Days-long boil water advisory lifted in Macon, Monroe County after latest water tests

Water in Macon-Bibb and Monroe counties is now safe to consume, officials say, after people were urged to boil their water for a couple days.

The Macon Water Authority lifted a boil water advisory for parts of Macon-Bibb and Monroe counties around 12 p.m. Tuesday. A day after repairs on a water break were completed, the counties were still advised to boil the water as a safety precaution Tuesday morning.

After the advisory was lifted, the water authority still recommended to “flush all faucets for at least two minutes before using them for drinking or food preparation,” a news release said.

The Water Authority issued the boil water advisory Sunday around 2 p.m. for “all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes.”

Water contaminants were possibly present in all of Monroe County, as well as areas of Macon including Zebulon, Bass, Tucker, Peake, Thomaston and Lower Thomaston roads; and Lizella.

A main water break caused a “significant loss of water pressure” and “increased chance that untreated water and harmful microbes could enter the water distribution system,” the Water Authority said in an email.

The water break occurred near Zebulon and Bass roads. It was fixed and water service was restored Monday, but the boiling recommendation was still in place.

“Restoring water service means that water is flowing again, but we still need to ensure that the water is safe to drink, which is why the advisory remains in effect,” Rachad Hollis, communications specialist for the Water Authority told The Telegraph.

Boiling water ensures that “any potential contaminants are neutralized,” Hollis said.

Water may appear discolored during this time, which is normal and temporary, the Water Authority said on Facebook.

Crews were flushing hydrants and testing the water system Tuesday morning.

Possible health effects after the water main break could include “gastrointestinal illness, with symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea and headaches,” the Water Authority said. “If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.”

This story was originally published September 3, 2024 at 9:54 AM.