Is There A DeKalb Boil Water Advisory Today? 5 Critical Facts Residents Must Know

The most important update for DeKalb County residents on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, is that there is currently NO county-wide or localized boil water advisory in effect. The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) has confirmed that the water system is operating under normal conditions following recent, highly publicized water main breaks. This is a crucial piece of information for all residents, especially given the series of cautionary advisories issued over the past year due due to significant infrastructure failures.

The frequent search for “dekalb boil water advisory today” is a direct result of several major incidents in late 2025 and early 2025 that caused widespread pressure loss and necessitated precautionary measures across various neighborhoods. While the immediate crisis has passed and the advisory is lifted, understanding the underlying issues—namely, the county’s aging water infrastructure—and knowing the proper preparedness steps remains essential for every DeKalb resident.

The Current Status of DeKalb County Water Service (December 17, 2025)

As of today, the official service status from the DeKalb County government indicates that water service is stable and compliant with all federal and state standards. This means residents do not need to take any special precautions for drinking, cooking, or bathing at this time. However, the recent history of major water main breaks serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges facing the county’s utility system.

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Recent History: Why DeKalb Water Advisories Are a Recurring Issue

The precautionary boil water advisories that affected thousands of residents in the latter half of 2025 were primarily triggered by significant, unexpected breaks in large-diameter water mains. These events are critical because a drop in water pressure can create a vacuum, allowing potential contaminants to enter the drinking water system through cracks or leaks in the pipes.

• Midway Road Break: A major incident involving a 36-inch broken water main on Midway Road required extensive repairs and led to a localized advisory that lasted for several days in December 2025.
• Clairmont Road Incident: Earlier, a separate 30-inch broken water main on Clairmont Road also caused significant service interruptions, pressure loss, and a subsequent boil water advisory in the affected zone.
• Cause of Advisories: In both cases, the advisory was issued as a *precaution* to ensure public safety while DWM crews restored pressure and collected the necessary water samples for testing. An advisory is only lifted after two consecutive days of clear samples.

The areas most frequently impacted by these events often include parts of Decatur, Emory’s Atlanta campus, and surrounding neighborhoods, though the exact boundaries change with each incident.

DeKalb’s Multi-Billion-Dollar Plan to End Water Main Breaks

The recurring nature of boil water advisories has highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive infrastructure renewal. In response, DeKalb County has launched a massive, multi-billion-dollar Capital Improvement Program (CIP) dedicated to upgrading its aging water and sewer systems. This is the largest investment in water infrastructure in the county's history and is designed to address the root cause of the frequent breaks.

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Key Infrastructure Renewal Projects Underway:

The DWM is actively working on several fronts to modernize the system and improve water reliability, aiming to reduce water main breaks and service outages dramatically.

• Water Main Replacement: Projects like the Briarcliff Corridor Water Infrastructure Replacement Project and the Rockbridge Road Water Main Replacement Project are focused on replacing old, brittle pipes with modern, more resilient materials. This work is crucial for meeting future water service demands.
• Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant Upgrades: The CIP includes process improvements at the Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant, the county's sole facility, to increase system capacity and upgrade its overall functionality, ensuring a more stable and reliable supply.
• Financial Commitment: The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has approved hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts for these system improvements and repairs, demonstrating a long-term commitment to solving the infrastructure crisis.

Essential Preparedness: What to Do During a Boil Water Advisory

While the current status is clear, every resident should be prepared for the possibility of a future advisory. Knowing the proper steps to take immediately can ensure the safety of your family and pets. A precautionary advisory means there is a *potential* for contamination, not a confirmed one, but the safety steps remain the same.

The Official Boiling Protocol

The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division provide a clear protocol for making water safe during an advisory:

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1. Bring Water to a Rolling Boil: Place the water in a clean pot or kettle and bring it to a vigorous, rolling boil.
2. Boil for One Minute: Allow the water to boil continuously for at least one full minute. This is sufficient to kill all harmful bacteria and viruses.
3. Cool Before Use: Let the water cool down naturally before using it for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, or preparing food.

Note on Handwashing: During an advisory, the DeKalb County Health Department recommends using bottled water or water that has been boiled and cooled for washing hands, especially when preparing food.

Other Uses of Water During an Advisory:

• Bathing and Showering: For most people, bathing is safe, but be careful not to swallow any water. Infants and young children should be sponge-bathed to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Dishwashing: If you don't have boiled water, use a dishwasher with a high-temperature wash and drying cycle. Otherwise, soak dishes in a bleach solution (one teaspoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water) for at least one minute after washing.
• Pets: Pets should only be given boiled (and cooled) water or bottled water.

How to Get Instant, Official DeKalb Water Updates

Relying on unofficial sources during an emergency can be dangerous. To ensure you receive the most timely and accurate information, residents should utilize the official communication channels provided by the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM).

• Official DWM Press Releases: All official updates, including the issuance and lifting of advisories, are posted on the DeKalb County government's press release section.
• DeKalb Boil Water Advisory WebMap: During an active advisory, the county typically provides an interactive web map that allows residents to type in their address and see if they are within the affected area.
• Contact Information: For non-emergency inquiries or to report a water main break, the DWM can be reached at 770-270-6243 or dekalbwaterops@dekalbcountyga.gov.

In summary, while the current water status is clear—no advisory is active on December 17, 2025—the recent and recurring nature of water main breaks means residents should remain vigilant and informed. The long-term solution lies in the county's ambitious infrastructure renewal program, which promises a more stable water future for DeKalb County.