Palm Coast Asks Residents With & Without Power To Limit Water Use After Irma

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Palm Coast, FL – Update: The City of Palm Coast began its response to Hurricane Irma on Monday – with one top priority being pumping down the wastewater sewage system. The system is being taxed because of infiltration of stormwater and widespread power outages after the hurricane. The wastewater sewer system cannot move sewage to the treatment plant without electricity, and even with generators, the system is not operating at full capacity. Tank trucks began to pump down the system Monday, and additional generators were being used by the Utility Department to provide power to lift stations that don’t have permanent generators. It is extremely important for all residents – whether they have electricity or not – to reduce water consumption with the goal of having the least amount of water going down the drain. It is especially important for residents with PEP tanks (Pretreatment Effluent Pumping System) to drastically decrease water usage if they lose electricity. PEP tanks will not empty into the wastewater system if there is no power. If the tank fills to capacity, there is a risk it could back up into your home. For all residents, whether you’re on the gravity sewer system or have a PEP tank, do not do laundry. Flush as infrequently as possible. Put as little water down your sinks and showers as possible. Consider washing up in the yard with a hose so the water doesn’t go down the drain. If your PEP tank alarm goes off, please call Palm Coast Customer Service at 386-986-2360. A crew will be dispatched as soon as possible. More information is available on the City’s website at www.palmcoastgov.com. The City is also providing information throughout the event on these social media accounts:
  • www.facebook.com/discoverpalmcoast
  • www.twitter.com/palmcoastnow
Flagler County Emergency Management is posting storm information at: www.flaglercounty.org/irma. Also tune into the county’s partner radio station WNZF at 1550AM and 106.3FM and the Flagler Radio App worldwide. The Flagler County Emergency Operations Center call-in center number is 386-586-5111. Any questions about City of Palm Coast services – water and sewer, streets, drainage – should be directed to Customer Service at 386-986-2360. Earlier Reporting: The City of Palm Coast would like to remind residents that if they lose electric power they should reduce water consumption as much as possible with the goal of having the least amount of water going down the drain. The wastewater sewer system can’t move sewage to the treatment plant without electricity, and even with generators, the system will not be operating at full capacity. It is especially important for residents with PEP tanks (Pretreatment Effluent Pumping System) to drastically decrease water usage if they lose electricity. PEP tanks will not empty into the wastewater system if there is no power. If the tank fills to capacity, there is a risk it could back up into your home. If power is lost, whether you’re on the gravity sewer system or have a PEP tank, do not do laundry. Flush as infrequently as possible. Put as little water down your sinks and showers as possible. If your PEP tank alarm goes off, please call Palm Coast Customer Service at 386-986-2360. A crew will be dispatched as soon as it’s safe to do so. Palm Coast Utility has a comprehensive plan for returning full function back to the wastewater system. In addition to using tanker trucks to pump out the system, the City has established generator teams that can be used to temporarily power PEP tanks – to empty them out – should the power outage go beyond a couple of days. Since Hurricane Matthew, the City has purchased a number of generators that are dedicated to that purpose, and employees from non-Utility departments have been trained to supplement Utility crews in using the generators to pump out PEP tanks. Please continue to check the City’s website at www.palmcoastgov.com for updates. The City is also providing information throughout the event on these social media accounts:
  • www.facebook.com/discoverpalmcoast
  • www.twitter.com/palmcoastnow
Flagler County Emergency Management is posting storm information at:www.flaglercounty.org/irma. Also tune into the county’s partner radio station WNZF at 1550AM and 106.3FM and the Flagler Radio App worldwide. The Flagler County Emergency Operations Center call-in center number is 386-586-5111. Any questions about City of Palm Coast services – water and sewer, streets, drainage – should be directed to Customer Service at 386-986-2360.