As Hurricane Isaias approaches the Gulf Coast and an evacuation order is issued for Pensacola Beach, the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority will temporarily shut down water and sewer services on Pensacola Beach beginning Friday, Oct. 9, at 3 p.m., once emergency personnel have evacuated the island.
Water and sewer services will remain operational while emergency crews are on Pensacola Beach. Once first responder emergency personnel have evacuated, ECUA will shut down the systems to help protect utility infrastructure and limit potential impacts during the storm.
The temporary shutdown will help ECUA:
- Limit uncontrolled water loss by preventing water from continuing to flow into storm-damaged pipes or building plumbing while crews cannot safely access the area to make repairs.
- Protect critical equipment by allowing vulnerable pumps and electrical equipment to be properly shut down and protected from potential flood damage.
- Reduce wastewater flows after sewer pumping is shut down by limiting the amount of wastewater generated from showers, faucets and other plumbing fixtures. This can help reduce the potential for sewer backups and overflows, although stormwater can still enter the sewer system during the storm.
ECUA will monitor conditions throughout the storm and begin restoring services when it is safe for crews to return to Pensacola Beach and assess the utility system.
Customers are encouraged to prepare for the temporary loss of water and sewer services and to follow all evacuation instructions issued by Escambia County Emergency Management officials.
For the latest information from ECUA, customers are encouraged to visit ECUA.fl.gov and follow ECUA on social media. Customers should also monitor trusted local media outlets and emergency management resources for storm-related updates, including Escambia County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service office in Mobile.