Lewis said this has reduced the city's treatment capacity in half, to 750,000 gallons-per-day.
"The remaining filter is the same age as the failed filter and therefore its condition is also uncertain," Lewis said. "Contractors have advised a repair time from two weeks to 30 days may be needed depending upon availability of materials and equipment."
In the meantime the Environmental Protection Division has placed the City of Dahlonega on a total outdoor watering ban.
"This means no landscape watering of any kind and no filling of pools or outdoor commercial use of water," Lewis said. "This is an emergency. All available water is needed for fire protection and basic human needs. The danger of water loss due to water main breaks or a major fire must be mitigated by the total outdoor watering ban. Our citizens and customers must understand the potential for an even greater emergency if the remaining filter fails or if we experience an increased demand from the system from a fire."
Lewis continued, "We need everyone's cooperation during this time. This is a serious situation with potential to become even more serious. The city must enforce this total ban and violators will be cited."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/9/212942