Atlanta Boil Water Notices: What They Mean and What You Should Do

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, Georgia, you may occasionally hear about an “Atlanta boil water advisory” or “boil water notice.” Knowing what that means, how to respond, and where to get local updates can help you stay safe and prepared.

This guide walks through how boil water advisories work in Atlanta, what to do step-by-step, and who to contact if you have questions.

What Is a Boil Water Advisory in Atlanta?

A boil water advisory (sometimes called a boil water notice) is a temporary safety alert from local water authorities telling people to boil tap water before using it for drinking, cooking, or certain other uses.

In Atlanta, these advisories are typically issued by:

• City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
• Sometimes in partnership with Fulton County, DeKalb County, or neighboring water systems, depending on where the issue occurs

Advisories are usually neighborhood-specific, not citywide, though larger events can impact multiple parts of metro Atlanta.

Why Boil Water Advisories Happen in Atlanta

Common reasons Atlanta residents might see an “Atlanta boil water” alert include:

• Water main breaks
  Older pipes or construction-related damage can cause sudden drops in water pressure.
• Major pressure loss
  Power outages at pumping stations, equipment failures, or large firefighting efforts can temporarily reduce water pressure.
• Flooding or heavy storms
  Severe weather can increase the risk of contaminants entering the system.
• Maintenance or construction
  Planned or emergency repairs to mains, treatment facilities, or reservoirs sometimes trigger precautionary advisories.
• Possible contamination concerns
  If testing shows a potential issue, or if conditions make contamination more likely, authorities may issue a boil water advisory as a precaution until testing is complete.

In many Atlanta cases, boil water advisories are issued out of caution while samples are tested, not necessarily because contamination is confirmed.

How to Find Out If There Is a Boil Water Advisory in Atlanta

If you’re unsure whether your Atlanta address is affected, check official local sources:

1. City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

The Department of Watershed Management is the primary agency for water service within the City of Atlanta limits.

• Customer Service (general inquiries):
  Phone: 404-546-0311
  Typical use: Water service issues, billing, and questions about advisories.

You can also look for:

• City announcements via local TV and radio stations
• Official statements shared through Atlanta city social media channels
• Recorded messages on customer service phone lines during major incidents

2. Fulton County and DeKalb County (If You’re Near the City Limits)

Parts of metro Atlanta near the border may receive water from Fulton County or DeKalb County systems.

• Fulton County Public Works (Water)
  General Phone: 404-612-7400
  For residents in unincorporated Fulton or certain service areas bordering Atlanta.

• DeKalb County Watershed Management
  General Phone: 770-270-6243
  For areas east of the city that may not be on City of Atlanta water.

If you rent, your property manager or building office is often a helpful first contact to confirm which system you’re on and whether a boil advisory applies to your building.

3. Local News and Emergency Alerts

For significant events, Atlanta residents often receive updates through:

• Local TV stations and radio
• County or city emergency alert systems (if you’re enrolled)
• Public safety updates shared by Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency or equivalent emergency services

When in doubt, verify with an official water agency before assuming your area is unaffected.

What You Should Do During an Atlanta Boil Water Advisory

If an official Atlanta boil water advisory applies to your address, follow these basic safety steps unless local authorities say otherwise.

When You Must Boil Water

Boil tap water before using it for:

• Drinking (including water for pets)
• Cooking (including boiling pasta, rice, or other foods)
• Making ice
• Making coffee, tea, or other beverages (unless your machine fully boils the water)
• Brushing teeth
• Rinsing raw fruits and vegetables
• Mixing powdered baby formula or any drink that uses tap water
• Rinsing dishes if you do not have a properly functioning high-heat dishwasher

How to Properly Boil Water

Use this simple, widely recommended approach:

1. Fill a pot with tap water.
2. Bring it to a rolling boil—large, continuous bubbles.
3. Keep it boiling for at least 1 full minute.
4. Turn off the heat and let it cool naturally.
5. Store in a clean, covered container.

If you use an electric kettle, make sure the water comes to a full rolling boil and stays there for about a minute if possible.

