Atlanta's Department of Watershed Management has put much of South Fulton and Fairburn under a precautionary boil water advisory as of Friday, July 17, 2026, after a power outage hit the Adamsville Pump Station. Roughly 47,800 customers are covered by the notice. Power has been restored, but officials say the advisory will stay in place until testing and pressure checks are finished.
What officials say
According to the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, the advisory was issued "out of an abundance of caution" and will remain in effect until required sampling protocols are completed. The department is telling anyone who experienced a water outage or low water pressure to boil tap water for one full minute after it reaches a rolling boil, or to stick with bottled water.
Officials are also urging extra care for infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Residents can use the DWM public alerts map to see whether a specific address falls inside the advisory area.
Local reporting and scope
Local outlets report that crews are keeping an eye on system pressures while water quality testing continues. WSB-TV put the total impact at about 47,800 customers and noted that the advisory will not be lifted until test results show the system is clear.
Earlier, smaller advisory this month
This is the second scare for the area in July. A separate, smaller advisory earlier in the month covered a pocket around Roosevelt Highway and Bohannon Road after a third-party contractor reportedly struck a power line. That notice was later lifted once testing came back negative. WABE reported on that earlier incident and its resolution.
How to protect yourself and where to check
Residents who lost water service or noticed low pressure are being told to boil tap water for at least one minute after it reaches a rolling boil, or to use bottled water for drinking, cooking, preparing baby formula or food, and brushing teeth. Officials also recommend avoiding water from public fountains and taking extra precautions to protect vulnerable family members.
For details on how boil water advisories work, including testing and notification procedures, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division has a Boil Water Advisory Guidance Manual available through the Georgia EPD. Residents who need help confirming whether their home or business is affected, or who need additional assistance, can contact ATL 311 at 404-546-0311.
