Aiken County water plant upgrades could raise utility rates

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Major changes to the Horse Creek Water Treatment Plant in Aiken County could cause an increase to one of your utility bills.

The water treatment plant is expected to undergo $127 million worth of upgrades and expansion, which will impact the wastewater rates for residents.

The billing rate per thousand gallons is currently $2.73. The proposed increase will go up by $0.31 to $3.04 in FY26.

Increases in these operating costs are usually ed on from wholesale customers down to the individual s, according to Gary Bunker, chairman.

Aiken County school board increases millage rate with new budget

For the first time in more than a decade, Aiken County’s millage rate is set to increase.

Bunker tells us that no property tax revenues the Horse Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. It is ed primarily through the fees based on volume throughout.

“We’re really at that point, this is the largest project in Aiken’s history. Maybe not the largest inflation-adjusted. I think building a brand-new plant 50 years ago was probably more, but in raw dollars, this is definitely a big project,” said Bunker.

Council say that while the upgrades will increase residents’ water waste bills, their taxes won’t be impacted.

Both the City of Aiken and North Augusta will be able to slightly upcharge their residents for city maintenance and upkeep.

The council will meet again on Tuesday, June 3, for a second reading of the budget.

The finalized budget is due June 30.