News Summary
Aiken County residents will experience an increase in utility bills due to significant upgrades at the Horse Creek Water Treatment Plant. The $127 million project, the largest in the county’s history, aims to enhance water capacity significantly. The upgrades are essential to meet growing demands from population and industrial growth. Consequently, the wholesale wastewater treatment rate will rise by 11%. This decision will impact residents differently based on their local water districts. The project is expected to be completed by 2029.
Aiken County Residents Face Utility Rate Hike
Aiken County residents will see an increase in their utility bills due to significant upgrades at the Horse Creek Water Treatment Plant. The upgrades, which are expected to cost approximately $127 million, mark the largest single-cost project in the county’s history.
Details of the Upgrades
The improvements at the Horse Creek Water Treatment Plant will enhance its capacity by 6 million gallons, expanding its total capacity to 26 million gallons per day. This expansion aims to meet the growing demands for water due to rising population and industrial growth in the region. Currently, Aiken County’s wastewater throughput stands at about 12 million gallons per day, prompting the need for this upgrade.
Impact on Utility Rates
The wholesale rate for wastewater treatment will increase from $2.73 to $3.04 per 1,000 gallons, which represents an 11% hike. Consequently, the decision regarding how these costs will be passed on to individual residents will depend on the actions of respective cities and water districts within Aiken County. Aiken County sells its wastewater capacity to the cities of Aiken and North Augusta, which will contribute to how these costs are managed at the local level.
Timeline and Budget Approval
The extensive project is expected to be finalized by 2029. The county council plans to conduct its third and final reading of the budget in the second week of June, with a decision anticipated no later than June 30. It is important to note that funding for the upgrades will come from user fees based on water usage and not through property taxes.
Reasons for the Upgrades
The improvements at the Horse Creek Water Treatment Plant are essential to accommodate the anticipated population growth, particularly in North Augusta, where the population is projected to potentially double in the next 20 years—from 23,000 to around 50,000 residents. These upgrades are necessary to support this growth and ensure that adequate wastewater management is in place.
Concerns Among Council Members
Council members have voiced concerns about potential inequities in how the rate increases will impact residents across different areas of the county. There is an understanding that the changes may not affect residents who utilize septic systems or are not connected to the county’s wastewater services, leaving them outside the scope of these new rates and upgrades.
Conclusion
As Aiken County embarks on this significant project to upgrade its water treatment infrastructure, residents can expect changes to their utility bills in the near future. With the completion of these upgrades, the county aims to enhance its capacity to serve an evolving population, making these changes pivotal for community growth and sustainability.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Utility Bills in Aiken County Expected to Increase Soon
- Google Search: Aiken County utility bills increase
- WFXG: Aiken County Utility Bills Expected to Go Up
- Google Scholar: Aiken County utility rate hike
- Post and Courier: Aiken City Council Water, Sewer, Stormwater Increases
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aiken County
- WRDW: Aiken Breaks Ground on New Water Treatment Plant
- Google News: Aiken County water treatment plant
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
