For those who have water or power, Augusta is now under a boil water advisory, city officials announced late Monday.
That means any water coming from the tap must be boiled for a minute before it’s used for any of the following, according to a city news release:
- Drinking
- Brushing teeth
- Washing and preparing food or baby formula
- Watering pets
Water service was suspended Sunday in most locations in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The boil advisory is needed due to systemwide low pressure in Augusta’s water distribution system resulting from the loss of power and treatment issues at a variety of locations, Augusta Utilities Director Wes Byne said.
MORE: Augusta Commission fills vacant positions, hires debris firms in storm’s aftermath
Augusta Fire and EMA is distributing potable water to residents who bring containers to the following locations, according to Fire Chief and EMA Director Antonio Burden:
- Diamond Lakes Regional Park
- Blythe Recreation Center
- Warren Baptist Aquatic Center
- Southgate Plaza
- The Depot, 716 Broad St.
In addition, bottled water will be available at the Augusta Municipal Building, Southgate Plaza and Diamond Lakes, he said.
Retired GEMA representative Ed Westbrook, who was called in to assist the effort, said GEMA has called in additional tankers of water “to meet the demand” needed by the city.
Augusta is preparing to turn on auxiliary systems that provide water to west Augusta and the hill area, but that water must be boiled “until we give you the all clear,” Byne said.
MORE: Governor Brian Kemp visits Augusta, speaks on aftermath of Hurricane Helene
A google sheet on the Augusta Utilities website will show which streets have been approved for use, he said.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson said Gov. Brian Kemp’s morning visit and flyover put the destruction in perspective. Some 34 other area counties sustained damage similar to Augusta’s, Johnson said.
While many are much smaller, those include rural counties such as Jefferson, which has no water, power, fuel, grocery stores or other vital items, Johnson said.
