Jekyll under boil water advisory
originally posted on November 21, 2016
A major water main break Monday morning at Beachview Drive near Villas by the Sea on Jekyll Island prompted a boil water advisory for the entire island.
Shortly after 4 p.m., all repairs of the main had been completed, but the boil water advisory remained in effect until clearance is given by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
The break caused water pressure in parts of the system to drop to “dangerously low levels,” according to a release from the Jekyll Island Authority.
“When this occurs, a potential health hazard may exist in these areas of zero pressure from backflow and/or back-siphonage of water of unknown quality into the water distribution system,” the release said.
During the advisory, water should be boiled for at least one minute after reaching a rolling boil. Boiling is suggested before drinking, cooking or preparing baby food.
The advisory will remain until water samples can be tested by the EPD to determine if it is safe for human consumption.
By Monday evening, all fire hydrants were working properly and all hotels and restaurants were aware of the advisory, an afternoon release from the authority said.
Noel Jensen, the authority’s senior director of facilities and public service, attributed the break to the cold weather Monday morning at a meeting of the authority’s board.
“This is typical for the first cold snap,” Jensen said. “Our crews got there early and were excavating the area to get to it. We spoke with (Brunswick-Glynn) Joint Water and Sewer for assistance.”