Boil order lifted for Augusta water customers
- Power: There’s good news and bad news about outages in CSRA
- Update: A week after Helene, here’s the situation in Augusta
- Water: Augusta boil order could be lifted in ‘hours, not days’
- Relief: FEMA is ready to write checks after Helene. Here’s how to get one
- Restrictions: Curfews easing in some places, including Augusta
- Deaths: CSRA’s toll from Helene rises to 25, including 5 young kids
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Augusta Utilities Department has lifted the boil water advisory issued on Monday for customers in Augusta-Richmond County.
The order was issued after water started coming back on following a shutdown of the system for repairs.
Comprehensive water quality testing confirmed the water is safe for human consumption.
Before drinking the water, flush your lines by letting the cold water run for two minutes.
The boil order was necessary because bacteria and dirt can seep into pipes when water pressure drops too low to keep those contaminants out.
Officials said Wednesday that 40% of customers were still without service, but then Mayor Garnett Johnson said Thursday that remaining waterless customers should have service back within 24 to 36 hours.
WATER DISTRIBUTION SITES:
For anyone who still needs fresh water, here’s where you can get it:
- Blythe City Hall, 294 Church St.
- Warren Baptist, 3203 Washington Road
- Aquatic Center, 3157 Damascus Road
- Southgate Plaza, 1631 Gordon Highway (also hae bottled water)
- The Depot, 716 Broad St. (also has bottled water)
- Diamond Lakes Park, 4335 Windsor Spring Road (also has bottled water)
The water system had to be shut down Sunday because too much debris from Hurricane Helene was clogging the intake lines for the city to pump and treat enough water to meet demand. It didn’t help that the pumps were running on generators because the electric service was out.
A key piece of equipment was delivered late Monday night that will help restore the water treatment system to better performance.
The service restoration came after Fort Eisenhower issued a voluntary evacuation due in part to the water and power outage.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Harris comes to Augusta to see hurricane damage
On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris came to Augusta tour the damage Hurricane Helene left and to hear from local leaders.
FEMA is ready to write checks after Helene. Here’s how to get one
President Joe Biden issues a major disaster declaration in Georgia and orders federal aid for individuals to supplement state and local recovery efforts.
Augusta curfew remains in place as other places ease theirs
Augusta ed other local communities in ordering a curfew as the city grapples with hazards from a direct hit by Category 1 Hurricane Helene early Friday.
Augusta Transit shutdown keeps hurricane aid out of reach for many
Augusta Transit remained shut down Wednesday five days after Hurricane Helene swept through the CSRA, leaving debris on roads and leading to a suspension of routes.
After word of the evacuation memo got out, the city announced around 6 p.m. Monday that water service had been restored south of Gordon Highway – an area that includes Fort Eisenhower. Also by Monday night, lights were back on at Fort Eisenhower.
Water service remained out for about 24 hours longer in other parts of west Augusta.
At a news conference Tuesday where he discussed the water situation, Johnson mentioned a geyser-like leak that was visible at a water plant on Riverwatch Parkway.
He said despite what it looks like, it’s not a major concern right now for the city.
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