Griffin, Georgia, January 31, 2026
Authorities in Griffin, Georgia, have lifted a precautionary ‘do not consume’ water advisory, ensuring the safety of the city’s tap water following a fuel spill near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The advisory was put in place after reports of Jet A/Kerosene fuel contaminating the Flint River, but rigorous testing confirmed the municipal water supply is safe for residents to use.
Griffin, Georgia
The city of Griffin, Georgia, has lifted a precautionary “do not consume” water advisory, assuring residents their tap water is safe following a fuel spill near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport that had impacted the Flint River. The advisory, initially issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, was rescinded late the same day after rigorous testing confirmed the safety of the municipal water supply.
Precautionary Measures and Resolution
On Friday, January 30, 2026, city leaders in Griffin were notified of a fuel spill that originated near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and subsequently reached the Flint River. This prompt notification led to the immediate issuance of a “do not consume” water advisory for Griffin residents and those served by the Spalding County water system as a precautionary measure.
The advisory specifically instructed customers not to drink, cook with, or brush their teeth using tap water. It was emphasized that bottled water should be used for all consumption purposes, and that boiling the tap water would not render it safe. While initial reports suggested the spill had not reached Griffin’s water intakes, the city, acting with an abundance of caution, promptly shut down all Flint River intakes. During this period, Griffin sustained its water service by drawing water solely from the unaffected Dr. Brant D. Keller Reservoir in Pike County and the Has Creek Reservoir. Additionally, the Harry Simmons Water Treatment Plant was temporarily shut down, with officials noting it would require approximately 12 hours to return to full operational status after the all-clear.
City staff meticulously collected water samples from various points, including the finished water tap at the Harry Simmons Water Treatment Plant, consumer taps, and the Flint River itself. These samples were dispatched for comprehensive laboratory analysis. The diligence of these efforts quickly yielded definitive results. Late Friday night, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) officially cleared Griffin’s water supply, lifting the “do not consume” advisory based on the favorable testing outcomes. This swift resolution underscored the effectiveness of proactive measures and inter-agency coordination in safeguarding public health.
Details of the Incident
The fuel spill, involving Jet A/Kerosene fuel, was reported around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026. Investigations indicated the odor of fuel originated from a breach in the valves of an above-ground storage tank situated north of Terminal ‘T’ at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The fuel escaped containment and entered the Flint River. The exact quantity of fuel discharged remains under investigation. Response and cleanup efforts commenced immediately, with environmental teams working in conjunction with airport partners, relevant external agencies, and neighboring jurisdictions to manage the situation.
The Flint River, a vital natural artery, originates near the airport, with a significant portion of its headwaters flowing beneath the expansive airfield. This geographical reality means that the river has historically been susceptible to contamination from spills originating at the airport. In this instance, the rapid response from city and state authorities ensured that a potential threat to drinking water was swiftly addressed and mitigated, preventing wider impact. The Clayton County Water Authority, another entity drawing from the Flint River, also conducted tests and confirmed that its drinking water system remained unaffected, meeting or exceeding all state and federal regulatory standards.
The episode in Griffin serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between human activity and the natural environment. While incidents such as fuel spills are unforeseen, the capacity for swift, evidence-based action, coupled with a commitment to public safety, allows communities to navigate such challenges with precision and resolve. The quick lifting of the advisory allowed the rhythm of daily life to resume its customary course, a testament to coordinated vigilance and the inherent resilience of communal provision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions regarding the recent water advisory in Griffin, Georgia.
What is the current advisory in Griffin, Georgia?
The “do not consume” water advisory for Griffin, Georgia, has been lifted, and residents are now assured their tap water is safe.
What caused the warning about tap water in Griffin?
The warning was issued as a precautionary measure following a fuel spill near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport that impacted the Flint River.
Which river is potentially affected by the fuel spill?
The Flint River was potentially affected by the fuel spill.
Where did the fuel spill occur?
The fuel spill occurred near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, specifically from a break in the valves of an above-ground storage tank north of Terminal ‘T’ at the airport.
How long was the advisory in effect?
The advisory was issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, and lifted late the same day, January 30, 2026.
Key Features of the Incident
The table below summarizes the critical aspects of the recent water advisory in Griffin, Georgia.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| City Affected | Griffin, Georgia |
| Cause of Advisory | Fuel spill near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport |
| Potentially Contaminated Source | Flint River |
| Location of Spill | Near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, from an above-ground storage tank north of Terminal ‘T’ |
| Advisory Status | Lifted (as of late Friday, January 30, 2026) |
| Precautionary Water Source | Dr. Brant D. Keller Reservoir (Pike County) and Has Creek Reservoir |
| Type of Fuel | Jet A/Kerosene Fuel |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
