Aiken City Council addresses water quality concerns and invites public input on development

During the Aiken City Council meeting on July 14, 2025, community engagement and water quality issues took center stage, highlighting the city's commitment to addressing resident concerns.

City officials encouraged residents to participate in the ongoing development of the Unified Development Ordinance by visiting the city website or engaging with physical survey boards set up in the lobby. These boards, designed to be user-friendly, will remain available through August at various community centers, including Odell Weeks and Smith Hazel. City representatives emphasized the importance of public input in shaping local development policies.

In a separate discussion, the council addressed recent concerns regarding water discoloration that affected residents between June 24 and June 30. The mayor acknowledged that the city did not meet water service standards during this period, attributing the issues to high demand during hot weather and potential infrastructure challenges. To ensure transparency and improvement, the city plans to engage a third-party firm for a thorough review of the situation. Residents were urged to report any ongoing issues with discolored water to the city’s customer service.

Public comments during the meeting included strong criticism from local engineer Dr. Robert Lashear, who expressed concerns over the city's handling of the water quality crisis. He described the situation as a "grave injustice" and called for greater accountability from city officials. His remarks underscored the urgency of addressing public health and safety issues related to the water supply.

As the city moves forward, the council's focus on community input and proactive measures to improve water quality reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Aiken residents. The outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the city's future and addressing the pressing needs of its community.