Atlanta issues boil water advisory in downtown after power failure at Hemphill Water Treatment Plant
The City of Atlanta is under a boil water advisory in parts of downtown after an internal power failure at the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant, according to the Department of Watershed Management.
City officials said the advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution and follows guidance from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Power has been restored at the pump station. But crews are continuing to monitor operations and water system pressure while testing is completed.
Residents and property owners who have experienced low water pressure or outages are being told to boil water before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or preparing baby food. Officials said water should be boiled for at least one minute after reaching a rolling boil. Bottled water can also be used.
The department warned that infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems should take extra precautions. Residents are also advised not to drink from public water fountains in the affected area.
Several downtown businesses and venues, including the Georgia World Congress Center, have been impacted by the advisory.
In a statement obtained by CBS News Atlanta, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority said it is "actively monitoring the City of Atlanta's boil water advisory and has implemented precautionary measures across its campus to help ensure the health and safety of guests, clients, partners and team members."
"At this time, Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park, Signia by Hilton Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and associated facilities remain operational. GWCCA is working closely with city officials and campus partners to assess impacts and follow all recommended guidance," the statement reads. "The safety and well-being of everyone on our campus remains our top priority. We are taking proactive steps to minimize disruption while following guidance from city and public health officials throughout this advisory."
The advisory will remain in place until the Department of Watershed Management says testing confirms the water is safe to use.