PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
-
Boiled water advisory in effect
As of 8:00 a.m. today, Thursday January 26, 2023, the Ellijay-Gilmer County Water & Sewerage Authority (Authority) is lifting the Boiled Water Advisory issued on Tuesday January 24, 2023. The Boiled Water Advisory was issued due to damage to a water main on Highway 5 South in the Ellington Road area.
Authority crews completed the repair to the water main and disinfection and flushing procedures were performed and samples were taken for microbiological testing.
Microbiological test results were negative for total coliform bacteria and the water has been deemed to be safe for human consumption.
The Authority apologizes for any inconvenience and appreciates the patience of all customers affected by this event.
If you have any questions/concerns, please contact the Authority at (706) 276-2202.
----
1/24/2023 -- The Ellijay-Gilmer County Water & Sewerage Authority (Authority) is issuing a Boiled Water Advisory due to damage to a water main on Highway 5 South. The damage to the water main disrupted water supply and/or caused water pressure in parts of the distribution system to drop to very low levels. This Boiled Water Advisory is being issued out of an abundance of caution as there is the potential that a health hazard may exist due to microbial contamination in areas without positive pressure.
The areas affected include, but are not limited to the following:
• Coosawattee River Resort, particularly areas in the Eagle Mountain section on the Legion Road side of the Fife Bridge.
• Highway 5 South
• Coosawattee River Resort, particularly the Beaver Bend area off of Ellington Road
• Ellington Road
• Orchard Road
• Any homes near these areas that experience low pressure or water outage in the last few hours.
In order to protect the public from a potential health hazard, customers that have experienced water outages and/or low water pressures are advised to use only boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking, cooking, or preparing food. To properly boil tap water for use, customers should,
• Heat water until bubbles come quickly from the bottom of the container;
• Continue heating the water for one minute once it begins to boil;
• Remove the water from the heat source and allow to cool before use.
During a Boiled Water Advisory, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that boiled tap water or bottled water be used for the following:
• Drinking
• Brushing Teeth
• Washing food and preparing food and baby formula
• Making ice
• Drinking water for pets
Other activities such as clothes washing, dishwashing, and other uses can be done without boiling tap water, if done properly. The complete CDC guidance can be found at this website:
This Advisory will remain in effect until the Authority has done the appropriate testing to be confident that there is no longer a public health concern. Customers will be notified immediately when the Advisory is lifted. Once the advisory is lifted, you should flush all faucets for a minimum. of two minutes before using the water for drinking or food preparation.
The Authority apologizes for the inconvenience and assures all customers that all measures are being taken to rectify the situation.
If you have any questions/concerns, please contact the Ellijay-Gilmer County Water & Sewerage Authority at (706) 276-2202.