Hurricane Irma and sewage spills

Florida’s sewage systems are already strained by the Florida coast’s rapidly growing population. City growth policies encourage housing and economic development without updating necessary infrastructure. In many of the state’s biggest coastal cities, sewer systems were ill-prepared to handle Irma’s heavy rains and high tides.

Clean water

A flooded driveway in front of a house with people and parked cars
Jeanne Emerick | Used by permission

Florida’s sewage systems are already strained by the Florida coast’s rapidly growing population. City growth policies encourage housing and economic development without updating necessary infrastructure. In many of the state’s biggest coastal cities, sewer systems were ill-prepared to handle Irma’s heavy rains and high tides.

Frontier Group has produced a factsheet on the extent of the problem, and on resources for affected residents.

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