In Richmond County, workers are installing a 60-inch pipeline connecting the filter plant on Highland Avenue to the Augusta Canal. The pipeline will supply raw water to the plant, which can handle 40 million gallons per day. It replaces a smaller line, said Jim Rush, a civil engineer for Augusta's Public Works Department. That won't happen with this raw-water main. This is technologically the best pipe we could put in.
Officials hope to have the line operational in a few weeks.
That's about the same time-frame Richmond County residents should expect water restrictions. Mayor Bob Young said the preliminary plan is to start them the week before Memorial Day, May 29. Augusta Utilities Director Max Hicks said the restrictions, if approved, would be modeled after Columbia County's. Meanwhile, weather watchers are keeping a close eye on this summer. If the drought continues, it would be the third consecutive year.