Atlanta Issues Boil Water Advisory Atlanta After Hemphill Failure
The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management issued a boil water advisory Atlanta for the downtown corridor on May 22, 2026, after an internal power failure at the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant. Residents and businesses in the affected area were told to boil water before use or switch to bottled water.
The department said the advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution and in line with Georgia EPD public notice guidance. It also said it is monitoring operations and system pressures across the area while testing and sampling continue.
Downtown Atlanta Corridor
The advisory applies to residents and businesses in the downtown corridor. City officials said people in the impacted area who have experienced low water pressure or complete water outages should boil their water for one full minute past a rolling boil before using it.
The department also urged extra caution for infants, the elderly, and people with immune deficiencies. Public water fountains in the impacted downtown corridor should not be used for drinking.
Hemphill Water Treatment Plant
The power failure at the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant is the event that triggered the advisory. DWM said the order will stay in place until it completes official testing and sampling protocols and is formally cleared to lift it.
There is no set time for when the advisory will be rescinded, so affected customers need to follow the boil order now and watch for updates before using tap water normally again.
ATLWatershed Updates
Affected residents can get updates from the Department of Watershed Management on Facebook, X, Nextdoor, and Instagram at @ATLWatershed. For people in downtown Atlanta, the practical step is simple: use bottled water or boil tap water for one full minute until the city lifts the advisory.
