The flood threat has increased. Rainfall of 6 to 18 inches forecast, with localized totals up to 18 inches possible. In addition to impacting roadways and structures, widespread flooding can wreak havoc on regional wastewater treatment systems.

According to Polk County Utilities with six treatment plants that serve unincorporated Polk County, flows can exceed 1.5 times the average during a storm. When the ground is saturated and retention areas are all at capacity, a massive amount of groundwater and stormwater may infiltrate wastewater systems and create sanitary sewer overflows or backups. Wastewater customers should reduce their use of water as much as possible beginning 48 hours prior to then through the storm to help reduce pressure on wastewater systems.

This includes:

🚿Reducing the length of showers

🚽Limiting flushing of toilets

🍽️Not running dishwashers

👕Not doing laundry unnecessarily

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