Atlanta Issues City-Wide Boil Water Advisory
Image via Atlanta Watershed Management’s Twitter.
UPDATE: The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) recently released more details on today’s city-wide Boil Water Advisory.
Around 10 a.m. crews were performing routine maintenance on the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant flow meters. Their work tripped a process control alarm, which signaled the pumps to shut off, causing outages and pressure issues in the area, according to department materials. Less than an hour later, water pressure was restored.
The water boil advisory was issued because the pressure dropped below 20 pounds per square inch (psi), the department reports. Normal water pressure is typically between 30 and 80 psi. The advisory was issued in accordance with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) guidelines, however, it’s being described as a measure taken “out of an abundance of caution.”
DWM water quality teams have started collecting water samples in the impacted area of the boil water advisory, and as of 5:30, p.m., the advisory is still in place. The Georgia EPD will advise when the advisory can be lifted, according to department materials. It’s recommended that residents and businesses continue to boil their water or use bottled until the advisory is lifted.
——————————————
Reports of outages and low water pressure across the city have prompted Atlanta officials to issue a city-wide Boil Water Advisory.
The problem, according to city materials, is due to a control issue at the Hemphill Pump Station. The Department of Watershed Management called for immediate water restriction so the pressure in the system can rebuild once the pumps are restored to service.
“The issued Boil Water Advisory is city-wide as we work to confirm the exact area impacted by the low-pressure event, Atlanta Watershed Management said via Twitter. Please continue to follow for more information as it becomes available.”
At the time this story was posted, the website for Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management appears to be offline.
This story is developing and will be updated when more information is available.