The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Water outages reported across Atlanta; boil advisory issued
36-inch water main break at Georgia Tech affects many in area.
A water main break on Georgia Tech’s campus led to widespread outages in Atlanta on Saturday, affecting customers across the city and prompting a boil water advisory.
While it’s unclear how many customers are affected, authorities confirmed a 36-inch water main break at the intersection of Ferst Drive and Hemphill Avenue caused the outages.
“There was a water main break at a manufacturing building on campus,” Georgia Tech spokeswoman Denise Ward told AJC. com. “We are definitely seeing
some massive flooding.”
The gushing water flooded the first level of one parking garage on campus, though no buildings appeared to be damaged. Police were called in to reroute traffic away from flooded streets.
“Staff from Georgia Tech Facilities, Georgia Tech Police Department and Atlanta Watershed Management are currently onsite,” the university said in a statement. “We are assessing any damage and have no details about the extent at this time.”
In a tweet, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said city officials are aware of the issue and working to repair it.
“For those who still have service, a boil water advisory is in effect,” she said.
Businesses across the city were affected by the outages, prompting many to shut their doors for the afternoon, customers said. MARTA was forced to close restrooms at four of its stations.
As of Saturday evening, authorities had not said how long it may take to restore service.
The city’s Department of Watershed Management is asking those who still have water service to refrain from using it, if possible, so system pressure can rebuild.
Atlanta water customers who still have service remain under a water boil advisory.
“The boil water advisory will remain in place until DWM is cleared to lift the advisory following sampling protocols,” the department said in a statement.
In the meantime, all residents who have experienced outages or low water pressure are encouraged to boil their water for at least one minute before using it. Residents are also urged to use bottled water for drinking, cooking, preparing baby food or brushing teeth.
“The Department of Watershed Management will follow its flushing protocols for the system as a precaution and has sampled the affected zones to affirm that there is no contamination in the system,” the statement read. “The Georgia Environmental Protection Division will advise DWM when the advisory can be lifted.”