News Summary
Aiken, S.C. is experiencing a notable drop in complaints regarding discolored tap water, primarily due to sediment disturbances. City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh has reported significant improvements, with many residents noting that their water is clear once more. The discoloration was linked to maintenance activities and high temperatures that stirred sediment in the aging system. City officials continue to reassure residents about water safety and have initiated flushing efforts to resolve remaining issues, alongside plans for a new water treatment plant set to be completed in 2027.
Aiken, S.C. is reporting a decline in complaints regarding discolored tap water, which has primarily manifested as brown water due to sediment disruption. This positive trend follows the city’s ongoing water system flushing efforts aimed at alleviating the issues encountered by residents.
City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh indicated that reports of discolored water have sharply diminished, with only a few complaints logged in recent days. Many residents have noted that their water has returned to a clear state, a welcome relief for those affected in the past week.
The discoloration issues surfaced nearly a week ago and have been attributed to several contributing factors. Among these are the replacement of a key valve in the city’s water system, maintenance activities at the water treatment plant, and a scheduled shutdown of a water main on U.S. Highway 1. Additionally, the high temperatures experienced recently have created excess pressure within the water system, leading to further sediment disturbance.
Bedenbaugh has clarified that despite the discoloration, the water remains safe for consumption, and there is currently no boil water advisory in effect. Residents had raised particular concerns about the quality of water in specific areas, including the Farmers Market corridor and the Whiskey Road corridor, where an uptick in complaints was observed.
To mitigate the impacts of the discolored water, city officials have advised residents to avoid using the discolored water for washing clothes or other household tasks. The city is prioritizing the flushing of hydrants to eliminate sediment remnants and is actively encouraging residents to report any ongoing water quality issues through the city’s official website.
Significant challenges arose when all four of Aiken’s water treatment plants operated simultaneously, which inadvertently stirred sediment from pipes that are over a century old. In response to these issues, city officials are implementing a long-term solution that includes the construction of a new water treatment plant, expected to better meet the community’s future water needs. The completion of this new facility is projected for 2027.
Additionally, a strategic flushing program is set to commence by the end of July. This initiative aims to prevent similar water quality issues in the future and will involve thorough assessments of the older piping systems for potential repairs.
Residents affected by the flushing program will receive notifications regarding any impacts in their areas towards the end of July. These proactive measures are a response to the recent concerns voiced by the community and showcase the city’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and clear water to its residents.
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Additional Resources
- WJBF: Reports of Discolored Water Throughout City of Aiken, S.C.
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
- WRDW: Aiken Officials Say Water Discoloration is Gradually Clearing Up
- Google Search: Discolored Water Aiken South Carolina
- WFXG: Aiken Continues Flushing Water System
- Google Scholar: Water Quality Aiken South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Discolored Water in City of Aiken Hydrants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Quality
- MSN: Safety Alert: What to Know About Discolored Water in Aiken
- Google News: Aiken Discolored Water
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.
