News Summary

The City of Aiken Engineering & Utilities Department has issued boil water advisories due to significant water main breaks. Residents in affected areas are instructed to boil water used for consumption. The advisories affect several streets and approximately 110 customers, following a loss of water pressure that raises contamination risks. City officials emphasize the importance of adhering to safety measures until testing confirms the water’s safety. The recent breaks have prompted discussions about Aiken’s water supply infrastructure and the need for improved management and testing to prevent future incidents.

Aiken – The City of Aiken Engineering & Utilities Department has issued two boil water advisories following significant water main breaks that occurred early in the morning on March 11, 2025. Residents in the affected areas are advised to boil all water intended for consumption for at least one minute to ensure safety.

The advisories impact multiple streets, including Huntcliff Trail, Huntcliff Place, Ridgemont Drive, Buckhorn Road, Cozier Court, Hasty Road, Kelso Drive, Citation Drive, Hillsdale Drive, Equine Court, Ridan Way, Calumet Court, and Ponder Court. Approximately 30 customers are affected by a break located at 400 Huntcliff Point and Huntcliff Trail, and around 80 customers are impacted due to a separate break at 1677 Huntsman Drive.

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services mandates that a boil water advisory be issued in cases of confirmed loss of pressure within the water system, which raises the risk of bacterial contamination. As a precaution, Aiken’s boil water advisory will remain in effect until water quality testing confirms that it is safe to lift.

As part of its ongoing efforts to maintain safe drinking water, the city will promptly notify residents once the advisory is lifted. Meanwhile, residents have been encouraged to report any issues they encounter, such as water discoloration, using the City’s issue reporting form.

Infrastructure Concerns

The recent water main breaks have raised concerns regarding the condition of Aiken’s water supply infrastructure. Additional issues have been identified related to water main damage and rust, indicating a need for improved infrastructure management to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Currently, Aiken tests its drinking water once per year or less. However, the city does not conduct follow-up tests on water from water mains after occurrences of water hammer, a phenomenon that can cause sudden pressure changes and potentially impact water quality. This lack of comprehensive testing has led to ongoing concerns among residents regarding the overall safety of Aiken’s drinking water.

Community Response

In light of the advisories, city officials are working to ensure a swift resolution to restore safe drinking water to the community. There is a call for increased awareness and communication about the possible effects of water hammer and other infrastructure deficiencies that could pose risks in the future.

Residents are reminded to adhere to the boil water advisory guidelines strictly, as boiling water helps eliminate harmful bacteria or pathogens that may be present until testing confirms the water’s safety.

The city emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive concerning the quality of drinking water. By promptly communicating any irregularities or concerns to city officials, residents can help ensure a safer water supply for everyone.

As Aiken navigates these challenges, efforts will continue to address and mitigate issues within the water supply system, aiming to restore and ensure public confidence in the city’s water quality.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: City of Aiken Issues Boil Advisory
• Wikipedia: Boil Water Advisory
• Post and Courier: Aiken Water Main Breaks
• Google Search: Aiken Water Main Break
• WFXG: City of Aiken Issues Boil Water Advisory
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Supply
• WRDW: Multiple Boil Orders in Aiken County
• Google News: Water Infrastructure Aiken

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.