Aiken City Council Receives Updates on New Water Treatment Facility
AIKEN, S.C. – The city of Aiken is making significant strides towards improving its water treatment facilities. During a recent City Council meeting, project managers provided updates on plans for a new facility intended to replace the aging plant that has been in use for over 70 years.
Progress on Construction Plans
City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh emphasized the importance of this project for the local community, saying, “This is going to be something that the community over the next 50-75 years is going to grow, and we have to be cognizant of that and keep pace.”
During the council meeting, representatives from Goodwyn Mills & Cawood reported on the progress made since April. Back then, leaders discussed obtaining the five necessary permits for construction. As of now, the project has successfully secured permits from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
According to project representative Tony Reid, there are still two permits needed: an Encroachment Permit from Santee Cooper and Site Building and NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permits from Aiken County. These applications have been submitted, and the team is now waiting on responses.
Features of the New Facility
The newly proposed water treatment facility is designed to be more efficient and will include several important features. It will incorporate a chemical building, upgrades to the dam and pumping station, and enhanced storage space. Additionally, the plan includes a new utility building, which Reid highlighted as crucial for boosting employee morale. “What we’re going to be able to do is provide a facility that allows the city staff a place that they feel confident coming to work,” he said.
The project is being financed through a combination of funds. Bedenbaugh reported that the city received a substantial $10 million grant from the state of South Carolina, along with a $27 million low-interest loan from the state’s Rural Infrastructure Authority. Furthermore, the city has issued bonds totaling approximately $32 million. These funds will be repaid over the next 30 years, which aligns well with the expected lifespan of the new facility.
Increased Water Treatment Capacity
One key benefit of this new facility is its ability to significantly boost the city’s water treatment capacity. Once completed, the facility will treat up to 8 million gallons of water per day, an increase from the current capacity of 5 million gallons per day. This enhancement aims to improve access to clean drinking water for local residents.
Reid voiced his enthusiasm for the impact of this project, noting, “It’s one of the things that got me into the water industry, because not everybody has access to safe drinking water across the world.” The new plant will incorporate state-of-the-art technology designed to improve efficiency in both water treatment and energy usage.
Looking Ahead
The timeline for the project looks promising. The team aims to receive all necessary permits by the end of September, after which they are ready to break ground. Construction is expected to take around two years, positioning the completion of the new facility by the end of 2026.
As Aiken prepares for this significant infrastructure upgrade, the community is looking forward to the benefits that the new water treatment facility will bring for generations to come.
