City of Aiken Engineering & Utilities Department

04/15/2026

The City of Aiken Engineering & Utilities Department is issuing a traffic advisory for Thursday, April 16, 2026. The right northbound lane of Whiskey Road near Dougherty Road will be closed from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to allow City crews to repair a leaking water main.

Drivers are urged to use caution in the area and seek an alternate route if possible.

04/13/2026

The City of Aiken Engineering and Utilities Department announces that hydrant flushing will take place in the east, west, and central areas of the City (see yellow highlighted area on the attached map) on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, beginning at approximately 6:00 a.m.

This routine flushing is part of scheduled system maintenance to ensure reliable water pressure and proper operation of the fire hydrant system. The process is expected to take about one week to complete.

There are no anticipated impacts to overall water volume or supply. Minor water pressure fluctuations may occur but should be minimal. Any temporary water discoloration should be limited and short‑lived.

Please do not tamper with or attempt to close any active fire hydrants.

For questions or to report issues during this process, contact the City of Aiken Water Plant at 803‑642‑7629. For non‑emergency concerns that do not require immediate response, issues may also be submitted through the City’s ‘Report an Issue’ portal at: https://edoc.cityofaikensc.gov/Forms/ReportAnIssue

04/11/2026

TRAFFIC ADVISORY – EXTENDED APRIL 15 - APRIL 16
City of Aiken Engineering & Utilities Department

The City of Aiken Engineering and Utilities Department will perform work to install a new sewer service tap at 115 Laurens St NW

Work hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.

Traffic & Parking Impacts:
• The right southbound lane on Laurens Street, between Barnwell Avenue NW and Richland Avenue West, will be closed during work hours.
• Parking on the southbound side of Laurens Street will be impacted in the project area.
• Drivers should expect minor delays and are urged to use caution and follow posted signage.

We appreciate the public’s patience as this essential infrastructure work is completed.

01/31/2026

Here are a few reminders about our exciting *potentially* historic incoming weather event. ☃️

PLEASE stay off of roadways once (if) snow starts falling. First Responders are likely going to be busy if it snows - don't be that looky-loo that ends up stranded or hurt in the cold. No one wants that.

Please only dial 911 for emergencies. Use one of the following non-emergency numbers if needed.

WHO TO CALL
- Non-Emergency Aiken County Calls ( Aiken County Sheriff's Office ): 803-642-1761
- Non-Emergency Aiken City Calls ( City of Aiken, South Carolina Government Department of Public Safety ): 803-642-7620

PREPAREDNESS
- Charge your cell phones, dig your batteries and flashlights back out of storage, and prep that generator you *hopefully* didn't return after last weekend's ice-agedden.

- It is going to be very cold. Pull out some blankets and warm clothing, check that your outside pipes are insulated, and bring in pets and cold-sensitive plants. Blocking off rooms can help keep most of your heat where you are. Never heat your home with your stove and make sure your space heaters remain a safe distance from flammable items. DO NOT burn grills or firepits in your home - that is a BIG NO NO, bro. 🙅‍♀️

- If you lose power, call YOUR POWER COMPANY or report it online.

- Get your SC Winter Weather Guide at SCEMD.org

- Sign up for CodeRed emergency notifications at https://tinyurl.com/AikenDEM

01/30/2026

01/25/2026

Cold Weather Reminder: Protect Your Water Service

With colder weather on the way, the City of Aiken Engineering and Utilities Department encourages residents to prepare now—especially by making sure you know how to shut off water to your home if needed.

01/24/2026

01/23/2026

Here is a timeline for the incoming winter storm based on the latest trends. The main window for ice accumulation from freezing rain comes overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning, where the greatest impacts are expected mainly north of the I-20 corridor.

01/22/2026

Cold Weather Reminder: Protect Your Water Service
With colder weather coming, now is the time to prepare—and to make sure you know how to shut off water to your home.

During extreme cold events, even things that don’t usually freeze can freeze, including water meters, which may restrict or stop water flow.

Important Safety Reminder:
Do NOT use open flames (torches, lighters, etc.) to thaw pipes or meters. This can cause serious injury, damage to pipes, and fire risk.

Helpful Tip:
Letting a faucet drip can help reduce freezing risk, but it may not prevent all freezing, especially in unheated areas or exposed pipes.

Signs of a Burst or Frozen Pipe
A burst pipe isn’t always obvious right away—watch for:
1. Sudden low water pressure
2. Water running sounds when nothing is on
3. Damp spots on walls or ceilings
4. Soft, warped, or spongy flooring
5. Unexplained increase in your water bill

What To Do Right Away
1. Shut off your main water valve to prevent further damage (Locate your home shutoff before temperatures drop)
2. If water is near outlets or appliances, turn off power at the breaker
3. Open faucets to drain the system and relieve pressure
4. Remove standing water quickly to reduce mold risk (Towels or wet/dry vacuum for minor flooding, Call restoration professionals if flooding is significant)
5. Call a licensed plumber for repairs and restoration assistance if needed

If you believe the issue may involve the water meter or service line, contact us right away: 803-642-7617 or After Hours: 803-642-7620