Donations will support immediate relief efforts for Atlanta residents affected by the water crisis, providing bottled water, food, and emergency supplies. Funds will also aid in repairing the damaged water infrastructure and implementing long-term solutions to prevent future crises.
Atlanta is currently facing a severe water crisis due to multiple major water main breaks, leading to widespread outages and low water pressure across the city. The crisis, caused by the failure of aging infrastructure, has disrupted daily life for residents and businesses. A state of emergency has been declared, and a boil water advisory remains in effect as repairs continue.
The water crisis in Atlanta began on May 31, 2024, when multiple major water main breaks occurred, significantly impacting the city’s water supply. The primary break happened at the intersection of Joseph E. Boone Boulevard and J.P. Brawley Drive in Vine City, where 80+-year-old steel pipes corroded and failed. This initial break led to a domino effect, causing additional breaks at West Peachtree and 11th Streets and another potential break on Atlantic Drive.
The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) has been working around the clock to repair the damaged infrastructure. Despite their efforts, the aging and corroded pipes have proven challenging to fix, and the timeline for full water service restoration remains uncertain. In the meantime, a boil water advisory has been issued for the entire metropolitan area, and residents are urged to use bottled water or boil their water before consumption.
The water crisis has had a profound impact on the community. Many residents and businesses have been left without reliable water supply, and multiple events, including church services and public gatherings, have been canceled or postponed. The Georgia Aquarium and several Fulton County libraries have also been affected. Emergency services have been providing water and support to the most vulnerable populations, including those in senior living facilities.