Portions of Atlanta are under a boil water advisory.
Officials said the problems were caused by a "control issue" at the Hemphill Pump Station in northwest Atlanta. Crews were doing routine maintenance when something triggered an alarm, which then shut off the water, causing pressure to drop across much of the system for almost an hour.
At this time, they said the system is back to "normal operations," but that further testing was still being conducted before the advisory would be lifted.
Here's a list of some of the frequently asked questions:
IS THE BOIL WATER ADVISORY STILL IN EFFECT?
Yes. The boil water advisory is still in effect.
WHY DID THIS HAPPEN?
The boil water advisory was issued as a precautionary measure to ensure that there are no water quality issues due to low distribution system pressure caused by the Hemphill water pumps shutting down.
WHY ARE YOU WAITING TO LIFT THE ADVISORY?
Atlanta Watershed must collect water samples and test it to ensure quality.
MY WATER IS RUNNING A LITTLE BROWN – WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
It is recommended to allow the water to run for a minimum of 2 to 4 minutes to flush the line.
WHEN WILL THE ADVISORY BE LIFTED?
The testing takes at least 24 hours, so officials will be able to provide an update after they receive the testing results. At this time, Atlanta Watershed anticipates the boil water advisory will be in effect until at least 6 p.m.Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.
WHERE CAN I FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND A MAP OF THE AFFECTED AREA?
For updates, visit the city's website and follow the city on social media. The boil water advisory is only in effect for the affected areas identified on the map.
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Hygiene
CAN I USE TAP WATER TO WASH MY HANDS?
Yes.
CAN I USE TAP WATER TO BRUSH MY TEETH?
No. Use boiled water to brush your teeth. If you consume the water, it should be boiled.
IS IT SAFE TO TAKE A SHOWER OR BATH?
Yes.
WHAT ABOUT DOING LAUNDRY?
Yes, you can wash laundry.
Food and Beverages
CAN I USE MY COFFEE MAKER, ICE MACHINE, WATER DISPENSER, OR SODA DISPENSER?
No. Do not use water from any appliance connected to your water lines. This includes the water and ice dispensers in your refrigerator/freezer and dishwasher. If your appliance is not connected to your water line (e.g., a free standing coffee maker), you can use it, but use boiled water for consumption.
When the advisory is lifted, consult the owner's manual to find out how to flush and sanitize appliances.
CAN I USE ICE FROM MY REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER?
No. Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers, or ice makers. Throw out all ice made with tap water.
CAN I USE TAP WATER TO COOK FOOD (SUCH AS PASTA, RICE, NOODLES, ETC.)?
No. Until you receive updated instruction from local officials, boiled water should be used for food preparation.
WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT PREPARING FOOD AND BEVERAGES?
How should I wash fruit, vegetables, and food preparation surfaces? Wash fruits and vegetables with boiled water. Prepare drinks, such as coffee, tea, and lemonade with boiled water. Wash food preparation surfaces with boiled water.
WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT FEEDING MY BABY?
Breastfeeding is best. Continue to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is not an option, use ready-to-use baby formula, if possible. Prepare powdered or concentrated baby formula with boiled water. Wash and sterilize bottles and nipples with boiled water before use. If you cannot sterilize bottles, try to use single-serve, ready-to-feed bottles.
HOW DO I WASH DISHES?
Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils, if possible. If you do not have disposable dishes, wash dishes by hand and use only boiled water and dish soap.
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Health
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I ALREADY DRANK THE WATER?
If you are concerned about your health or the health of a family member, contact your local health department.
Household Information
SHOULD I GIVE MY PETS BOILED WATER?
Pets can get some of the same diseases as people, so it is a good idea to give them boiled water, as well.
DO I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT MY FISH OR AQUATIC PETS (E.G., REPTILES, FROGS)?
Contact your local pet store or veterinarian for more advice.
IS IT SAFE TO WATER MY GARDEN AND HOUSE PLANTS?
Follow the guidance of your local health authorities for advice on using tap water for household plants and gardens.