Aiken City Council Advances Plans for New Water Treatment Facility to Enhance Water Supply

Aiken City Council Receives Updates on New Water Treatment Facility

Aiken, South Carolina, is taking substantial steps towards enhancing its water supply systems as the city council receives important updates on a new water treatment facility project. The current facility has been in operation for over 70 years and is becoming outdated. City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh emphasized the necessity of modernizing the facility, 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.”

Progress on the Project

During a city council meeting, project managers shared their latest progress on the construction plans for the new facility. City leaders last received an update in April, and since that time, the focus has been on securing five essential permits required to kick-start construction.

Tony Reid, a representative from Goodwyn Mills & Cawood, reported that the city has successfully obtained permits from critical government bodies, including the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the South Carolina Department of Transportation. Reid added, “The majority of the permits are obtained, and we’re waiting on two that have been submitted but are still pending response.”

Permit Status

The two outstanding permits include an Encroachment Permit from Santee Cooper, as well as Site Building and NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Permits from Aiken County. The project aims to provide an upgraded facility that can adequately meet the water demands of the growing population.

New Facilities and Features

The proposed water treatment facility will include a chemical building, modifications to the dam and pumping station, additional storage space, and a new utility building. Reid highlighted the importance of providing a workplace that city staff can be proud of, commenting, “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.” This is seen as a way to foster a positive work environment.

Financial Aspects

The overall cost of the project is expected to be around $66 million. Funding comes from various sources, including a $10 million grant from the state of South Carolina, a $27 million low-interest loan from the state’s Rural Infrastructure Authority, and approximately $32 million worth of bonds that have been issued.

Bedenbaugh provided clarity on how the repayment will be managed, stating, “We will be paying those bonds back—along with the loan—over the next 30 years, which is well within the life cycle of the plant.” This structured financial plan aims to ensure that the city can maintain its water infrastructure sustainably.

Future Capacity and Benefits

Once completed, the new facility will significantly increase the city’s ability to treat 8 million gallons of water per day, which is an upgrade from the current capacity of 5 million gallons per day. This upgrade is vital for ensuring that residents have better access to clean drinking water.

Reid expressed his motivation for working in the water industry, stating, “Not everybody has access to safe drinking water across the world.” He explained that the new facility will not only be more efficient in treating water but will also improve energy management and system monitoring.

Looking Ahead

Bedenbaugh reinforced the significance of this project, saying, “This plant is going to be state-of-the-art, and will meet our needs for providing water to our service area for decades to come.” The city is aiming to secure all necessary permits by the end of September 2024. Once all permits are in hand, the groundbreaking can proceed, followed by a construction period that is expected to last for about two years. If all goes as planned, the new facility is projected to be completed by late 2026.