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Residents urge city to fix pumping-station failures after sewage backed into homes during 2024 storm
Summary
A Drinker Drive resident told the council that New Port Richey sewer pumping stations lost power during Hurricane Helene in September 2024, causing sewage to back into homes; she sought backup flow valves and a waiver of permit fees and asked the city to accept responsibility for repairs and reimbursements.
At the public-comment portion of the meeting, Jackie Phillips of Drinker Drive described repeated sewage backups into homes during Hurricane Helene (September 2024), saying city pumping stations lost power and resulted in sewage entering tubs and toilets in the low-lying Tropic Shores neighborhood. Phillips said many residents are seniors with mobility challenges and that they are being told they must pay privately to install backflow protection devices; she asked the city to install backup flow valves, waive permit fees, and reimburse residents who have already paid.
Council members acknowledged the petition, asked staff for more information and said they would reach out to the petitioner for details. A council member requested a written report from Public Works/Utilities so members can understand the scope (pumping-station outages, repair options, costs and permit issues) and return the matter for further discussion.
City staff agreed to prepare a written response and bring additional detail at a future meeting or workshop; no motion or formal action on reimbursements or fee waivers occurred that evening.
