Storm stretches wastewater capacity

The city of Sarasota's wastewater system is currently flowing at roughly 27 million gallons per day — more than five times its regular flow, according to a news release.

The heavy rainfall has forced the city to call in additional utilities personnel and equipment to take pressure of the system.

“We’re supporting normal operations by pumping and trucking water from the system as quickly as we can,” said Utilities Director Mitt Tidwell in the release. “Extra staff and trucks are on site. The good news is we’re holding our own right now, and any overflows we’re experiencing are 99 percent rainwater. As soon as it stops raining we’ll see relief.”