Atlanta Downtown Water Outage Spurs Business Shutdowns, Boil Notice

By Better Today On Jun 2, 2024

TL/DR –

Corroding water pipes burst in downtown and Midtown Atlanta, causing many businesses and attractions to close and disrupting water service in area homes. The city officials were criticized for being slow to update citizens about the situation, prompting Mayor Andre Dickens to promise updates every two hours until the problem was resolved. A boil-water order was in effect in a large part of metro Atlanta, and city officials were working to restore the water system while dealing with the potential of further problems in the fragile setup.

Atlanta Water System Crisis Causes Citywide Disruptions

Due to bursting corroded water pipes, Atlanta officials were forced to gradually pressurize the city’s water system, impacting residential water service and closing numerous businesses and attractions in downtown and Midtown.

To manage the crisis, the city distributed water cases and set up portable toilets at various fire stations, with first responders checking high-rise buildings for vulnerable residents. “Water is a valuable, critical resource. The city can’t function without it, and it’s our top priority,” stated Mayor Andre Dickens.

Two major water main breaks in downtown and Midtown caused widespread issues, affecting two hospitals, city and county jails, local shelters, and homes. Despite the urgency, officials were criticized for their sluggish communication, with updates coming more than 12 hours apart.

Mayor Dickens later took responsibility for the communication lapses and vowed to provide updates every two hours until resolution. However, a boil-water advisory remained in effect for a vast portion of metro Atlanta, with residents asked to limit water usage to help restore system pressure.

Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management Commissioner, Al Wiggins Jr., emphasized the delicate nature of the utility during a Saturday news conference. Although he hoped for full service restoration by Saturday, no guarantees were given.

Attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium remained closed, and Megan Thee Stallion’s concert was postponed. Despite the disruption, the city and performers showed solidarity with affected residents, urging people to check on elderly or sick neighbors and relatives.