What You Can Still Use Tap Water For

Unless Atlanta authorities specify otherwise, you can usually use unboiled tap water for things that don’t involve swallowing the water:

✅ Generally allowed (unless told otherwise):

• Showering and bathing (avoid swallowing water; be extra careful with young children)
• Washing hands with soap and water (especially if you dry hands thoroughly)
• Doing laundry
• Cleaning floors, walls, and most hard surfaces
• Toilet flushing

If you care for people with weaker immune systems or special health needs, speak with a healthcare professional for individualized guidance on water use.

Quick Reference: What to Boil and What Not To

You can use this as a simple Atlanta boil water reference when an advisory is active.

If Atlanta authorities issue stricter instructions (such as a “do not use water” notice), those instructions override this general table.

Special Considerations for Atlanta Households and Businesses

For Apartments, Condos, and High-Rises

In Atlanta’s many multi-unit buildings:

• Check for building-wide notices from property management.
• Water in high-rises may be stored in roof tanks or internal systems, so follow instructions specific to your building.
• Common areas (like gym water fountains or shared kitchens) often remain turned off during an advisory.

For Restaurants, Cafés, and Food Trucks

Food businesses in Atlanta are typically required to follow health department guidelines during a boil water advisory, such as:

• Using boiled or bottled water for drinks and food prep
• Adjusting menus to avoid high-risk items that require rinsing with tap water
• Temporarily shutting off soda fountains, tea brewers, and ice machines that use tap water directly
• Discarding ice made during the advisory period

If you’re a business owner or manager in the city, you can contact:

• Fulton County Board of Health – Environmental Health
  Main Line (Atlanta service area): 404-613-1303

• DeKalb County Board of Health – Environmental Health
  Main Line: 404-508-7900

They can provide business-focused guidance based on current local conditions and regulations.

How Long Do Boil Water Advisories Last in Atlanta?

An Atlanta boil water advisory often lasts at least 24–48 hours, but the actual duration depends on:

• How quickly repairs are made
• How soon water quality tests can be completed and confirmed

Water agencies typically need multiple sets of clean test results before lifting an advisory. You should continue boiling water until you see or hear an official notice that the advisory has been lifted for your specific area.

What to Do When the Boil Water Advisory Is Lifted

When Atlanta officials announce that the boil water advisory is officially lifted for your neighborhood, you can take a few simple steps to return to normal:

1. Run cold water taps
   Let them run for a few minutes to flush household pipes.

2. Discard and remake ice
   Empty ice makers and throw away any ice produced during the advisory. Let the machine cycle and refill with fresh water.

3. Flush water dispensers
   Run water from refrigerator lines or built-in dispensers for several minutes.

4. Check filters
   Replace or flush water filters according to manufacturer instructions if they were used during the advisory.

5. Update your routine
   You can now resume drinking tap water and using it normally unless officials give specific follow-up guidance.

How to Prepare for Future Boil Water Advisories in Atlanta

Because Atlanta’s aging infrastructure and heavy construction activity can sometimes cause water main breaks or pressure issues, a little preparation goes a long way.

Consider these Atlanta-ready steps:

• Keep a small bottled water supply
  Enough for drinking and basic needs for at least a couple of days.
• Store a clean pot or kettle
  So you can quickly boil and cool water if needed.
• Stay plugged into local alerts
  Sign up for your city or county emergency notifications and keep your contact info updated.
• Ask your landlord or HOA
  How they share urgent building notices, and confirm your contact info is on their distribution list.
• Know your water provider
  Confirm whether your address is served by City of Atlanta, Fulton County, DeKalb County, or another utility so you know who to call.

Key Atlanta Contacts for Boil Water Questions

Here are some commonly used, stable contacts if you have questions about a current or recent boil water advisory in the Atlanta area:

City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
Customer Service: 404-546-0311
Typical use: Service issues, main breaks, and advisory questions inside city limits.

Fulton County Public Works (Water Services)
Main Phone: 404-612-7400
For water issues in certain areas outside Atlanta city limits.

DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management
Main Phone: 770-270-6243
For customers in DeKalb County service areas near or around Atlanta.

Fulton County Board of Health – Environmental Health
Main Line: 404-613-1303
Food business and public health questions in Fulton County.

DeKalb County Board of Health – Environmental Health
Main Line: 404-508-7900
Food business and public health questions in DeKalb County.

If you are ever unsure whether you should be boiling your water in Atlanta, contact your water provider directly and follow the latest official instructions for your specific address.