ATLANTA – The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Fairburn out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with Georgia EPD guidance for public advisory. DWM calls for immediate water restriction to critical uses only to allow system pressures to rebuild. 

DWM experienced a pump malfunction at the Chattahoochee Water Treatment plant. The pump is operable and DWM is monitoring operations and systems pressures. The boil water advisory will remain in place until DWM is cleared to lift the advisory following sampling protocols. 

To protect the public from a potential health hazard, all residents, businesses, and property owners that have experienced water outages and/or low water pressures are advised to boil all water prior to use, or use bottled water, for drinking, cooking, preparing baby food or brushing teeth. The water should be boiled for one minute past a rolling boil. Infants, the elderly, and those with immune deficiencies should be particularly cautious. Do not drink water from public water fountains in the impacted area. 

Vigorous hand washing or showers with soap and tap water should be safe for basic personal hygiene. However, if washing hands to prepare food, use boiled (then cooled) water along with handwashing soap. 

The public should continue to boil their water or use bottled water until the boil water advisory is lifted. If you experienced a loss of water at your address, but your address is not within the area described, the City recommends you follow these precautions. 

The Department of Watershed Management will follow its flushing protocols for the system as a precaution and has sampled the affected zones to affirm that there is no contamination in the system. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division will advise the Department of Watershed Management when the advisory can be lifted. 

For updates, stay tuned to local news outlets, and connect with us on our social media platforms @ATLWatershed. Click HERE to learn precautions to take during a boil water advisory. 

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