Heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Eta that caused widespread flooding are now wreaking havoc on regional wastewater treatment systems. The Southern Regional Wastewater treatment plant operated by the City of Hollywood that serves six cities and portions of Broward County usually processes less than 55 million gallons of wastewater per day, but due to the storm is experiencing flows of well over 100 million gallons.
With the ground saturated and canals and retention areas all at capacity, a massive amount of groundwater and stormwater is infiltrating wastewater systems and creating backups. Customers of the Southern Regional Wastewater Plant in Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, Miramar, Pembroke Park and southern Broward County are being asked to reduce their use of water as much as possible for the next two days to help reduce pressure on the system.
- Reduce length of showers
- Limit flushing of toilets
- Do not run dishwasher
- Do not do laundry
The City of Hollywood has utility crews out addressing areas impacted by sewer collection system backups. Residents should avoid areas of standing water or coming into contact with untreated wastewater.