Last Updated on September 27, 2024 by Yilin

Hurricanes can disrupt critical infrastructure, including public wastewater treatment plants. When these facilities fail, homeowners must be aware of the health and environmental hazards and take actions to protect themselves. Here is a guide to what homeowners should do and be aware of when wastewater treatment plants stop functioning.

 

1. Limit Water Use at Home

In the aftermath of a hurricane, your local wastewater treatment facility may be overwhelmed due to floodwaters, power outages, or physical damage. Because sewer pipes work with gravity, wastewater will continue to flow out of homes. However, if everyone maintains a typical water usage rate, there is a risk of backups at collection points, potentially leading to overflows from manholes. Therefore, it is essential to minimize the amount of water you send down the drain. Avoid flushing toilets, running dishwashers, using washing machines, or other water-intensive activities. This proactive approach not only helps protect your home from sewage backups but also reduces the risk of untreated wastewater entering local water bodies, which can pose significant health risks.

Why It’s Important:

Wastewater systems depend on functioning treatment plants to clean sewage before it is released. When these systems are compromised, untreated wastewater can enter rivers, lakes, or even back into your home through sewer lines, posing significant health risks.

 

2. Understand Health Risks from Untreated Wastewater

Untreated wastewater can carry harmful pathogens, bacteria, and chemicals. Direct contact with sewage or sewage-contaminated floodwater can result in serious health issues.

What to Do:

• Wear protective gear like waterproof boots and gloves if you must enter areas with floodwater. Learn more: Safety Guidelines: Floodwater
• If water safety is in question, boil water for at least one minute before drinking or use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water to avoid illness. If you cannot drain water, use a bowl or basin to catch the water and dispose of it properly.

 

3. Know the Signs of Sewage Backup

Sewage backups are one of the most significant risks during wastewater treatment failures. Be on the lookout for:

• Foul odors coming from drains
• Slow drainage in sinks and showers
• Gurgling sounds in toilets

If you notice these signs, stop using water immediately and contact your local utility to report the issue.

 

4. Prevent Sewage Backups

To minimize the risk of sewage backing up into your home, take preventative measures:

• Plug floor drains in low-lying areas.
• Keep toilet lids closed when not in use.
• Use drain plugs or stoppers in sinks and bathtubs.

These steps can help prevent contaminated wastewater from entering your living space during system overloads.

 

5. Use Temporary Sanitation Solutions

If your home’s sewage system becomes unusable due to a backup, consider temporary sanitation alternatives:

• Portable or chemical toilets may be necessary until public sewer systems are  working properly.
• Some communities may establish emergency sanitation facilities, so check with local authorities for guidance. Maintaining basic hygiene is critical to reducing the spread of bacteria and disease during this time.

How to Make a Temporary Toilet:

You can make a temporary toilet with a 5-gallon bucket fitted with a toilet seat. (This is something you can purchase and have on hand as a part of your hurricane preparedness.) The buckets can be lined with plastic kitchen garbage bags that can be tied off and secured after use and disposed of in a watertight trashcan. If possible, avoid mixing urine and fecal material.

 

6. Boil Water as a Precaution

Even if your water supply appears to be intact, flooding or system malfunctions at treatment plants can lead to contamination. Drinking contaminated water can cause severe illness. To ensure safety, boil all drinking water for at least one minute to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, or use bottled water for cooking, drinking, and personal hygiene until local officials confirm the water is safe.

 

7. Stay Away from Sewage Spills

Overwhelmed treatment plants and damaged sewer pipes can release raw sewage into streets, yards, or bodies of water. If you notice sewage spills or suspect sewage contamination in your area:

• Avoid contact with any standing water, as it may be contaminated.
• Report spills immediately to local authorities or your utility provider. They will coordinate cleanup efforts and take steps to protect public health and the environment.

 

8. Disinfect Contaminated Areas

If sewage backs up into your home, prompt cleaning is essential to prevent exposure to harmful pathogens. Wear protective gear, such as rubber gloves and boots, when cleaning contaminated areas. Use a disinfectant solution made of 1/8 cup of bleach per gallon of water to clean surfaces and prevent bacterial growth. Dispose of any porous materials (e.g., carpets or drywall) that have been saturated by sewage, as they can still contain harmful contaminants even after cleaning. Learn more: Clean Up Safely After a Natural Disaster

 

9. Stay Informed Through Local Utilities and Emergency Services

Local utilities and health departments in Florida are prepared to respond to wastewater treatment failures during hurricanes. They often provide timely updates on the status of water and wastewater services. Many utilities also offer text alerts to keep homeowners informed. You can also contact your local utility to find out when service might be restored and what interim safety measures are needed.

 

By following these guidelines, Florida homeowners can reduce the risk of health hazards and help manage wastewater issues during hurricane recovery efforts. Stay informed, stay safe, and prioritize water conservation until services are restored. Visit https://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/ to learn more about disaster preparation and recovery.