After Pipes Burst in Atlanta, Many Residents Lose Water, Then Patience

Major main breaks resulted in closed businesses, canceled events and angry residents who were upset over a lack of updates.

A series of water main breaks in Atlanta caused widespread disruption on Saturday, as outages and severely reduced water pressure forced some businesses to close and infuriated residents who criticized city officials for failing to provide timely updates.

Reports of interrupted service began on Friday after corroded water pipes burst near downtown; it was unclear exactly when the ruptures occurred. The disruptions continued into Saturday, with many people still experiencing very low water pressure. Residents across a swath of the city were under a boil-water notice, which advised them to use bottled water or boil tap water.

Utility and city officials said on Saturday evening that the repairs had been completed at the site of the water main break that caused most of the disrupted service. They said that the “system is gradually being brought back online,” allowing for water pressure to increase. No contamination had been found in preliminary tests of the water, but the boil-water notice remained in effect, officials said.

The outages forced businesses to close or limit their services, and some hospitals had to divert patients and cancel certain procedures. Events were canceled and rescheduled, including Megan Thee Stallion concerts that thousands were planning to attend on Friday and Saturday. Residents in many neighborhoods — as well as guests in downtown hotels — had to get by using bottled water or what little came dripping out of their faucets.

Many seethed over a lack of information. As hours went by, officials provided little word about the status of restoring service.

“This is absurd and Atlanta should be ashamed,” one resident wrote on Facebook in response to a post from the city government announcing the boil-water notice. “This is unsanitary and dangerous!”