UPDATE: May 21, 2020, 8 P.M. - Moorland pump station has been restored since the issuance of this release. Residents in this sewer service area many resume water use, but are cautioned that until flooding subsides sewers may be sluggish due to higher flow levels.
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May 21, 2020 – Some areas of the City of Midland are currently experiencing a temporary disruption in sanitary sewer service as a result of ongoing flooding conditions in the city. Please continue reading for an update on these outages.
Five (5) sanitary sewer pump stations operated by the City of Midland Wastewater Treatment Plant have been overtaken by flood waters at this time. These pump stations are:
- Currie
- Towsley
- Emerson
- Moorland
- Valley
A map showing the locations of these pump stations and their service areas can be found at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/seweroutage. Please do not call 911 or the Wastewater Treatment Plant to check on the status of your sanitary sewer service.
Please be advised that residents within these service areas may receive sewer back-ups containing both storm water and sanitary wastewater. Residents in these specific areas whose homes did not receive overland flooding and are able to safely access their homes via open roadways may return to their homes and are advised to not utilize appliances and facilities that run water. This includes, but is not limited to, faucets, showers, toilets, dishwaters, laundry, etc. While the City’s drinking water system remains safe to use, the sanitary sewer system for these outage areas is presently compromised. Use of the system in this area could create sewage back-ups for residents and their neighbors. The City advises residents in the outage areas not to utilize facilities and appliances that use water while accessing their residences.
Businesses located in sanitary sewer outage areas must provide alternative restroom facilities for the public and their employees while service is disrupted. Any businesses that cannot provide alternative restroom facilities or that utilize water and/or appliances that use water should remain closed until service has been restored.
The City anticipates that pumps will return to service within a short period, following a thorough inspection of the pump stations’ conditions, after flood waters near the stations subside.
If your home was not affected by floodwater and you are returning to your home in an evacuated area, please follow these guidelines:
- Do not utilize water if you live in the affected sanitary sewer outage areas until notified via official channels that service has been restored. This notification will be made via the following channels:
Residents are advised to obey all road closure signs and to stay clear of standing water, flooded areas, and floating debris. Do not attempt to drive or walk through any standing water or bypass any barricades to get to your home. Roadways may be structurally compromised and need to be inspected before they can be reopened.
The City of Midland water distribution system remains fully operational and has not been compromised. It is safe to drink and use for residents outside of the sewer outage areas.
The City of Midland Wastewater Treatment Plant remains fully staffed and operational at this time.
