This demographic shift underscores the necessity of upgrading the wastewater treatment infrastructure to accommodate future growth and support incoming industry.

Aiken County’s council is scheduled to hold a second reading of the budget on June 3, with a finalized budget that reflects these changes expected by June 30.

In a related development, the City of Aiken has initiated the construction of a new $70 million water treatment plant, aimed at supplying clean drinking water to the city and its surrounding areas. This facility will replace an aging infrastructure that has faced significant maintenance challenges, including failing concrete and outdated piping.

The new water treatment plant is designed to have the capacity to pump up to 8 million gallons of water during peak usage times, addressing the growing demand for clean water within the region. Construction for this facility is projected to take approximately 2½ years, with the plant anticipated to be operational by early 2027.

Financing for the new water treatment plant will include a $10 million grant and $30 million in low-interest loans, along with a bond issue to cover the remaining costs. The design for this project was carried out by Goodwin Mills Cawood, while Harper Construction has been contracted for its construction.

As Aiken County embarks on these significant infrastructure improvements, residents are encouraged to prepare for the impending changes in wastewater rates, which are integral to modernizing essential public services.

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Author: hereaiken