Saturday started with an unwelcome surprise in East Point, where residents were placed under a precautionary boil-water advisory after the city’s utility sent out an early-morning alert telling customers to boil tap water before drinking it. The notice, issued at about 7:20 a.m., instructs people to bring water to a boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. City officials did not immediately explain what prompted the advisory and asked residents to stick with the guidance until testing confirms the system is clear.
What the city said
According to Atlanta News First, East Point’s Water Resources Department issued the advisory at about 7:20 a.m. and told residents they can continue washing their hands with soap as usual while the precaution remains in place. The station reported that it is working to learn what triggered the alert and will update coverage as the city releases more details.
How to stay safe
Federal guidance says residents should bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute to inactivate most disease-causing organisms, noting that at higher elevations the recommended boiling time is longer. If boiling is not an option, health agencies recommend using bottled water or disinfecting tap water with unscented household bleach, about 8 drops per gallon, and letting it stand for 30 minutes before use. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, cooking, and brushing teeth, according to the CDC.
Local water system context
The City of East Point’s Water & Sewer Department oversees treatment and distribution for roughly 11,000 customer accounts and is responsible for maintenance and regulatory compliance for the municipal system. The department posts system notices and project updates on its website, and residents are advised to monitor the city’s Water & Sewer page for official advisories and for instructions on when the boil notice is lifted, per the City of East Point Water & Sewer page.
What’s next
Atlanta News First reports that it is continuing to press for answers on what triggered the alert and will update its coverage as officials release test results. In the meantime, residents with immediate questions are encouraged to contact East Point’s Water & Sewer Department or follow official city channels for the eventual all clear.
