Atlanta, Georgia Residents Left Without Water After Water Mains Burst: What You Need to Know

Water main breaks in Atlanta, Georgia’s Midtown and Midtown areas have caused major disruptions. The breaks were caused by rot and corrosion, officials said.

The problem has forced many popular attractions, businesses and restaurants to close their doors. On Friday, a Megan Thee Stallion concert had to be canceled, which the rapper confirmed in a message on her X account, formerly known as Twitter.

At a news conference Saturday, Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) Commissioner Al Wiggins Jr. said the department is working to resolve the problem.

“We have made significant progress since the last update, we have spent a lot of time removing pressure from the system so we can make the necessary repairs,” Wiggins said. “It took a little longer than expected due to the time required for repairs. There wasn’t a lot of demand on the system, so it took a little longer to depressurize the system.”

Wiggins said he hoped water would flow again in the area today, but he also wasn’t sure that would happen. The department is working to slowly pressurize the system to avoid causing additional damage to other areas of the network.

Wiggins also understands the urgency and reliability of water in the city, but prefers to take a slower approach to solving the problem to avoid a regression in the department’s work.

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Boil water advisory issued by Atlanta mayor

In a press release from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, he said the boil water advisory is still in effect and residents should follow the advisory until the DWM clears the area.

Dickens advises residents to “boil all water before using it or use bottled water for drinking, cooking, preparing baby food, or brushing teeth.” Water should be boiled for one minute after boiling. Infants, the elderly and immunocompromised people should use caution. Do not drink water from public fountains in the affected area.

Dickens went to X to apologize to Atlanta residents for the inconvenience.

The DeKalb County Watershed Management Department has established bottled water distribution for DeKalb residents affected by the city of Atlanta’s water main break. Residents can visit the Social Services Complex, 30 Warren St., Atlanta, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. today.

Social media reacts to major water main break

Residents have taken to social media to discuss water main breaks as water continues to gush onto Atlanta streets.

Instead of getting angry about this major problem, some residents made fun of it.

Others share their thoughts on those affected.

“These water main breaks in metro Atlanta have sent the city into a frenzy,” KC wrote in an X post. “I’m grateful we’re not affected, but I feel bad for everyone those who are! Thousands of people without water!!”

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on USA TODAY’s national trends team. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lotteries and public policy. Send him an email to [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Water main breaks in Atlanta, Georgia, prompt boil water advisory.