ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta officials were gradually re-building pressure in the city’s water system Saturday after corroded water pipes burst in downtown and midtown, forcing the closure of many businesses and attractions and affecting water service to homes in the area.
The problems began Friday morning and crews continued to work Saturday to restore service. The water department issued a boil water advisory for a wide swath of metro Atlanta and asked residents to limit water use to help restore pressure in the water system.
“We understand the urgency of restoring water service, but we want to ensure that we do so in a way that doesn’t cause further setbacks to our work,” Atlanta Watershed Authority Director Al Wiggins Jr. said at a press conference Saturday. “Any water utility is a vulnerable entity.”
He said he hopes service will be fully restored by Saturday but could not guarantee it.
On Friday, water spilled over a street where three large water mains intersect downtown, causing water shortages for two hospitals, the city and county jails and local evacuation shelters. Then, another rupture in Midtown made the situation even worse.
Several attractions and businesses remained closed Saturday, including the Georgia Aquarium.
“The citywide water issue is still affecting the Aquarium and many other facilities in the area. While animals have not been affected, visitor areas such as restrooms have been affected,” the aquarium posted on X.
Boil water warnings have been issued in the area, and the city has urged residents to check on elderly or sick neighbors and relatives.
“The entire city government has been mobilized to address this issue,” the water department said Friday.
Rapper Megan Thee Stallion’s concert was rescheduled from Friday to Sunday. She was also scheduled to perform Saturday at State Farm Arena. That performance was scheduled to go on as scheduled as of Saturday morning.
“I am very disappointed as I had a big surprise planned for Hotties tonight but will follow the Mayor’s instructions,” she posted on X. “Praying for those who have lost access to water due to this situation.”
