PRESS RELEASE

Department of Watershed Management Advises of Repair to Critical Infrastructure,
Possible Water Service Disruption to Hemphill Zone
  

ATLANTA – On Sunday, May 27, 2018, the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) discovered a leak at the DWM 651 14^thStreet complex. It was determined that the leak was due to a failed joint on 36-inch pipe near the Hemphill Steam Pumping Station. Out of an abundance of caution, DWM is notifying all critical facilities and businesses to be prepared to initiate a continuity of operation plan in the event of a loss of water service over the course of the repairs.

 “While every attempt is being made to complete the repair without impacting water service to our customers, there is the possibility of a service disruption to the Hemphill Plant service area due to the proximity of the leak to other critical DWM assets,” said Commissioner Kishia L.Powell. “Currently, the risk of an interruption of service is minimal. DWM staff are monitoring the 36-inch main as well as the water pressure at the Hemphill pumping station on a 24-hour basis. It is not anticipated that water service will be interrupted. We simply want our customers to be prepared.”

To avoid an interruption of service during the repair, which is expected to start early next week, a specialty contractor has been engaged who has line stopping equipment needed to isolate the leak. The team repair process will require several days, with work being performed during the lowest water demand period. DWM’s mobile emergency command unit will be onsite during the repairs.

Area businesses, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department and critical facilities in the City of Atlanta DWM service area such as hospitals and medical facilities are advised to have alternative means of water supply on standby.

As the repair work start date approaches, DWM will continue to assess any potential risks to interruption of service and proactively communicate that information to those who may be impacted.

The department will continue to provide additional notifications via email, the DWM website, media, robocalls and social media if an interruption in service will occur, or if a boil water advisory is required.

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