Water again to flow in Augusta canal

Water will begin flowing back into the Augusta Canal soon after a shutdown to install new utility lines. Drew Goins, acting director of the Augusta Utilities Department, says the refilling should begin on Friday, depending on the weather and another round of debris removal. The refilling will take seven to 10 days, meaning the waterway should be operating normally byApril 27. The canal was drained Feb. 1 for contractors to dismantle part of its bank and install new waterlines for the city pumping station and drinking water plant. The 8 1/2-mile waterway was built in 1845 to harness the water and power of the Savannah River. Today, it is a popular recreation area.

(Associated Press)