Georgia Coastal Health District

Updated September 12, 2025

The City of Darien has lifted the boil water advisory for its water service customers. Residents may now resume normal use of tap water for drinking, cooking, food preparation, and all other purposes.

Information for Food Service Facilities, Hotels, and Motels

The following information is from the National Restaurant Association:

Once the advisory is lifted and you’re notified the water supply is usable, take these actions to ensure the safety of your food and beverages:

• Flush ice machines by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Also take the following steps: Throw out any remaining ice, flush the water line to the machine inlet, close the valve on the water line behind the machine, disconnect the water line from the machine inlet, open the valve and run 5 gallons of water through the valve, dispose of the water, and close the valve.
• Flush the pipes throughout your facility by running each faucet with cold water for at least 15-30 minutes.
• Flush, clean, and sanitize appliances that use tap water, such as beverage dispensers, coffee and tea urns, ice machines, glass washers, and dishwashers. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle.
• Get your hot water tanks flushed.
• Run your drinking fountains continuously for at least 5 minutes to flush the system.
• Replace and sanitize water filter cartridges according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

September 10, 2025

On September 10, 2025, the City of Darien reported it has temporarily cut water service due to a water main break and issued a boil water advisory. Once the break is repaired, customers should boil drinking water until test results confirm the water is safe for consumption.

To properly boil tap water for use, customers should:

1. Heat water until bubbles come quickly from the bottom of the container;
2. Continue heating the water for one minute once it begins to boil;
3. Remove the water from the heat source and allow it to cool before use.

During a Boil Water Advisory, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that boiled tap water or bottled water be used for the following:

• Drinking
• Washing dishes
• Brushing your teeth
• Washing or preparing food and baby formula
• Making ice
• Drinking water for pets

Other activities, such as cloth washing and dish washing, can be done without boiling tap water if done properly. The complete CDC guidance can be found at this website.

Information for Food Service Facilities, Hotels, and Motels

All food service facilities, hotels, and motels in the advisory area MUST use boiled water or bottled water for cooking, cleaning of food contact surfaces, dishwashing, and handwashing. Additionally, use of ice makers and post-mix soda machines should be discontinued. If a facility cannot implement these measures, they should contact the McIntosh County Environmental Health office for further guidance.