St. Petersburg takes two sewage treatment plants offline

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – City officials said power was shut off at the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant (1160 62nd Ave. NE) and the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant (3800 54th Ave. S) to protect employees and wastewater treatment plants from possible storm surges from Hurricane Milton.

Residents and businesses in the northeast and southwest are shaded on this map. If you don't see it below, Click here.

According to a news release, these are the only facilities the city expects to be affected by a storm surge. The city has no plans to preemptively shut down the drinking water treatment plant in Odessa.

Here is a question about the meaning:

What does this mean for you?

From 7 p.m., affected residents/businesses will be asked to limit water use. Please avoid showering, doing laundry or washing dishes as much as possible. Please only flush toilets when necessary as the toilet may not drain.

Important information for affected residents:

– Please only flush toilets when necessary as the toilet may not drain.

– Please LIMIT showering or use of bathtubs, dishwashers and washing machines.

– Refill water bottles in advance and brush your teeth outdoors or over a container.

– Any water used may not drain.

Why did this happen?

Due to uncertainty about the storm's path and the possibility of high storm surges, as well as to ensure the safety and sustainability of wastewater disposal following the storm, the City temporarily shut down wastewater treatment facilities in the affected area.

How long will the sewer system be affected?

Restoration of these services may take 48 hours or longer after the storm, depending on the severity of impacts. City staff must carefully inspect facilities to ensure they are safe to return to service and make repairs if necessary before they can resume operations.