A boil water advisory was placed in effect on Friday after a water main break in downtown Atlanta caused the closure of several government offices, businesses and tourism attractions.
The Department of Watershed Management for the City of Atlanta issued the notice on Friday afternoon. This comes after a break this morning at the intersection of Joseph E. Boone Boulevard and James. P. Brawley Drive.
The department announced that service has been temporarily interrupted, affecting residents, businesses and hydrants in the area.
Water service will continue in the affected area until 5 p.m. to give businesses and homeowners time to prepare before DWM shuts it off to begin repairing the damaged 48-inch and 36-inch transmission line that carries high levels of water throughout the city. It’s unclear how long the repairs will take.
A water restriction is being declared to allow a resurgence in system pressure.
While the Georgia State Capitol and offices at the Atlanta City Hall did not announce issues of water damage, both buildings were closed to the public shortly after the water break announcement, with employees dismissed shortly thereafter.
In addition, all of Fulton County’s government facilities, including the Fulton County Government Center, courthouse and the central public library all shut down for the rest of Friday.
Downtown tourist attractions, such as The World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium and The National Center of Civil and Human Rights, also announced early closures due to the break.
Zoo Atlanta, located in Grant Park, closed its gates at 1 p.m., citing in a statement “contingency plans in place to ensure animals have access to water.”
Other facilities, such as Grady Memorial Hospital, remain in operation despite reporting low water pressure. But the hospital canceled all appointments for the rest of the day, according to a statement.
The boil water advisory will remain in place until DWM is cleared to lift the advisory following sampling protocols, the department said in statement on social media.
To prevent potential health hazards, Atlanta residents are encouraged for the time being to boil all water or use bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth and preparing baby food.
Basic personal hygiene tasks with tap water, including showering and washing with soap, should be safe. However, those washing hands to prepare food are advised to use boiled (then cooled) water.
Extra caution among the elderly, infants and those with immune deficiencies is also highly encouraged.
It is unclear how many Atlanta residents have been affected by the issues.
