Georgia City Issues Urgent Tap Water Warning Following Atlanta Airport Fuel Spill
A town located south of Atlanta has issued a critical advisory to its residents, strongly recommending they refrain from drinking tap water. This precautionary measure comes in response to a significant fuel spill at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which may have contaminated the Flint River, a primary water source for the area.
Emergency Advisory for Griffin Residents
The city of Griffin, which operates a water system serving more than twenty thousand customers, announced on Friday that tap water might not be safe for consumption. Officials emphasised that boiling the water would not guarantee its safety, urging people to use bottled water instead for all drinking, cooking, and oral hygiene purposes, including brushing teeth.
Details of the Airport Fuel Spill
Alnissa Ruiz-Craig, a spokesperson for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, confirmed that the fuel spill occurred on Friday morning. Cleanup operations are currently underway, though specific details regarding the volume of fuel released and the exact cause of the incident remain unclear at this time.
Precautionary Measures and Historical Concerns
As a precaution, Griffin officials have shut down water intakes from the Flint River, despite initial assessments suggesting the contaminated water has not yet reached the city. The Flint River originates near the airport, with much of its headwaters flowing through pipes beneath the extensive airfield before travelling southwest. It eventually becomes one of Georgia's major rivers, merging into the Apalachicola River in Florida. This is not an isolated incident; the Flint headwaters have faced repeated contamination from jet fuel and sewage spills originating from the airport in the past.
Alternative Water Sources and Safety Testing
To maintain water supply, Griffin is now utilising drinking water from an unaffected reservoir in nearby Pike County. Additionally, the city has opened fire hydrants to flush the water system thoroughly. Comprehensive testing is being conducted to determine when the water will be safe for consumption again, with officials closely monitoring the situation.
