GeorgiaResidents in some parts of Chatham and Effingham counties are under a boil water advisory after a water main break that may have let pollutants into the local water system.
Residents in parts of western Chatham County and eastern Effingham County who receive their water from the City of Savannah’s water system are impacted by the advisory, which was announced to the public by the Georgia Coastal Health District. A dip in water pressure that might have let untreated water into the system is the reason for the alert.
Which Areas Are Affected?
The advise is only applicable to people who are supplied by Savannah’s water system, not the entire county. Residents who were affected received immediate notifications from their water supplier. The Georgia Coastal Health District stressed, however, that the recommendation does not apply to Richmond Hill, Pooler, or Port Wentworth.
Get advice from your local water utility if you’re not sure if your property is in the impacted area.
What Should Residents Do?
Residents in the impacted areas are asked to do the following until further notice:
-
Boil all water for at least one minute
before drinking, cooking, or preparing baby formula. -
Use
bottled water
if boiling is not possible. - Avoid using tap water for brushing teeth or washing produce.
- Do not use ice made from unboiled tap water.
Until water sample testing verifies the water is safe to drink, which might take 24 to 48 hours, officials advise maintaining these precautions.
Why Is This Important?
Bacteria and other pollutants are more likely to infiltrate the drinking water supply when water pressure drops as a result of a main break. Boiling water lowers the risk of disease by eliminating dangerous germs.
As of yet, there has been no confirmation of contamination, and the advise is a preventative step. However, while test results are being gathered, health officials advise taking preventative measures.
Health Officials and City Responders Are on It
The City of Savannah and the Georgia Coastal Health District are keeping a close eye on the situation. Numerous water quality tests are being collected and examined, and crews have already addressed the cause of the pressure decrease.
Residents should get in touch with their local water service provider or the Georgia Coastal Health District for more details or updates.
Residents are reminded that until official laboratory testing verifies the water satisfies safety requirements, the boil water advisory will remain in effect.
Has the alert in Chatham or Effingham County had an impact on you? For more Georgia infrastructure and health updates, leave a comment about your experience and follow SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
