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Flooding Can Cause Problems with Sewage Systems

By Patricia Roberts

August 10, 2016

August 10, 2016

 

FLOODING CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH SEWAGE SYSTEMS

Contact:
Patricia Roberts
Patricia.Roberts@flhealth.gov
850-892-8015 Ext. 1116

Following the passage of the storm, you may be experiencing difficulties with your sewage system not functioning properly.  If you have a septic system that operates by a dosing pump, it will not function without electricity.  You should refrain from using water in your home as much as possible until electricity is restored.  Without the pump working, the septic tank will fill and may cause backup of sewage in your home.

General precautions:

  • Do not let children play in flood waters as these waters may be contaminated by sewage.
  • If you live in a low-lying or flood-prone area, the ground in your area may be saturated from heavy rainfalls or flooding from the storm.  You should use household water as little as possible to prevent backup of sewage into your home

 

What should I do if sewage backs up into my home?

  • If a sewage backup has occurred in your home, stay out of affected areas and keep children away.  If your entire home has been saturated, abandon the home until all affected areas, including but not limited to carpets, rugs, drywall, and baseboards, have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
  • If sewage has overflowed in open areas or streets, etc., avoid these areas and especially do not let children play in these areas.
  • If you are having problems in areas served by public sewer systems, please contact your utility company to insure they are aware of problems in your area.

For more information, please contact your county health department or visit https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/index.html or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

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