Bonita Springs Utilities Inc. sent employees to assist Longboat Key and Suwannee utilities in restoring water and wastewater systems in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Storm surges damaged the lift stations and compromised the water distribution piping in Longboat Key and Suwannee. BSU sent four crews to Longboat Key and two crews to Suwannee to assist in getting the water and wastewater systems functional again.
“We are committed to restoring water and wastewater services whenever and wherever help is needed,” said Andy Koebel, BSU executive director. “I’m grateful for the commitment of our employees who are willing to travel around the state to help other utilities recover after a major weather event like Helene.”
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 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’s Facebook page.
