How is Water Utilities Preparing for a Hurricane?

City of Lakeland Water Utilities prepares year-round to provide reliable water and wastewater services before, during, and after a hurricane. Across our six divisions staff inspect facilities, test backup equipment, secure critical infrastructure, coordinate emergency response efforts, and prepare crews to respond quickly to storm impacts and restore service safely.

Hurricane Preparation Tips:

Drinking Water

• Store enough drinking water for each member of your household (at least one gallon per person per day for several days).
• Fill clean containers with tap water before the storm in case water service is temporarily interrupted.
• Know how to receive Boil Water Notices by ensuring your contact information is up to date with your utility and signing up for emergency alerts.

Wastewater & Sewer

• Limit water use before, during, and after the storm to help reduce strain on the wastewater system.
• Only flush the 3 P's: pee, poop, and toilet paper. Never flush wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or grease, especially during storm events.
• Do not pour fats, oils, or grease down the drain, as they can contribute to sewer backups. Click here for how to properly dispose of them.

Irrigation & Outdoor Water Use

• Turn off your irrigation system before the storm and secure above-ground components.
• Disconnect rain barrels from gutters and move empty barrels to a secure location.
• Inspect your irrigation system after the storm for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, or damaged pipes before turning it back on.
• Delay irrigation after heavy rainfall since landscapes typically receive enough water naturally.

After the Storm

• Check for leaks after the storm, both inside and outside your home, before resuming normal water use.
• Follow any Boil Water Notices until they are officially lifted.
• Help reduce strain on the wastewater system by limiting water-intensive activities, such as long showers, laundry, and dishwashing, while crews restore service and assess infrastructure.
• Stay away from flooded utility equipment, including lift stations, manholes, damaged hydrants, and broken water lines.

For more hurricane preparation tips across Lakeland, click here.

Storm FAQs:

• I lost pressure during the storm. What do I do now?

  If your water pressure suddenly drops or you lose water service during a storm, contact Water Distribution at (863) 834-4248 to report the issue. As a precaution, boil all water used for drinking and cooking for at least one minute until service is restored and any necessary Boil Water Notices are lifted. Continue to monitor the City of Lakeland Water Utilities website and official communication channels for updates.

• How can I sign up to receive alerts for Boil Water Notices?

  Lakeland Water Utilities customers should sign up for text and email alerts and verify contact information is up to date with Lakeland Electric Customer Service at (863) 834-9535.

  Communication systems could be affected by storm impacts and precautionary boil water notice communications may not reach everyone. The City of Lakeland sends texts or email alerts directly to those impacted using the contact information associated with your Lakeland Electric billing account. Customers impacted will receive the lift notice in the same manner. The website may not always display the most current information. To receive the latest alerts and notifications, make sure your contact information is up to date in our system.
  

  For more information about Boil Water Notices, click here.

  If you are a Polk County Water Utilities customer, please contact their Customer Service at (863) 298-4100.

• How can I report a broken water line or sewer overflow?
  • Report broken water lines by calling Water Distribution at (863) 834-4248. Click here for more information about Water Distribution.
  • Report a sewer overflow, by calling Wastewater Division at (863) 834-8277. Click here for more information about Wastewater.
• Will my water be turned off?

  Please be assured that we will not be turning off water service prior to the storm. However, due to the severe weather conditions, water service outages may occur.

  If you lose water pressure during the storm, boil drinking and cooking water for at least one minute as a precaution. Communication systems could be affected by storm impacts and precautionary boil water notice communications may not reach everyone. The City of Lakeland sends texts or email alerts directly to those impacted using the contact information associated with your Lakeland Electric billing account. Customers impacted by a notification message will receive the lift notice in the same manner and may also refer to our Boil Water Notices webpage for updates. 

• Why should I limit my water usage before a storm?

  Limiting water use helps reduce strain on the wastewater system during and after a storm. Heavy rainfall can increase flows into the sewer system, and reducing nonessential water use, such as doing laundry, taking long showers, or running the dishwasher, helps wastewater treatment facilities and crews manage the increased demand while responding to storm-related impacts.

  Before the storm: Equipment and water storage tanks are prepared for the storm by staff. Conserving water helps ensure there is enough drinking water available if power outages or damage disrupt pumping or treatment.

  During the storm: Heavy rain and flooding can overwhelm wastewater systems. Using less water (showers, laundry, dishwashers, etc.) reduces the amount of wastewater entering the sewer system, lowering the risk of sewer backups and untreated wastewater overflows.

  After the storm: Even if the rain has stopped, treatment plants, pump stations, and distribution systems may still be operating on backup power or dealing with flooding, debris, or repairs. Conserving water gives crews time to restore normal operations and helps maintain water pressure.