City of Aiken conducts fire hydrant flushing to check flow and pressure
Jan. 8—AIKEN — The city of Aiken conducted hydrant flushing beginning Jan. 4 to test volume and pressure.
The flushes were not linked to episodes of water discoloration that occurred in the summer of 2025, said Thomas Parrott, city engineer.
Flushing and testing are required for certification related to the city’s fire services by the International Organization for Standardization, he said.
“We just have to make sure they do what they’re supposed to do whenever we need them to,” Parrott said.
Each of the city’s more than 3,000 hydrants must be “touched twice a year” to confirm they are in working order and for painting and maintenance of the valves, he said.
Parrott said the procedure would take all year, moving from zone to zone across the city.
More information about flushing is available on the city’s website.
“There is no anticipated impact on overall water volume or supply. Minor fluctuations in water pressure may occur, but are expected to be minimal. Any water discoloration should be limited and temporary,” the website states.
The website will also display a map of each area where hydrant flushing is to take place.
If residents need to report any issues during this process, or “have any questions, including about water quality or quantity, please contact the water department,” Parrott said.
The number is 803-642-7629.
The City’s online Report an Issue portal is available at: https://edoc.cityofaikensc.gov/Forms/ReportAnIssue.
Later in the year, the city will conduct a one-way flush of parts of the water system. The annual maintenance procedure uses high-pressure water to clean and scrub pipes, releasing effluent from fire hydrants.
It was carried out in the city center last year and will be extended beyond the city center this year.
The first step will be to evaluate the valves in March and April in two areas surrounding the city center. A pilot flush is scheduled to take place in April, providing information for the design of flush sequences in the territories referred to as Phase Two and Phase Three.
The phase two territory extends west, north and east of downtown and includes USC Aiken, Aiken Heights, Kalmia Landing, Kalmia Hills, Six Points, Balltown, Crosland Park and the neighborhood east of Schofield Middle School.
The phase three territory is located south of downtown and north of Pine Log Road. It includes Foxchase, Westwood, Aiken Estates, Conger Woods, Virginia Acres, Forest Heights, Dunbarton Oaks and Gatewood.
Phase two of the flush should take place in October and November, phase three in November and December.
