News Summary

The City of Aiken is dealing with troubling water quality issues, including reports of brown water from taps, exacerbated by high demand and infrastructure challenges. Residents have raised concerns about potential health risks and the city’s inability to meet regulatory standards. Despite a recent decline in complaints, city officials are investigating the root causes and planning future solutions, including a new water treatment plant and a flushing program to enhance water quality. Local businesses are feeling the impact, facing increased costs due to the crisis.

City of Aiken Faces Water Quality Concerns Amid Record Demand and Infrastructure Upgrades

The City of Aiken, South Carolina, is grappling with significant water quality issues, highlighted by disturbing reports of brown water emerging from residents’ taps. These concerns surged to public attention during a recent city council meeting, where numerous residents expressed their distress regarding the unsatisfactory conditions of the local water supply.

Residents first reported the alarming water discoloration starting on June 24, 2025. City officials, including City Manager Stuart Bendenbaugh, indicated that the excessive water demand, particularly during the ongoing hot weather, might have significantly contributed to the murkiness observed in the municipal water system. Concerns were amplified by residents like Robert Leishear, who worried that a recent water main break could have been triggered by intense water pressure, specifically a phenomenon known as “water hammer.” This type of pressure surge poses risks of potential health hazards, including contamination from harmful substances such as E. coli and lead.

Despite these serious issues, city officials have reported a recent decline in brown water complaints, with almost no incidents noted in the past few days. The city is actively consulting an independent third party to investigate the underlying causes and develop strategies to prevent future pipeline breaches.

Bendenbaugh admitted that the city’s water service has failed to meet regulatory standards and announced plans to enlist another firm to conduct an after-action review of the situation. Residents experiencing brown water are encouraged to report these issues promptly by calling 803-642-7629.

In light of the ongoing water quality issues, several downtown restaurants in Aiken have temporarily closed or restricted their menus, informing customers they could not utilize tap water for cooking or dishwashing. Business owners have openly expressed frustration regarding the lack of timely warnings about potential water quality disruptions caused by the surge in water use and the ongoing pipeline improvements.

Addressing the pressing need for a long-term remedy, city officials are planning to construct a larger water treatment plant, which is anticipated to be operational by 2027. Additionally, the city is launching a unidirectional flushing program, set to commence on July 21, 2025, and continue until August 8, 2025. This program aims to enhance the cleanliness of older parts of the water system by flushing out mineral deposits, biofilm, and sediment through high-velocity water flow.

To enhance communication with residents, digital marquees have been installed around the city to provide updates regarding maintenance schedules and ongoing efforts to resolve the water quality issues. Bendenbaugh noted that the city’s four water treatment plants are currently functioning at full capacity to meet the increased demand.

The unresolved water quality problems have led to considerable financial challenges for local businesses, many of which have resorted to purchasing bottled water and disposable items to ensure continuity in their operations. This added expense has only compounded the strain on local enterprises in an already challenging economic climate.

As the situation evolves, residents and business owners are advocating for improved communication strategies and a proactive warning system to manage potential future disruptions effectively. The city is under scrutiny as it works towards ensuring a safe and reliable drinking water supply for all its residents.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Aiken County School Board Approves Major Construction Projects
Aiken Sees Decline in Discolored Tap Water Complaints
Aiken Reports Decrease in Discolored Tap Water Complaints
Aiken Reports Decrease in Discolored Tap Water Complaints
Exploring Affordable Retirement Options in Aiken, SC
Aiken Residents Face Water Discoloration Concerns
Aiken’s Housing Development Debate: Balancing Growth and Community Identity
Aiken County Issues Boil Water Advisory Following Water Service Disruptions
South Carolina Declares State of Emergency Amid Wildfire Crisis

Additional Resources

• WFXG: Brown Water Concerns Continue in the City of Aiken
• Wikipedia: Water Quality
• Aiken Standard: City to Begin Unidirectional Flushing of Water System July 21
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Contamination
• WRDW: Safety Alert – What to Know About Discolored Water in 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.