(GoRealNewsNow.com) – Georgia’s bustling capital, Atlanta, has been declared under a state of emergency due to multiple significant water main breaks that have disrupted the city.
In a press conference, Mayor Andre Dickens announced the measure, explaining, “We have declared a state of emergency in the City of Atlanta to allow us to access resources in an expedited manner.”
The city said via Facebook and X that the crisis began with a break in a crucial 48-inch transmission line and a 36-inch line around 12:20 p.m. on Friday.
The break was located at the intersection of Joseph E. Boone Blvd and JP Brawley. Almost a full day later, crews were still engaged in repairs and a precautionary boil water advisory was issued.
While Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management (DWM) had repaired the initial breaks, though the boil water advisory had not yet been lifted, the city pointed to aging infrastructure as a contributing factor to the break.
Subsequently, a second major break was reported at 11th & West Peachtree. The repair teams, already stretched thin from the first break, started addressing this new issue, working through the night from Saturday into Sunday.
The city also investigated a possible third and fourth break near 1190 Atlantic Dr. NW and at the intersection of Euclid Ave. NE and North Ave. NE. Fortunately, water service was quickly restored to the affected homes and fire hydrants within three hours following the emergency repairs on the fourth break.
In response, city officials set up distribution points at four fire stations, although one station, Station 10, soon ran out of water. The city rationed the supply, allowing only one case per resident.
Frustrations boiled over among residents, as one resident expressed outrage on social media, stating, “This is ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! There are SEVERAL hotels and residences without any water. We can’t bathe, brush our teeth or FLUSH THE TOILETS!!! It has almost been 24hrs.”
Amid the emergency, Mayor Dickens acknowledged shortcomings in the city’s communication with the public. “Overnight, we did not do the best job of communicating,” he admitted.
According to Dickens, approximately 10,500 people in over 30 senior communities, homeless shelters, hospitals, and other facilities received essential bottled and flushing water supplies.
As of Sunday afternoon, the boil water advisory was still in place, leaving the city in a continued state of alert and precaution.
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