Florence, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Florence faces a significant environmental challenge as heavy rainfall caused two manholes to overflow, releasing over 5,000 gallons of wastewater. The city cautions residents to avoid contact with the affected areas, especially downstream on Jeffries Creek, due to health risks. Cleanup efforts will begin once the overflow is contained. City officials are addressing persistent sewer overflow issues by implementing a Sewer Collection System Master Plan aimed at upgrading vulnerable infrastructure.
Florence experienced a significant environmental incident over the weekend as heavy rainfall caused two manholes to overflow, releasing an estimated over 5,000 gallons of wastewater. The affected manholes are situated at 3300 W. Palmetto Street and 528 Woody Jones Blvd, both of which are located near the City of Florence Trail System.
City responders identified the source of the overflow on Monday, attributing the incident to the excessive rainfall and the influx of stormwater into the sewage system. Residents are being cautioned to avoid contact with the affected areas, particularly downstream of the two manholes on Jeffries Creek. Swimming, fishing, or engaging in any recreational water activities in the impacted zones is strongly discouraged until further notice. Additionally, pet owners are advised to keep their animals away from these areas to prevent health risks.
City officials stated that cleaning efforts will commence once the overflow is contained. Crews equipped with vacuum trucks will undertake the cleanup process and subsequently conduct water quality tests. Following the cleanup, the area will be disinfected to mitigate any health concerns arising from the sewage spill.
The recent overflow highlights a recurring problem in Florence, where sanitary sewer overflows have been persistent during heavy rainfall. Such overflows generally result from elevated sewage levels combined with blockages in the system. City authorities are aware of this ongoing challenge and are taking steps to address it.
To combat these issues, Florence has developed a Sewer Collection System Master Plan. This plan includes proposals for upgrades and relocations of critical sections of the sewer system, particularly in areas that have shown vulnerability, such as near Jeffries Creek. Plans feature increasing the capacity of the sewer lines and repositioning them to reduce the likelihood of future overflows.
Furthermore, in compliance with regulations established by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, the City is obligated to issue public notifications for any sewer overflow incidents where more than 5,000 gallons of wastewater are released. This ensures that residents remain informed about potential health hazards.
It is worth noting that a similar overflow incident occurred in the very same area this past August. This pattern raises concerns about the infrastructure’s ability to handle severe weather and increasing rainfall, a challenge many municipalities face as climate patterns shift.
The city is dedicated to improving the sanitation infrastructure and addressing the sewage overflow issues that have affected the community, balancing public health safety with environmental considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the recent wastewater overflow in Florence?
The overflow was primarily caused by heavy rainfall and stormwater infiltration into the sewage system, resulting in over 5,000 gallons of wastewater being released from two manholes.
What areas are advised to be avoided due to the overflow?
Residents are advised to avoid contact with the areas around the manholes at 3300 W. Palmetto Street and 528 Woody Jones Blvd, particularly downstream on Jeffries Creek.
What measures is the city taking to address the overflow?
City crews will contain the overflow, test water quality, and clean up with vacuum trucks before disinfecting the area. Additionally, the Sewer Collection System Master Plan aims to upgrade and relocate vulnerable sewer sections to prevent future incidents.
How does the city notify residents of overflow incidents?
According to regulations from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, Florence is required to issue public alerts for any sewer overflow incidents involving more than 5,000 gallons.
Key Features of the Incident
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Locations of Overflow | 3300 W. Palmetto Street, 528 Woody Jones Blvd |
Total Gallons Released | Over 5,000 gallons |
Causes | Heavy rainfall and stormwater infiltration |
Cleanup Measures | Contain overflow, water quality testing, disinfecting the area |
Past Incidents | A similar overflow occurred in August |
Sewer System Improvements | Planned upgrades and relocations as per the Sewer Collection System Master Plan |
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Water Pollution
- WBTW News
- Google Search: Florence sewage overflow
- SC Now
- Google Scholar: Wastewater Management
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wastewater
- WPDE News
- Google News: Florence environmental incident

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.