State of emergency declared in Atlanta after water main burst, mayor says

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens declared a state of emergency in the city after several water main breaks in Midtown and downtown Atlanta.

The first took place Friday morning at the intersection of Joseph E. Boone Boulevard NW and James P. Brawley Parkway. The pipe carries a large amount of water through the city and has broken due to age-related rot and corrosion, according to Atlanta Watershed Commissioner Al Wiggins Jr.

The second occurred Friday evening, at the intersection of 11th Street and West Peachtree Street NW. Officials said the two major water main breaks were not related.

The declaration will allow the city “to access resources in an accelerated manner,” according to the mayor.

According to Atlanta Fire Chief Rod Smith, the department is operating at “100 percent capacity.”

Atlanta Department of Watershed Management Commissioner Al Wiggins Jr. said they were waiting for “one particular part to arrive” but repairing the second water main break would be “routine”.

The boil water advisory is still in effect. Officials said the measure will be in effect until the Midtown water main break is repaired.

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