UPDATE: An update has been given on this situation. Look below for the latest details.

Hurricane Ian impacted Florida last week, and while the storm itself has left Florida, its impacts are still being felt.

Hurricane Ian dropped massive amounts of rain on various areas within the state (including Disney World) and caused some sign and tree damage in Disney World as well. If you’re within the City of Orlando though, the hurricane had an impact on something important and an emergency alert is now in place.

According to the City of Orlando’s Twitter account, an emergency alert has been issued regarding the city’s sewage system. Hurricane Ian reportedly led to damage to the sanitary sewer for the city. According to the City of Orlando, some of their lift stations were impacted after a “36-inch force main break” caused an overflow of sewage to surrounding lakes.

They have issued an immediate water usage advisory while staff conduct emergency repairs to return sewer service.

The first emergency alert was issued on October 2nd. They noted that this was NOT a boil water notice. But they did request that residents of the city avoid using lakes, being in contact with standing water, or using watercraft in surrounding lakes and streets. They’ve also asked that residents severely limit the use of water in their homes for everything from doing laundry, washing the dishes, and showers to irrigation.

They noted that the issue does affect the entire city as all of the lift stations are connected to each other. So people’s water usage could impact someone on the other side of the city.

Originally, the advisory was set to be in effect until noon on Sunday, October 2nd. At around 12:40PM, it was extended until further notice.

They later shared a video explaining a bit more of the situation and showing what is going on. They once again reiterated limiting the use of water.

Together we can relieve the stress on the sewage system.

Public Works is working diligently to repair the system and pump away excess water. All residents and businesses citywide should severely limit water usage until further notice. pic.twitter.com/EM2NNX5wZu

— City of Orlando (@citybeautiful) October 2, 2022

 

Later, the City provided an update on the situation. They noted that crews were still working to make repairs on the “burst force main pipe.” The treatment plants in the area are operational, but they’ve shared that “additional water usage will continue to put pressure on over taxed systems, which could lead to more overflows.”

Thus, they’ve said that residents (and businesses) should limit their water usage. Specifically, they’ve advised that residents and businesses refrain from doing the following (as much as possible):

• flushing toilets
• doing laundry
• washing dishes
• taking showers/baths
• using irrigation systems

Residents are also advised to avoid bodies of water, which include standing water.

The message below was shared via Twitter on October 3rd at around 9:15AM, so, for now, the advisory to limit water usage is still in place.

**Continue to Limit Water Usage**

Continue to limit water usage until further notice. We are continuing the water usage advisory until further notice as Public Works staff makes emergency repairs to the sanitary sewer system. #hurricaneian #orlando pic.twitter.com/lPa9J9Dlcf

— City of Orlando (@citybeautiful) October 3, 2022

 

If you’re in the City of Orlando, keep this notice in mind.

UPDATE: On October 4th, the City of Orlando provided an update. Progress is being made on the repairs of the sanitary system, so they are no longer asking the local community to limit their water use. But they are still advising that residents be mindful of their water use so that they can prevent the local treatment plants from being overwhelmed.

Progress on emergency repairs to the sanitary system continues to be made by our Public Works staff. Although we are no longer asking the community to limit water use, please be mindful of your water consumption to prevent treatment plants from being overwhelmed. pic.twitter.com/QVcbx1JBrv

— City of Orlando (@citybeautiful) October 4, 2022

If you’re looking for ways to help those impacted by the Hurricane, click here to see what you can do. You can also click here to see our experience INSIDE Disney World following the storm.

Stay tuned for more news.

Click here to see 6 things you need for a hurricane in Disney World

Are you in Disney World right now? Tell us in the comments.