AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta Utilities has announced a temporary water service interruption due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

According to Augusta Utilities, the water outage is expected to impact all of Augusta-Richmond County and service is expected to be restored within 24 to 48 hours.

Augusta Utilities held a press conference in downtown Augusta Sunday morning to make the announcement.

Officials say so Trash and debris caused by Hurricane Helene blocked the ability to pump water.

“We had issues with the power outages, and the real trigger was the amount of trash, debris and aquatic vegetation in the canal,” said Wes Byne, director of Augusta Utilities. “There were so many sediments in the water that we could no longer keep it clean.”

This came after Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson said at a press conference on Saturday that it was absolutely not true that the city of Augusta or neighboring Columbia County would ban people from using the water.

Fire Chief Antonio Burden of Augusta Fire/EMA said: “We are working around the clock to repair the damage and maintain water supplies for emergency services. We are also establishing temporary water sources to provide support until full operations are restored.”

According to the release, Augusta Utilities says its top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

Other requests:

• The cities of Girard, Vidette and Waynesboro are calling for water conservation. If you need water, bring clean containers with lids and go to Burke County Emergency Management Agency stations on Spring Branch Church Road, Hephzibah-Keysville Road, Highway 305 in Gough, Story Mill Road, Highway 56 South between Waynesboro and Midville and to EMA headquarters in Waynesboro. Water is available at these stations from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  
• The Allendale Water Department has released these daily tips for saving water indoors and outdoors, including turning off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving, reducing the amount of dishwashing you do and only using washing machines with a full load.
  
• Edgefield County Water and Sewer encourages all customers to conserve water according to Helene. All facilities are currently running on generator power, but fuel supplies are currently limited. Please use water only for cooking, bathing and bathroom use.
  
• The New Ellenton Commission of Public Works is asking customers to conserve water until power is restored. This will help the utility conserve the water currently in the tanks.
  
• The Montmorenci-Couchton Water & Sewer District is also calling for water conservation. Without power, the utility cannot operate its wells to pump water back into the tanks.
  
• Jackson’s water system lost pressure, and officials on Saturday called for water to be boiled before service is resumed until further notice.
  

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.