Water Problems in Atlanta | Impact on firefighters

ATLANTA — Atlanta’s water main breaks continue to create obstacles across the city.

As first responders worked to extinguish a fire in Neal Place Northwest, they encountered a water supply issue.

Despite the water problems in Atlanta, Sam Ragland said everything is fine in the Bankhead area.

“We had water. Then I had water all day and all day yesterday,” Ragland said.

Suddenly, Sunday evening, while trying to turn on his sink, he noticed a problem.

“You don’t get anything,” Ragland said. “Nothing came out.”

Water resources had to be used to put out the fire across the street. Around 4 p.m., an abandoned two-story apartment caught fire. Anarè Holmes, public information officer for the Atlanta Fire Department, said his crews were able to overcome the setbacks.

“Every fire has its own challenges,” Holmes said. “In this case, because of the environment we are in, there have been problems with the water supply, but we are always ready.”

Firefighters from Lamar, DeKalb and Sumter County were called to assist.

“These tankers serve as a fire hydrant for us – a source of water. And so, usually, they’re already full before they arrive, but, in this case – where there could be multiple fires every day – they have to fill some of the repaired hydrants where the water is flowing before they get to the scene,” Holmes said.

Meanwhile, Ragland said he had to regroup for his Sunday plans.

My wife is kind of sick. I’m an old man,” Ragland said. “So we must have water. You have to cook.”

One of the last main breaks occurred 20 minutes away at West Peachtree and 11th Street, where water was still gushing late Sunday evening. Atlanta Watershed tells 11Alive a part needed to continue repairs has arrived.

Facilities at Emory, Georgia Aquarium, Mercedes Benz Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park and Fulton County are returning to normal operations with the help of a few bottled water and limited use of fountains.

But while waiting for the work to be completed, the authorities are making do.

“It’s been a challenge not having water,” Holmes said. “Times like this are when you find out what you’re made of, so we appreciate everyone coming together to help.”

Holmes said no one was injured in the fire. The cause is still under investigation.

The boil water advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

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