Watershed Management Commissioner Jack Ravan announced this afternoon that the City of Atlanta is working diligently with United Water to restore complete water service to two different areas in southwest Atlanta. The areas affected are in the vicinities of Cascade and Fairburn Roads and at Harbin Road. Ravan says, “According to United Water the interruption of service was created by contractor error. We will closely monitor the process throughout the evening. I have instructed the appropriate city employees to lend aid and assistance to correct this service interruption as quickly as possible.”
Mayor Shirley Franklin says she deeply regrets the inconvenience caused by this unfortunate incident and promised the city will conduct a thorough review of this situation in conjunction with the ninety day review already underway on the United Water contract. The Mayor further expressed her disappointment that United Water failed to notify Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport officials of the situation in a timely manner. The Mayor added, “If the proper notification had occurred last night, the airport water dilemma could have been prevented. These are the types of situations that have generated concern about the ability of United Water to handle this important contract.”
As a result of the ongoing work, residents may experience discolored water, low water pressure or no water at all. Those residents who do have access to water, are asked to use as little possible during the repair period. And if the water is discolored, boiling is strongly advised.
The Atlanta Fire Department and the Fulton County Fire Department have trucks strategically placed to provide water services in the event of a fire. In addition, The Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency is expected to provide a water buffalo for the affected areas. The water buffalo provides clean drinking water in emergency situations.