Boil water advisory as main break forces interrupts classes at nearby schools

DECATUR, Ga. - The water main break which impacted schools in DeKalb County and the city of Decatur on Friday is now forcing nearby residents to boil their water as a precaution.

The break happened along the 800 block of McLendon Drive, which caused a portion of the road to collapse.

Boil water notice after main breaks on McLendon Drive

DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management issued a boil water advisory "out of an abundance of caution" late Friday night.

It impacts residences and business within an area bordered by Scott Boulevard on the north; Avondale Road through Old Rockbridge Road on the south; Interstate 285 on the east; and DeKalb Industrial Way on the west.

Water officials say the break caused low to no pressure in the line. 

While a boil water advisory is not necessary in this case, according to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s guidance, DeKalb County water officials are asking for the advisory to be issued just in case.

Testing in the area will continue to ensure the water is safe. So far, there have not been any tests to counter that assumption.

Residents asked to ‘flush’ lines, boil water

The water should be boiled for at least one minute after reaching a rolling boil.

Water officials say it is not uncommon for residents living in the boil water advisory zone to experience brown water.

They encourage customers to run the faucets inside and outside their homes/businesses to clear the internal plumbing.

The advisory impacts about 15,000 residents.

DeKalb County Schools impacted by water main break

Video shot by a FOX 5 viewer showed gallons of dirty water pouring onto the street. Part of the sidewalk had collapsed, and a power pole had sunk into the ground. 

DeKalb County School District officials told FOX 5 that the break impacted five of their schools, forcing students at Avondale Elementary, DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts, DeKalb School of the Arts, McClendon Elementary, and Robert Shaw Elementary to relocate to other schools until it is repaired. 

The district says students who were forced to relocate would be provided with lunch if need be.

Decatur City Schools shut down for Friday

The City Schools of Decatur system announced that all schools and offices would close due to the impact of the water main break.

Officials say most schools had low to no water pressure, and they are unsure about how long it will take to be restored.

"Only two schools currently have pressure, and it is expected that this pressure may also decrease due to the magnitude of the water main break," the school system wrote on its website.

Officials are asking parents to arrange for a pick-up as soon as possible.

All after-school activities and athletics were also canceled.