Crews work to repair water leak that could disrupt service to key businesses in Atlanta

ATLANTA — The City of Atlanta warned of a possible water outage Wednesday morning as work got underway at a major pumping station.

Crews are fixing a leak throughout the week, and local businesses in the area are preparing for a possible interruption to water service.

Atlanta Watershed Management originally discovered the leak at a treatment facility last Sunday.

Channel 2 Action News learned that a failed joint near the Hemphill Steam Pumping Station on 14th Street caused the leak.

The city said the risk of disruption is low, but officials urged Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and area hospitals to have an alternative water supply on standby.

Local businesses, like car washes, are also getting ready.

“We wanted to have people prepare for the worst-case scenario, but that doesn’t mean we’re not confident in our repair plan or our approach,” said Atlanta Watershed Commissioner Kishia Powell.

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Phyllis Blay works at a company right across the street from the plant. She went to work with extra water, in case her company loses it.

"Well just in case the water goes out, I bought myself two liters for me to drink today and hopefully my co-workers did the same," Blay said.

The leaking 36-inch pipe is about 100 years old.

Watershed officials told Channel 2 Action News it took them seven hours to install a device to slow down the leak, but they need to install two more pieces to completely shut it off.

Repairs are expected to be done by Saturday, but crews said it is really hard to tell.

Atlanta Watershed said its main goal is to protect the pump station.

Officials said the strategy was done before, but on a smaller scale, and it worked.

While hospitals put their backup plans in place and stock water, first responders are taking steps to make sure Atlantans are safe.

Rob Neil, the Director of Environmental Safety for Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, sent Channel 2 Action News the following statement:

“Piedmont Atlanta is aware of the situation with the Atlanta Watershed Authority. In the event that we experience any disruption to water services, we have made arrangements for certain necessities, such as hand hygiene, temporary restrooms, waste water, drinking water, and food services. We have been working closely with the local fire department to maintain water for critical needs. In addition, Piedmont’s 11-hospital network can provide any additional resources needed to support our patients and staff.” 

Cox Media Group