Columbia County Begins Pipeline Cleaning To Fix Discolored Water

Columbia County Water Utility kicked off a pipeline cleaning project on Nov. 17, 2025, to resolve months of brown water complaints that residents have been dealing with. This work is tied to a $13 million investment in water treatment upgrades.

The project will stretch through March 2026. Water availability won't be affected, but residents should prepare for temporary discoloration as crews move through different sections of the pipeline network. The utility has warned that the cleaning process itself may stir up sediment, causing brown water to appear.

Columbia County resident Josh Hirshorn described what he faced back in August. "I take a shower and then I come downstairs and I see a pot full of brown water in the toilet downstairs and I'm like, 'Great. What did I just shower in?'" Hirshorn said, according to WRDW.

The utility wants residents to report any discolored water they spot. Customers can call the water utility at 706-863-6928 with concerns.

Cleaning work targets the pipeline system in Evans, Georgia. Officials haven't shared which lines will be cleaned first. Weather could also push back when the work starts.