The flooded Chatahoochee River forced the East Point to shut it's water pipes, leaving the community with a 15-day water reserve.
According to a news release from Mayor Joe Macon, the city is following it's emergency contingency plan and continues to supply drinking water to residents and businesses.
"These measures have anticipated the worse case scenario based on my observations at the facility and potential damage due to record breaking flood levels of the Chatahoochee river," Macon said in a release.
Drinking Water is partially drawn from the river. However, the flood drowned the facility in Douglas County that draws the water into the city's water system and forced it's closure.
Now city leaders are focused on getting parts, like water pumps and essentials, ready for when the waters recedes and repairs can begin, according to the Wednesday release.
East Point uses about 7 million gallons a day to quench its thirst, water the lawns and provide for business needs.
Federal disaster aid has been requested. The city may be reimbursed to fix the problem.
Press release:
East Point Intake Facility Underwater!
Please be advised that the Intake Facility (Raw Water Pump House) located in Douglas County adjacent to the Chatahoochee River has been shutdown due to the current flood stage of the river.
As a result, we have initiated our Emergency contingency plan that will entail the emergency procurement of parts and services to assure the power supply and pumps and motors can be reactivated as soon as possibe from the time the river flood levels crest and recede to levels that will permit inspection, maintenance and reactivation of the pumps that provide raw water to our plant.
The current raw water supply is 15 days based on the available storage capacity and average usage(7 mgd). I am requesting Fire and Police to take the appropriate action to notify those establishments that may be impacted if the worst case scenario presents itself.
These measures have anticipated the worse case scenario based on my observations at the facility and potential damage due to record breaking flood levels of the Chatahoochee river.
As stated by the Fire Chief, the Governor has declared a local State of Emergency for 17 counties and has also asked President Obama to declare a National Disaster. If this occurs we will be eligible for reimbursement of cost associated with this emergency.
We are keeping records of all the operation and maintenance expenses incurred as a result of the flooding for potential Federal reimbursement.
