AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) - The Augusta Canal is set to be drained next
month to allow improvements to enable it to meet the city's water
needs through 2050.

A National Heritage Area that attracts cyclists and boaters, the
canal's main function is to provide Augusta residents with drinking
water.

Drew Goins, of the Utilities Department, said the draining will allow contractors to install a pair of lines to transfer millions of gallons of raw water each day to the Highland Avenue treatment plant.

During the eight weeks the canal is dry, the city will have a chance to test two diesel pumps meant to be used in case an emergency makes the canal unusable. Goins said the pumps move water directly from the Savannah River to the treatment plant.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)