Augusta, GA
Leaders want you to conserve water, but they say rumors about shutoffs aren’t true
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Leaders in Augusta and other communities grappling with recovery from Hurricane Helene are urging people to conserve water – but they disavow rumors going around that they’ll shut off water use after a certain hour.
The rumors of water shutoff took flight Saturday, apparently fueled by social media.
That led Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson to make a statement at a news conference that the rumor was not true.
The rumor was perhaps fueled by a mixture of a curfew that’s been ordered as well as a request to conserve water.
But Johnson said at a news conference Saturday that it’s absolutely not true that either the city of Augusta or neighboring Columbia County will cut off water use for people.
He said it’s true that city officials are asking the public to conserve water.
And it’s true that in some cases utility workers have to isolate some water mains long enough to repair them, though that’s hard because of all the uprooted trees.
But the city is working to provide as much water as possible, he said.
Despite that claim, News 12 has gotten phone calls from viewers in south Augusta who complain that their water flow is down to a trickle, if that.
Requests for water conservation are being made by communities across the CSRA as widespread electrical outages continue. That’s electricity that normally pumps water from wells and refills water tanks.
Leaders want to keep water tanks as full as possible to meet demand, so they are asking people not to water their yards and to otherwise conserve water.
Among the requests:
- The cities of Girard, Vidette and Waynesboro request that water be conserved. If you need water, bring clean containers with lids and go to Burke County Emergency Management Agency stations at Spring Branch Church Road, Hephzibah-Keysville Road, Highway 305 in Gough, Story Mill Road, Highway 56 South between Waynesboro and Midville, and EMA headquarters in Waynesboro. Water is available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at these stations.
- The Allendale Water Department posted these tips on how to conserve water on a daily basis both inside and out, including turning off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving, reducing flushing and using washing machines for full loads only.
- The Edgefield County Water and Sewer is asking all customers to conserve water in the aftermath of Helene. All facilities are currently operating on generator power, but fuel supplies are limited at this time. Please use water for cooking, bathing and bathroom use only.
- The New Ellenton Commission of Public Works asks its customers to conserve water until power is restored. This will help the utility conserve water that’s currently in the tanks.
- Also asking for conservation of water is the Montmorenci-Couchton Water & Sewer District. Without power, the utility can’t operate its wells to pump water back into the tanks.
- The water system lost pressure in Jackson, and officials on Saturday asked that when service resumes, boil water before consuming it until further notice.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.
Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.
While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.
Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.
The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.
As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.
The following individuals were indicted:
(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)
- Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta, charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.
Drought-fueled wildfires burn across Georgia, Florida
Wildfires in Georgia and Florida have forced evacuations, road closures and burn bans as the drought-fueled fires burn thousands of acres.
Two large wildfires burning in south Georgia were now 90% contained, as of Wednesday, after consuming about 54,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
The Pineland Road Fire has burned 32,575 acres. The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres.
However, fuel conditions remain extremely dry, officials said. Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations.
Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, worked on the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, which is still about 22,000 acres. Suppression costs are estimated to exceed $18.3 million.
“The rain put out the active flame on that fire,” Hawkins said. “However, there’s still that deep layer, that organic material, burning, and hot spots can still flare up as soon as humidity drops.”
Hawkins said 166 people are still working hot spots on the Highway 82 fire, setting up sprinkler systems where needed.
As of May 12, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted, but the Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban remains in place. Many counties may still have local ordinances. Georgia residents are encouraged to check with their county before burning.
The state remains in an extreme drought.
“It’s just unique down there because of all that organic fuel,” Hawkins said. “And when it dries out, it’s very susceptible to ignition. It’s going to be a long, hot, dry summer. We’re telling folks to keep their guard up and be safe with campfires and debris burning.”
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.
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