Related video: Pinellas Emergency Director warns residents about record storm surge expected
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2024) — The City of St. Petersburg has shut down two major sewer treatment plants due to potential impacts from Hurricane Milton’s storm surge.
The Northeast Sewer Treatment Plant at 1160 62nd Ave. NE and the Southwest Sewer Treatment Plant at 3800 54th Ave. S have been taken offline to protect employees and facilities. This move is expected to affect sewer services for residents and businesses in the surrounding areas.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, city officials urge those in the impacted areas to limit water usage starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Residents are advised to avoid taking showers, doing laundry, or using dishwashers, as sewer systems may not function properly. Toilets should only be flushed when absolutely necessary.
Affected Areas
To determine if your home or business is impacted, you can check which treatment plant serves your area through an online map provided by the city.
Residents in the affected zones are asked to take the following precautions:
- Only flush toilets when necessary, as water may not drain.
- Limit the use of showers, dishwashers, and washing machines.
- Fill water bottles in advance for drinking, and brush your teeth outdoors or over a container to minimize indoor water use.
Why the Shutdown?
Due to the uncertainty of Hurricane Milton’s path and the risk of storm surge, the city made the decision to temporarily shut down the sewer treatment plants. The shutdown is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of both city staff and the facilities, as well as to protect sewer services post-storm.
Timeline for Service Restoration
City officials estimate that sewer services could be disrupted for 48 hours or more after the storm passes, depending on the extent of the damage. Crews will inspect the treatment plants before restarting operations to ensure the systems are safe and operational.
Drinking Water Not Affected
While sewer services are impacted, the city's drinking water facilities remain operational. The Odessa potable water treatment plant will continue to provide running water for drinking and cooking.
Stay Informed
For ongoing updates, residents can sign up for Alert St. Pete at pinellas.gov/alert. The city is also encouraging residents to stay tuned to the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) and follow the City of St. Petersburg’s social media channels for the latest information on storm impacts and recovery efforts.