Palm Coast Residents Urged to Conserve Water During Storm

As Hurricane Ian continues its push through Central Florida, residents are advised to pay close attention to weather reports and media reports regarding flooding that might occur due to continuous rainfall. 

Heavy rainfall from the storm is expected to continue through Friday evening. As a result, the City’s wastewater (sewer) system may become overwhelmed, causing a flood event. The City asks residents to limit water usage as much as possible for the next few days. Any water that goes down the drain creates wastewater that further stresses the wastewater system. This is for residents with or without PEP tanks. 

“The most important thing you can do today to help yourself and your neighbor is to stay off the roads and conserve water,” City of Palm Coast Utility Director Steve Flanagan said. “Any water that goes down the drain will contribute to our wastewater system which is already overwhelmed with a great deal of rainwater.”

City Officials encourage residents to follow these flood safety tips:

• Do not walk-through standing water or play in it, including swales. All standing water should be considered contaminated – by fertilizers, pesticides, animal feces, and wastewater (sewage).
• Do not drive on or through flooded streets. Turn around and find an alternate route.
• Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
• If flooding occurs, get to higher ground.
• Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers.
• Residents should not drive on or through flooded streets. Motorists are urged to turn around and find an alternate route.

Please report any damage from this recent storm in Palm Coast to PalmCoast.gov/Connect or call Customer Service at 386-986-2360. Emergency response crews are actively working to repair and remedy emergency situations and will continue for the duration of the storm. 

As a reminder, trash will NOT be collected Thursday or Friday due to the storm. Garbage collection will resume its regular collection schedule Monday next week. City officials ask that residents please keep trash indoors during the storm. Trash left outdoors can become dangerous debris that could damage property or block drainage ditches, contributing to residential flooding.

For more information go to PalmCoast.gov and follow the official City of Palm Coast social media sites at: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

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