Atlanta officials began slowly repressurizing the city’s water system on Saturday after corroded water pipes burst in downtown and Midtown, forcing many businesses and attractions to close and affecting water service in homes. Mayor Andre Dickens announced that the city was distributing cases of water and setting up portable toilets at several fire stations. First responders were also checking on high-rise residences to ensure the safety of elderly and vulnerable residents.

State of Emergency Declared as Repairs Continue

During a second news conference in the evening, Mayor Dickens declared a state of emergency over the situation. He noted that while crews had made significant progress repairing the first water main break, they were facing challenges with the second break-in Midtown. In a statement later that night, the mayor’s office reported that crews had completed multiple rounds of repairs and were gradually bringing the system back online to rebuild pressures.

A boil water advisory remained in effect for much of Atlanta until the Georgia Environmental Protection Division could determine it was safe to lift. The advisory followed significant water service disruptions at major sites, including the Georgia State Capitol, the Georgia Supreme Court, and Atlanta City Hall, which had no water service on Friday.

Impact on Local Businesses and Events

Several attractions and businesses, including the Georgia Aquarium and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, remained closed on Saturday. “The city-wide water issue is still affecting the Aquarium and many others in the area. This is not affecting our animals, but it is affecting our guest areas like restrooms,” the aquarium posted on the social platform X. The aquarium is expected to reopen on Sunday. The water main break also forced rapper Megan Thee Stallion to reschedule her Friday concert to Sunday.

Initial Response and Public Communication Criticized

The problems began on Friday morning when water gushed into the street where three large water mains intersect downtown, causing issues at two hospitals, a city jail, a county jail, and local shelters. A separate break later occurred in Midtown, exacerbating the situation. Officials faced criticism for their slow response in updating citizens. The city and its water management department sent out an update after 8 p.m. on Friday and waited over 12 hours to provide further information. Mayor Dickens, who was in Memphis when the problem began, didn’t address the media until 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Efforts to Restore Service and Support the Community

Residents were asked to restrict water usage to help rebuild system pressure. “Certainly, we understand the urgency of getting water service restored, but we also want to make sure we do it in a manner that does not cause any further regression of our work,” Atlanta Department of Watershed Management Commissioner Al Wiggins Jr. stated during a news conference.

He expressed hope that service would be fully restored by Saturday but could not guarantee it. The city urged residents to check on elderly or sick neighbors and relatives. “The entire City Government is mobilized to address this issue,” the water department emphasized on Friday.