TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Heavy rains from Debby inundated wastewater systems across the Bay area.
The City of Tampa is preparing more than 200 wastewater pumping stations ahead of Helene.
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In early August, Debby brought devastating rains to Tampa Bay overwhelming wastewater treatment facilities.
“We had about eight overflows mostly due to what we call in our industry as inflow and infiltration,” said Eric Weiss, City of Tampa Wastewater Department Director. “That’s where aging pipes will have cracks in it and stormwater can go into the wastewater pipe and kick up its capacity and cause an overflow.”
Weiss said more than 300,000 gallons overflowed during that time. The city sent out crews to vacuum and make repairs. If it does reach a waterway, they’ll post signs and take samples.
“We have a fleet of about 60 to 70 portable generators, and we deploy those throughout the City of Tampa to be ready if we lose power at any of our 230 wastewater pumping stations,” Weiss said.