Columbia Canal Recovery Project - City of Columbia Water

During the week of October 3-4 in 2015, Columbia and most of the Midlands experienced a natural disaster unlike any seen in modern history, as a weather system brought historic flooding to the region. More than 20 inches of rain were reported in parts of the Midlands in what was dubbed a “thousand year flood.”

An embankment breach of the Columbia Canal threatened the drinking supply for thousands of Columbia residents. Through the heroic efforts of many, the Columbia Canal Water Treatment Plant remained in operation and continued to supply drinking water to all its customers throughout the ordeal. However, permanent repairs to the canal have been delayed for years. Until now. This page will serve as a resource to provide information and updates on the progress of repairs to the Canal.

Background

The City of Columbia/Columbia Water announced in 2020 that they have come to a fundamental agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program on the scope of damage to the Columbia Canal from the historic flooding. This fundamental agreement is the culmination of years of negotiations with the federal agency and signals the beginning of the repair process for the canal and hydroelectric plant.

CANAL HEADGATE REPAIRS

Project Description: Removal of temporary bulk heads and replacement of twelve existing headgates, installation of rock anchors for structural stability and deployment of a track rack for debris removal.

Cost Estimate and Funding: Construction cost of approximately $12M, with $5.6M of available funding through HUD CDBG Mitigation grant.

Schedule: Construction 15 months, beginning August 2025

EMBANKMENT REPAIRS

Project Description: Removal of existing embankment and reconstruction of breach area, repair of damage to embankment toe and slope, renovation of hydroelectric generating station, repair of Riverfront Park facilities and documentation of historical features.

Cost Estimate and Funding: Construction cost of approximately $60M, with funding provided through FEMA Public Assistance Program and State allocated resources.

Schedule: Construction 27 months, beginning August 2025

RESILIENT WATER SUPPLY

Project Description: Installation of water supply intake in the Congaree River, providing up to 80 million gallons per day of supply and pumping capacity, minimizing reliance on the Canal and improving water system resilience.

Cost Estimate and Funding: Construction cost of approximately $46.6M, with $32.6M of available funding through FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant.

Schedule: Construction 30 months, beginning December 2024