City of Aiken Hydrant Flow Testing Has Been Completed

By Press releases submission

Jul 26, 2022

Effective Tuesday, July 12, 2022, the City of Aiken Engineering and Utilities Department (COAE&U) will utilize a contractor to conduct hydrant flow testing.

Hydrant flushing is necessary to test the hydrants to ensure adequate water flow and pressure are available. Flushing also removes sediment from the pipes to maintain water clarity and quality.

Testing will conclude on July 14, 2022, however, some hydrants may be intentionally left open to continue flushing water lines for approximately 24-48 hours. This additional flushing minimizes the impact to customers and expedites a regular flow of water in the system. The public is asked to not tamper with any hydrants, as this will cause unnecessary interruption to and delay of this critical service.

COAE&U advises that during the hydrant flushing process, customers may experience water discoloration and/or fluctuations in water pressure. If a customer notices these water issues, COAE&U recommends running exterior faucets, baths/showers, and/or utility sinks for 15-20 minutes to help clear the lines on the customer side of the water meter. It is recommended to avoid washing clothes until the water clears.

If discoloration persists after completing the recommended steps, please contact the City Water Treatment Plant at 803.642.7629 for assistance. This help line is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A helpful resource for those experiencing water issues is available at https://coa.page/p8pf.

COAE&U conducts hydrant flow testing to ensure compliance with South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control water quality monitoring regulations.

Updates on the hydrant flushing can be found at https://www.cityofaikensc.gov/hydrantflushing and on social media @cityofaikensc. A map and list of street names involved are attached to this release.

The City of Aiken appreciates the public’s cooperation during this critical maintenance of the City’s water system. Please call 803-642-7629 to report any issues or concerns.