Raw sewage spills into Cocoa Beach homes, residents say

COCOA BEACH, Fla. — Some Cocoa Beach residents told Eyewitness News that they’re forced to clean up Wednesday after a large inflow of water into the city's water reclamation system.

Raw sewage leaked into at least two homes on Brightwaters Drive and residents told Channel 9's Melonie Holt that said it happens whenever there is major rain.

“It takes a heavy rain, but when you get heavy rain, you get the consequences you can't stand,” Cocoa Beach resident Roland Norris said.

A spokesperson for the city of Cocoa Beach said it’s helping affected residents clean up and is looking for ways to prevent future backups into homes.

“It's a health hazard to have raw sewage flooding down both gutters on both sides of the street. It stinks like a sewer operation and we need a permanent fix,” Norris said.

In the short-term, city staff is monitoring pumping stations and pipes are being checked for blockages. Residents throughout the city are being asked to conserve their water usage to avoid further taxing the water reclamation system. 
  
The city is also working with a consultant to see what steps can be taken to further assist northside residents, like Dale Steffey.

“It's a system here that's old and probably needs some additional upgrades. I'm very pleased with the city does,” Steffey said.

The issue does not affect drinking water.

Cox Media Group