Augusta, GA

Augusta lifts boil water advisory, creative ways Augustans collected water post-Helene

Published

1 year ago

October 5, 2024

Augusta lifts boil water advisory, creative ways Augustans collected water post-Helene

The City of Augusta on Friday night announced the boil water advisory was lifted for residents and businesses.

The Augusta Utilities Department lifted the boil water advisory, issued on Monday, noting comprehensive water testing confirmed the tap water meets all regulatory standards and is safe for human consumption, according to a news release.

Affected customers no longer need to boil water for drinking, cooking or making ice – but should flush their lines by opening the cold water faucet and letting the water run for two minutes, according to the release.

“We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience,” officials wrote in the release.

How Augustans coped without water

Many Augusta residents had to find alternative methods of gathering water in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Last week, reporters with The Chronicle watched as Ricardo Ramirez collected water in a trash bag from a street gutter on Aumond Road.

“This is the only way we can [get water], unless we go to the river, but that is too far away,” Ramirez said.

He explained that he was using the water to flush the toilet, but was walking to a nearby creek to bathe.

Aside from being out of water, a large tree crashed through the ceiling of his AirBnB, causing extensive interior damage.

“Our road was completely full of trees – everywhere,” Ramirez said. “A friend [who was in the house] was standing so close to where the tree came through the house, he almost died.”

He added it was difficult to get anywhere because his truck was blocked my fallen trees in his yard, and Augustans were hesitant to give him a ride to the grocery store to get drinking water.

“The Publix is open so we walked all the way there carrying our bags,” Ramirez said. “In Mexico, a lot of people offer [rides to others]. Not here. We are completely on our own.”

Anyone with questions or concerns about the lifted water advisory should contact 311 using the mobile app.

This story was updated to add a video.

Helene live updates from Augusta: Meet ‘Storm,’ an Augusta puppy growing up in the dark

Source link

Click to comment

Augusta, GA

Car crashes into Verizon store in Augusta, injuring 1. What happened?

Published

4 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Press Room

Car crashes into Verizon store in Augusta, injuring 1. What happened?

The Augusta Exchange became somewhat chaotic on Thursday.

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office reported Thursday on social media that a white Subaru Forester crashed into the front of a Verizon store after accelerating from the parking lot.

Where in Augusta was the Verizon car crash?

The Verizon store in question is located at 254 Robert C. Daniel Jr. Pkwy.

What caused the Verizon car crash in Augusta?

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but RCSO said the driver remained on the scene and has reportedly been cooperating with authorities.

Who was injured in Verizon car crash in Augusta?

A patron inside the store was injured. Emergency responders arrived on the scene, evaluated the patron, and the extent of the injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. No other injuries have been reported at this time.

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Augusta lays out road map for new grounds management department

Published

16 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Press Room

Augusta lays out road map for new grounds management department

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta’s city administrator presented commissioners Tuesday with a four-step plan to establish a new grounds management system with a target launch date of Jan. 1.

The administrator told commissioners the first phase of the plan — preparation — is already complete. That step included gathering budget information from involved departments, meeting with department heads, drafting job descriptions for new positions, and building a draft budget based on existing city spending.

Five-month evaluation phase begins this spring

Starting in March, the administrator’s team will begin a service model evaluation running through July. That phase includes hiring a new department director, appointing a temporary transition lead, mapping mowing routes using GIS technology, and meeting with city crews, contractors, and community members.

Transition phase set for fall

By August, the focus shifts to a transition period that includes re-bidding contracts, finalizing staff assignments, and developing a public education campaign. The goal is to have new contracts in place by Jan. 1.

New department set to launch Jan. 1

That is when the Augusta Grounds Management Department officially opens, with new personnel, new equipment, and new contracts in place.

Commissioners received the update on Tuesday. The administrator’s team is expected to move into phase two next month.

City leaders have said overgrown grass is among the top complaints they receive.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Rory McIlroy's menu for the Masters taps into Northern Ireland, New York and the Augusta wine cellar

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2026

Press Room

Rory McIlroy’s menu for the Masters taps into Northern Ireland, New York and the Augusta wine cellarBy DOUG FERGUSONAP Golf WriterThe Associated PressRory McIlroy has spared no detail — or no expense — for his menu at the Masters Club dinner. The defending Masters champion is the host of the

Source link