Aiken residents confront city council over brown water contamination concerns

Aiken City Council is facing increasing scrutiny over the city's water quality issues, particularly concerning the recent brown water complaints linked to water hammers. During the council meeting on July 14, 2025, a resident raised alarms about the connection between water hammers and the rising number of water main breaks and brown water incidents in Aiken. The resident claimed that these water hammers not only contribute to lead contamination but also pose health risks by potentially spreading infectious diseases through the drinking water.

The resident criticized the city's previous explanations for the brown water, which attributed the problem to high water usage during hot weather, arguing that this was misleading. They emphasized that the significant brown water issues experienced this year were not consistent with the conditions of the previous year, suggesting that operational failures within the Aiken water system were to blame.

In response to the concerns, the city manager acknowledged the need for a thorough investigation and mentioned that a third-party firm would be hired to assess the situation. However, the resident expressed frustration over their offer to assist in evaluating the water hammer issue being declined, raising questions about transparency in the city's handling of water quality concerns.

Another resident, Becky Phillips, expressed her support for the council and highlighted the importance of the new water treatment plant, indicating a community desire for improvements in water safety and quality.

As the city moves forward, the implications of these discussions are significant. The council's commitment to addressing water quality issues and the planned investigation could lead to crucial changes in how Aiken manages its water system, ultimately aiming to restore public trust and ensure the safety of drinking water for all residents.