Valdosta city officials said power at the plant was shut down Thursday to prevent further damage to equipment and control systems.
The city estimates an average of 5 million to 6 million gallons of untreated sewage will discharge daily into the Withlacoochee River until the flood waters recede and the plant can resume operation.
The Valdosta Times reports that 8 to 10 inches of rain coupled with rainwater from upstream caused the river to flood the plant.
John Waite, the city's environmental manager, tells the Florida Times-Union that pumps that normally move incoming sewage are under water.
He said the city is not purposely releasing untreated waste, but it is flowing out through submerged manholes.
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