St. Petersburg Limits Water Usage Due to Hurricane Milton

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In anticipation of Hurricane Milton, city officials have enacted measures to safeguard personnel and infrastructure from potential storm surges. As part of these precautions, power has been turned off at two sewage treatment plants in St. Petersburg, prompting a request for residents to limit their water usage starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

The decision impacts areas served by the Northeast Sewer Treatment Plant located at 1160 62nd Ave. NE and the Southwest Sewer Treatment Plant at 3800 54th Ave. S. Authorities are explicitly asking those in the affected zones to minimize activities such as showering, doing laundry, and washing dishes. Residents are also being advised to flush toilets only when necessary, as sewage systems may not function properly during the shutdown.

“Please note, these are the only facilities the City anticipates being affected by storm surge,” stated city officials. They also confirmed that the drinking (potable) water treatment plant located in Odessa, Florida, will remain operational, and there are no plans for its preemptive shutdown.

The city suggests that residents take preparatory measures such as filling up water bottles in advance. It is also recommended that tasks like brushing teeth be done outdoors or over a container to conserve water.

City authorities estimate that restoration of full sewage services could take 48 hours or more, depending on the severity of the hurricane’s impacts. The shutdown is specifically a precautionary move meant to protect both the facilities and their personnel from the impending storm.

Residents affected by these measures are urged to stay updated on the situation through local news sources and official city communications.