In the midst of multiple water main breaks that have left Atlanta without water, Emory University Hospital Midtown is grappling with a critical water shortage, forcing the facility to relocate patients and divert ambulance traffic. With limited water pressure to even flush toilets, the hospital has resorted to relying on bottled water for all their water needs.

The spokesperson for the hospital informed The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that as of Saturday afternoon, Emory University Hospital Midtown is no longer accepting ambulance traffic at its emergency department, except for patients with urgent heart problems. However, patients arriving on their own or via private transportation are still being welcomed and cared for.

Due to the dependence of dialysis on municipal water pressure, around 10 patients requiring dialysis have been transferred to other Emory hospitals for treatment. Dr. Adam Webb, the chief operating officer of Emory Midtown, highlighted the complex challenges of providing healthcare without adequate water supply, stating that even minor inconveniences become significant hurdles in caring for patients.

Since Friday afternoon, large parts of Atlanta, including downtown, have been without water following the discovery of breaks on a 48-inch and a 36-inch transmission line under Joseph E. Boone Boulevard. As the situation deteriorates, Emory made the decision late Friday evening to divert ambulance traffic to alleviate the strain on the hospital's limited water resources.

To meet their essential needs, Emory University Hospital Midtown has accumulated pallets of bottled water throughout the facility. However, the growing impact of the water shortage on the hospital's operations is expected to become increasingly difficult with each passing hour or even subsequent days without a dependable municipal water supply.

As a result of the water crisis, most outpatient appointments, including oncology and radiology, have been rescheduled or moved to other Emory locations. Some laboratory testing has also been redirected to other Emory hospitals. Moreover, there is a need for careful transportation and sanitation of medical equipment between Emory facilities during this water outage.

The water shortage has also severely affected MRI testing, as the continuous flow of cold water is crucial to keep the MRI machine's magnet cool and ensure efficient functionality. Additionally, the hospital has had to bring in 58,000 gallons of water via tanker trucks to maintain air conditioning and cooling systems. The water is being provided by a local fire department and delivered by a tanker truck company.

While Emory University Hospital Midtown is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for safe food preparation, limited food options for patients, visitors, and staff have become a concern. Despite these challenges, Dr. Webb reassured the public that the hospital has maintained safe care and conditions during this difficult period.

Grady Memorial Hospital, another healthcare facility in Atlanta, has also reported low water pressure but remains fully operational, with the emergency room accepting all patients. Elective procedures, however, continue to be canceled until the water situation is resolved.

As both hospitals grapple with the water crisis, hospital leadership, and facilities teams are working diligently to ensure that quality medical care is provided without compromise.

The vulnerability of Atlanta's healthcare infrastructure has become evident in this situation, emphasizing the urgent need to address and improve the resilience of these crucial facilities.