SAVANNAH, Ga. — Roughly 200 Savannah properties along U.S. Highway 80 were placed under a precautionary boil water advisory Thursday after a 10-inch water main gave way near Houlihan Avenue, the City of Savannah said.
City crews spent the day on the repair at 3501 Houlihan St., where the break cut off service to the surrounding blocks. The city first set a 5 p.m. target to have water flowing again, then pushed that estimate back to 6 p.m. as work continued.
Getting the taps running again does not end the advisory. When a main loses pressure, outside material can get into the lines, so the city asked people in the mapped area to keep treating their water until officials formally lift the notice.
Until then, residents should heat water to a full rolling boil and hold it there for a minute or longer before they drink it, cook with it, brush their teeth, make ice or mix baby formula. Bottled water is another option for those tasks.
The city said it is watching conditions around the break and will post updates as the repair and testing move along. Residents unsure whether their address falls inside the advisory zone can check the map the city released with the notice.
Water main breaks are a recurring headache for older utility systems, and the city has not said what caused this one. Anyone who sees water bubbling up from pavement or a sudden drop in pressure can report it to the city utility line. Households with infants, older relatives or medical needs may want to keep extra bottled water on hand until the all-clear.
Section: More Savannah GA crime news
Filed under: Savannah GA Public Safety News
