Boil Water Advisory Issued for Parts of Atlanta: What You Need to Know

A boil water advisory has been issued for residents and businesses in specific areas of the City of Atlanta, effective as of September 29, 2024. The advisory affects areas south of I-20, starting from Martin L. King, Jr. Drive.

Reason for the Advisory

The boil water advisory was issued as a precautionary measure to ensure there are no water quality issues due to low distribution system pressure. This measure is taken to safeguard public health until water samples can be collected and tested to confirm the water quality.

Precautions and Guidelines

During the advisory, residents are advised to use boiled or bottled water for drinking, cooking, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, brushing teeth, and making baby formula. Water should be brought to a rapid, rolling boil for 1-3 minutes before use.

Home Precautions

For homes, use boiled or bottled water for all consumption purposes. If you must use tap water to make baby formula, ensure it is boiled for at least 1-3 minutes. Breastfeeding is recommended if possible.

Restaurant and Food Service Precautions

Restaurants and other food service establishments must close if they have no running water or if toilets do not flush. If they have running water but are in affected areas, they must provide commercially bottled or boiled water for customer consumption. All foods that need to be washed, rinsed, or soaked must be done with commercially bottled or boiled water.

Beverage machines, coffee brewers, and ice machines connected to tap water should not be used. Ice must be made from commercially bottled water or obtained from a commercial ice supply distributor. All equipment and utensils must be washed and sanitized with bottled or boiled water.

Hygiene and Daily Activities

It is safe to take showers or baths using tap water, but avoid consuming it. You can wash laundry as usual. However, do not use tap water for hand washing; instead, use commercial hand sanitizer, bottled water, or water that has been boiled and cooled.

Food Preparation

Do not use tap water for cooking food such as pasta, rice, or noodles until the advisory is lifted. Prepare drinks like coffee, tea, and lemonade with boiled water. Wash fruits, vegetables, and food preparation surfaces with boiled water.

Additional Information

For updates, residents can visit the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management website or follow @ATLWatershed on social media. Sign up for Notify ATL to receive real-time updates via text and voice messages.

The advisory will be lifted once water samples have been tested and confirmed to be safe, which typically takes at least 24 hours. Residents are advised to check for updates and follow the guidance provided by local health authorities.