The city of Winter Park’s sanitary sewer system is currently being overwhelmed by spillover from Hurricane Ian, with two lift stations still submerged by high lake levels.
According to city officials, all Winter Park lift stations are currently at a high level status, with each operating two pumps at capacity.
The systems, which are designed to share the burden between two pumps, are currently operating with full pipes, which is preventing the lift stations from pumping at their normal volume.
“This is what is causing the backups and surcharging in certain neighborhoods,” reads a statement from city officials.
As of 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, October 2, five lift stations in unincorporated Orange County are without power and are currently powered by emergency generators. There are two lift stations that are still completely submerged by high lake levels, including one in Winter Park near Lake Sue and one in Orange County near Lake Pearl.
Officials say there is no contamination of the potable drinking water system and are advising residents to avoid contact with flood water, as it may be contaminated with sewage or harmful chemicals.
To minimize additional stress on the sanitary sewer system, Winter Park residents are being urged to minimize water usage to the absolute minimum necessary, including limiting toilet flushing, abstaining from running dishwashers, limiting showers, and limiting washing machine use.
Any resident with water or wastewater concerns should contact 407-599-3219.