Residents in Norfolk, Virginia, particularly those on Llewellyn Avenue, face ongoing sewage problems that severely impact their daily lives. The smell of sewage and recurring blockages in home plumbing have become an unwelcome norm for this community.
A Decade-Long Struggle
Ealecia Morrison, a resident of Llewellyn Avenue, has been particularly vocal about the issue. For years, she has contended with sewage seeping onto the sidewalks and a persistent foul odor invading her home. Morrison explained, “It flows from the sewer drain out to the river. And my toilet won’t flush. So, any sewage or anything that’s out there bubbles up in my toilet.”
Other neighbors, though reluctant to speak on record, share Morrison’s frustration. Morrison estimates the problem has been present for up to 15 years, intensifying over the past two years. “This problem has been going on probably 10, 15 years,” she stated. “It’s ramped up worse the past two years, and this year has been horrible.”
Temporary Fixes and Unresolved Issues
Attempts to address the problem have been made, but the solutions are often short-lived. Morrison described interactions with repair crews, who acknowledge the issue but fail to provide lasting relief. “They come to my door and tell me, ‘Oh, it’s a pump station. You’re on the low end,’” she recounted. “And they do it and it may last an hour or two hours.”
The Hampton Roads Sanitation Department clarified that the pump station and sewer line in Morrison’s area fall under the jurisdiction of the city of Norfolk. The city has assured residents that they are investigating the situation, but no permanent solution has been implemented thus far.
Health Implications
The sewage problem has also taken a toll on Morrison’s health. She suffers from asthma, and the pervasive odor has exacerbated her condition. “The odor — it’s triggered an asthma attack maybe twice this year,” she revealed. To manage her condition, Morrison often leaves her home and seeks medical advice from her pulmonologist. Her doctor has advised her to avoid the area due to the health risks.
Seeking a Permanent Solution
The residents of Llewellyn Avenue, especially Morrison, yearn for a permanent resolution to this ongoing issue. Morrison’s primary hope is to return to a home environment that doesn’t pose a risk to her health or well-being. “At the end of the day, I just hope there can be a permanent solution soon so I can, once again, love to be home,” she expressed.
Filter Your Home’s Water
In addressing persistent sewage issues, employing reverse osmosis filtration systems and whole-home water conditioners can provide significant benefits. Reverse osmosis effectively removes contaminants from the water supply, ensuring clean and safe water for household use. Whole-home water conditioners can prevent mineral build-up in pipes, reducing the risk of blockages and maintaining efficient plumbing systems. These solutions can mitigate some of the health and infrastructure problems faced by residents dealing with sewage issues, especially if drinking water is contaminated.
Source: Wavy 10