Bartow, FL - By minimizing water use during times of flooding and/or electrical outages, there will be less of an opportunity for sewage issues to occur, including sewage backing up into your home.

Until electricity has been restored to pump stations and sewage treatment plants, every effort should be made to conserve water usage and to avoid adding water to sewer lines as this may cause the line to clog and cause sewage to back up into your home.

• Minimize the use of water, such as shorter showers, decreasing the use of washing machines, and the flushing of toilets.
• Utilize portable restrooms.
• Fix any plumbing leaks.

Report any sewage spills to proper utility authorities for clean-up and sanitation. Such spills may be sanitized by the utility staff with an application of lime (calcium hydroxide). Restrict access to such areas for at least 24 hours and until no visible lime is present.