Boil water advisory issued for DeKalb County after power outages

DeKalb County officials say they've finished collecting water samples and are working to determine whether they can remove the county's boil water advisory.

According to the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management, Friday night's thunderstorms caused two power outages at the Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant at 10:40 Friday night and 2:36 Saturday morning.

While backup generators restored power to the facilities in less than three minutes, officials said they are issuing the advisory "in an abundance of caution," since the water pressure dropped below minimum requirements.

Officials say the advisory does not include anyone who is served through the City of Atlanta's Department of Watershed Management.

While the advisory is in place, customers are advised to boil their water for at least one minute before drinking, cooking, or preparing baby food. Officials say you don't need to boil water for bathing or cleaning.

DeKalb Watershed began testing water samples Saturday evening. 

The advisory will remain active until the Georgia Environmental Division approves it being lifted, which could be 24 to 36 hours from the time it was issued.

For more information, you can contact the DeKalb County Watershed Department at 770-270-6243.