EPA warns Hurricane Irma could bust drinking and wastewater systems

By Josh Siegel

Published September 6, 2017 2:52pm ET

EPA warns Hurricane Irma could bust drinking and wastewater systems — The Environmental Protection Agency is warning Hurricane Irma could result in downed power lines, complicating the ability to pump water through drinking and wastewater systems, especially in Puerto Rico. (NASA via AP) | AP

The Environmental Protection Agency is warning Hurricane Irma could result in downed power lines, complicating the ability to pump water through drinking and wastewater systems, especially in Puerto Rico.

Two EPA emergency operations centers, Region 2 and Region 4, are monitoring the storm and preparing to activate to support the U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and state environmental agencies.