Water is flowing again across Atlanta, but a boil advisory remains in place for a swath of the city affected by a series of water main breaks that began on May 31.
The City of Atlanta’s social media posted this series of messages just after 8 a.m.:
We are pleased to announce that water services have been fully restored across the city,” We understand the significant inconvenience and hardships caused by this unexpected disruption, and we sincerely apologize to all affected residents.”
Water is an essential part of daily life, and we deeply regret the challenges you have faced. Your patience and understanding during this difficult time are greatly appreciated.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated men and women who worked tirelessly around the clock to make the necessary repairs. Their commitment and hard work have ensured the return of clean and safe water to our city.
A boil water advisory will remain in place until testing samples are approved by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). A new advisory map was released by the city last night.
Residents can also check if they are affected by the boil advisory using this interactive map.
Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari posted on social media Tuesday night that once water lines have been pressurized, the system must “incubate” for 18 hours before testing samples are sent to the EPD to determine if the boil water advisory can be lifted.
The full restoration of water service comes six days after a major water main broke in Vine City on the morning of May 31. Later that same evening, a second main broke in Midtown.
As Atlanta Watershed crews worked to repair the lines, the city suffered a complete loss of water or low water pressure. Not only were residents affected, but businesses and restaurants were forced to close, while major events were postponed or disrupted. The cost to the city is still unknown.
A “recovery fund” to assist small business owners impacted by the city of Atlanta’s water crisis is being established by the city.
Dickens told the city council that the new recovery fund would help small businesses “adversely affected” by the water woes that started Friday.
Councilmember Matt Westmoreland introduced the legislation to create the recovery fund. It calls for up to $5 million of city funds be transferred to Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development agency.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
ATLANTA WATER CRISIS: See all of our coverage of the water crisis at this link.
