by Mount Pleasant Waterworks
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Oct. 8, 2016) – Mount Pleasant Waterworks drinking water is safe and available for use. Residents are asked to reduce their discharge into the sewer system until further notice. Hurricane Matthew left Mount Pleasant Waterworks contending with power outages at 62 pump stations.
Please minimize toilet flushing, washing clothes, and excessive water discharge until further notice. If you see water bubbling out of manholes or have a sewer back up, please call Mount Pleasant Waterworks at 843-884-9626. Please keep children and animals away from overflows.
MPW’s crews are working around the clock to prevent sewer overflows.
“We strongly urge residents to stay away from overflows and floodwaters, to reduce the risk of infections and injuries, don’t swim or play in the water,” said Clay Duffie, General Manager. “Water from sewer overflows and flooding can carry viruses, bacteria, chemicals and other physical items picked up as it moves through storm water systems, across industrial sites, yards, roads and parking lots. These threats can cause serious illness and injury and should be avoided if at all possible.”
Customers can receive updates on MPW’s website, by following MPW on Facebook and Twitter, and joining your community’s Nextdoor account. Information and updates will be provided as needed.
Storm Recovery - Mark your home's water meter with a brightly colored stick or object to protect it from roadside debris cleanup.
- DO NOT HIDE your water meter, fire hydrants, and manholes with debris. Keep the area well marked and clear. - Limit toilet flushing until wastewater system operations return to normal.
Here are a few tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on storm recovery:
Inside the Home
- Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
- Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
- Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products).
- Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
- After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use water that has been boiled for one minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands).
Outside the Home
- Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
- Have your onsite waste-water system professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage.
- Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.
Health Risks
Flood waters and standing waters pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards and injuries. Eating or drinking anything contaminated by flood water can cause diarrheal disease. To protect yourself and your family, follow a few of these simple tips:
- Practice good hygiene ( handwashing) after contact with flood waters.
- Do not allow children to play in flood water areas. - Wash children's hands frequently (always before meals).
- Do not allow children to play with toys that have been contaminated by flood water and have not been disinfected.
- For information on disinfecting certain nonporous toys, visit CDC Healthy Water's Cleaning and Sanitizing with Bleach section.
Information in this article was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.