Water contamination shuts down pumps at Pio Nono Avenue gas station

State officials say 20% of a fuel sample at a Marathon station in Macon contained water. Only regular gas is currently available as repairs and retesting continue.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – If you’re planning to fill up your tank, be aware: the Marathon Gas Station at Yug Food Mart on Pio Nono Avenue is currently only offering regular gasoline after 16 of its pumps were shut down due to fuel contamination.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Fuel and Measures Division found significant water contamination in the fuel, leaving the station temporarily unable to provide other fuel types to consumers.

The investigation began after two separate complaints were filed on April 9 and April 10. Following the reports, an inspector collected a fuel sample and discovered that approximately 20 percent of the sample contained water.

Deputy Director Cedric Lloyd explained that the contamination may have resulted from a cracked cap on the fuel tank, but clarified there was no indication of intentional tampering.

“This is an accident that has happened,” he said. “The station tries to correct the problem as soon as possible, and hopefully they try to make the consumer whole from any problems that they’ve had with a vehicle.”

Consumers are encouraged to keep their receipts in case of fuel-related issues.

Once repairs are complete, the Fuel and Measures Division will send an inspector to resample the fuel, which will then be tested at the state fuel lab. If the sample passes inspection, the pumps can be reopened.

If you believe your vehicle was affected, you can file a complaint by calling the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Fuel & Measures Division at (404) 656-3605 or emailing fuel@agr.georgia.gov.