A wide swath of southeast Henry County is on a precautionary boil-water advisory Monday after system pressure at the Tussahaw water treatment plant briefly dropped below required minimums. The alert covers customers south of Turner Church Road, Honey Creek Road and Snapping Shoals Road and generally east of I-75, with the cities of McDonough and most of Locust Grove not included in the advisory.
Filtration Slowdown Blamed At Tussahaw Plant
In a notice on its website, the Henry County Water Authority said “the increase in natural organic materials in our filtration system slowed down our production process,” which in turn led to the drop in pressure and the precautionary advisory. Utility officials added that high temperatures have pushed up naturally occurring organic matter in the Tussahaw reservoir, which they described as harmless but capable of turning tap water yellow or “tea-colored.” Crews are keeping an eye on treatment processes and running the required water quality tests to determine when the advisory can safely be lifted.
How To Make Tap Water Safe
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises residents under a boil notice to bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one full minute before using it for drinking, cooking or mixing infant formula and to throw out any ice made during the advisory, according to the CDC. Bottled water is a safe stand-in if you have it on hand. The agency also notes that boiling does not remove chemical contaminants, so people should follow local officials’ guidance on whether boiled water, bottled water or both are recommended.
Who Is Under The Advisory
According to the public notice, the advisory applies to all areas generally south of Turner Church Road, Honey Creek Road and Snapping Shoals Road and to all areas generally east of Interstate 75, excluding the City of McDonough and most of Locust Grove. The Locust Grove neighborhoods of Grove Park, Copperfield, Berkley Lake, Bridle Creek, Brighton, Amber Ridge, Coulter Woods and Bunn Farm are included, per Henry County Water Authority. The utility said the notice was issued at 1:00 a.m. Monday and that customers will be alerted once lab results confirm the system meets state and federal drinking water standards. Anyone with questions can call HCWA customer service at 770-957-6659 or check the authority’s website for updates.
Practical Household Tips
Until the advisory is lifted, residents are urged to avoid using unboiled tap water for drinking, cooking or brushing teeth, and to toss any ice that was made while the alert is in effect, guidance that health officials routinely give during such events. As reported by Atlanta News First, HCWA is continuing to monitor conditions at the Tussahaw plant and will end the boil notice once testing shows the water is safe to drink. Customers can keep an eye on HCWA’s news page or call customer service for the latest word on when it is clear to turn the tap back on without boiling.
