Officials urging residents in Southeast Georgia to stop using water

Brunswick, GA. — Thousands of people in Brunswick are just learning about the sewage issues, after returning home.

Power crews are working around the clock in Brunswick. The goal is to restore power to more than 40,000 customers living in the dark. Betty Smith is one of the thousands, “So far it’s been hot. I don’t have lights, so I don’t have air,” said Betty Smith.

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Smith just returned home, Thursday after evacuating from Hurricane Irma, “I was expecting to not have power,” said Smith.

But Smith wasn’t expecting to be without water, also.

The Brunswick-Glynn County Water and Sewer Commission is urging people in Southeast Georgia, to stop using water, in an effort to preserve its water and sewer system, because 45% of the pumping stations are without power.

The commission is asking people to not shower or take baths, to avoid flushing toilets, if possible, to limit sink use and to avoid running dish washer or washing machines. It’s a less than ideal situation for Smith, “I would like to take a shower, I would love to use the bathroom. What am I supposed to do?” said Smith.

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The Brunswick Police Department is setting up a distribution center for people in Brunswick. Officers are passing out food and water.

The Brunswick Water and Sewage Commission is asking everyone to limit their water use for the next 48 hours.

Cox Media Group