provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Bonita Springs Utilities Inc. has deployed employees and equipment, including nine generators, to assist the City of Sanibel in restoring its wastewater system following the impacts of Hurricane Milton. BSU began providing support Friday, Oct. 11, as part of its participation in the Florida Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network.
Sanibel’s wastewater system was impacted by loss of power on the island from Hurricane Milton. BSU quickly responded by sending employees and critical equipment to provide assistance, while also managing its own recovery efforts in restoring water service to affected areas of Bonita Beach Road, Little Hickory Island, Big Hickory Island and Black Island.
“We are proud to be able to assist Sanibel as they work to recover from Hurricane Milton,” said Andy Koebel, BSU executive director. “Our employees have shown tremendous dedication, managing the restoration of service within our own service areas while also providing essential support to our neighboring community.”
BSU is a member of the Florida Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network. FlaWARN is a mutual aid response network of utilities willing to provide critical resources to other member utilities during natural disasters. Through this network, BSU sent crews to
Longboat Key and Suwannee earlier this month, and Mexico Beach in 2018 after Hurricane Michael devastated the area. Two years ago after Hurricane Ian, other utility companies from across the state came to assist BSU in local recovery efforts.
BSU plans year-round in an effort to minimize storm impacts on water and wastewater service and maximize recovery efforts for its members. As part of its planning, BSU is always ready to help another utility company whenever needed.
Bonita Springs Utilities Inc. is a not-for-profit water and wastewater utility cooperative founded by local citizens in 1970. The member-owned utility provides service in the City of Bonita Springs, the Village of Estero and unincorporated South Lee County. The utility is recognized as an industry leader with awards from the American Water Works Association, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Water Environment Association.
For more information, visit the BSU website at www.BSU.us.