Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website
Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website
Residents are being asked to reduce water usage to lessen the impact on Tampa's wastewater infrastructure as repairs are made following Hurricane Helene.
Two wastewater pumping stations are down due to flooding, including one that processes every customer's wastewater. The Krauss Pumping Station, located at 163 S Ashley Street, and the Bayshore Pumping Station, at the corner of S Bayshore Blvd and W Knights Ave, are both experiencing overflows.
"There is no risk of consumption. Water from faucets and showers is safe to drink," authorities confirmed.
Crews are actively working to dewater the facilities and begin repair work. In the meantime, authorities urge residents to avoid walking through any standing water or getting close to any overflowing manholes. Reducing water usage will also help alleviate the impact on the infrastructure until it comes back online.
Later next month, the Bayshore Pumping Station will undergo a $17 million renovation to increase efficiency and make it more resilient to weather conditions. This project is part of many initiatives under Tampa's $2.9 billion Progressive Infrastructure Planning to Ensure Sustainability (P.I.P.E.S.) program.