Augusta, GA
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
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
-
Wyoming11 minutes ago$1 million Wyoming home sale among the week’s top property transfers
-
Crypto14 minutes agoIreland Targets Crypto Assets in New Strategy to Disrupt Illicit Cash Flows
-
Finance19 minutes agoFinancial adviser warns, ‘stay away from the hype’ of an IPO
-
Fitness26 minutes agoThe Best Fitness Trackers for Your Lifestyle, Workouts, and Goals
-
Movie Reviews34 minutes ago‘Finnegan’s Foursome’ Review: Edward Burns’ Spiky-Quaint Sports Dramedy Is a Tale of Family Therapy Through Golf
-
World44 minutes ago‘X-Men’ Star Famke Janssen Says Marvel ‘Made a Mistake’ By Not Asking Her to Return as Jean Grey in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
-
Lifestyle1 hour agoJames Burrows, director of classic shows ‘Cheers’ and ‘Friends,’ dies at 85
-
Technology2 hours agoNothing cancels this year’s CMF phone due to RAM prices
