Atlanta water service fully restored, but boil water advisory remains

Water is flowing again across Atlanta, but a boil advisory remains in effect for a part of the city hit by a series of water main breaks that began on May 31.

City of Atlanta social media posted this series of messages shortly after 8 a.m.:

We are pleased to report that water services have been fully restored throughout the city. We understand the significant inconvenience and difficulty caused by this unexpected disruption, and we sincerely apologize to all affected residents.

Water is an essential part of daily life and we deeply regret the challenges you have faced. Your patience and understanding during this difficult time is greatly appreciated.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the dedicated men and women who worked tirelessly around the clock to complete the necessary repairs. Their commitment and hard work ensured the return of clean, safe water to our city.

A boil water advisory will remain in effect until testing samples are approved by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). A new advisory map was released by the city last night.

Residents can also check if they are affected by the boil water advisory using this interactive map.

Atlanta City Council member Liliana Bakhtiari posted on social media Tuesday evening that once the water lines are pressurized, the system must “incubate” for 18 hours before test samples are sent to the EPD to determine if the boil water advisory can be lifted.

The full restoration of water service comes six days after a major water main ruptured in Vine City on the morning of May 31. Later that same evening, a second water main ruptured in Midtown.

As Atlanta Watershed crews worked to repair the pipes, the city experienced a total loss of water or low water pressure. Not only were residents affected, but businesses and restaurants were forced to close, while major events were postponed or disrupted. The cost to the city is still unknown.

A “recovery fund” intended to help small business owners affected by Atlanta’s water crisis is being created by the city.

Dickens told the City Council the new recovery fund would help small businesses “hit hard” by the water problems that began Friday.

Councilmember Matt Westmoreland introduced the bill to create the recovery fund. It calls for up to $5 million in city funds to be transferred to Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development agency.

TThis is a developing story. Check back for updates.

ATLANTA WATER CRISIS: See all our coverage of the water crisis at this link.