ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Since Friday, Atlanta has been battling several water main breaks that have impacted water service and kickstarted a water boil advisory.
Here’s everything we know about the situation.
So far, there have been two major water main breaks and a handful of smaller ones.
The first was on Friday morning at the intersection of Joseph E. Boone Boulevard NW and P. Brawley Drive. The pipe carries a large amount of water through the city and broke due to age-related decay and corrosion, according to Atlanta watershed Commissioner Al Wiggins Jr.
The second was on Friday night at the intersection of 11th Street and West Peachtree Street NW. Officials said the two major water main breaks are not related.
Crews have also been called out to address a few smaller breaks, including those on Atlantic Drive NW, Beechwood Drive NW and Havenridge Drive NW.
The water main breaks have affected several homes, office buildings, businesses and other public infrastructure.
On Friday, government buildings like the Georgia State Capitol, the Georgia Supreme Court and Atlanta City Hall were without water. Downtown Atlanta mainstays like the Georgia Aquarium, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, World of Coca-Cola and College Football Hall of Fame also closed.
Grady Memorial Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown reported low water pressure and a water shortage, but service has since been restored, according to Wiggins Jr.
The water shortages even postponed a sold-out State Farm Arena concert by the ever-popular Megan Thee Stallion.
Currently, yes.
On Saturday afternoon, officials extended the advisory into part of Midtown. The Department of Watershed Management says the advisory will remain in place until samples come back clear.
Click here to learn what to do during a boil water advisory.
People in need of water can pick up one case per resident at the following fire stations:
Station 1: 71 Elliot St.
Station 2: 1568 Jonesboro Rd.
Station 10: 447 Boulevard SE
Station 16: 1048 Joseph E Boone Blvd.
Nobody knows.
During a Saturday press conference, Wiggins Jr. said crews have designed a new fitting for the pipe related to the first water main break. Once it’s installed, the system will have to slowly be repressurized.
Wiggins Jr. didn’t offer an estimate on how long the process could take.
“Sometimes the saying is, ‘To go slower is to go faster,’” the commissioner said. “Certainly, we understand the urgency of getting water service restored, but we also want to make sure that we do it in a matter that does not cause any further regression of our work.”
Crews are also still working on fixing the second major break at 11th Street and West Peachtree Street NW.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said crews are working nonstop to fix the issues.
2:20 p.m. | During a press conference, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens apologized for the way the city has handled the water main breaks. He promised updates every two hours until the situation is resolved.
“We apologize profusely for this disruption into life in the city of Atlanta,” he said. “I will be candid: Overnight, we did not do the best job of communicating. We could’ve done a better job over the past day, and for that, I apologize.”
You can sign up for the city’s emergency alert system by texting NOTIFYATL to 888-777.
Fire department and police officials also said that firefighters and officers are canvassing areas to help the elderly, people in hotels or anyone else who needs aid.
1:44 p.m. | The watershed department has released a new boil water advisory. This map extends further into Midtown than the last one did.
FULL COVERAGE ON THE WATER MAIN BREAKS
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Elaine Hadley is a dedicated journalist covering the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. news. With a keen interest in politics and a commitment to uncovering the truth, she provides insightful commentary and in-depth analysis on domestic issues. When not reporting, Elaine enjoys exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of the United States.
