Monroe Public Works Prepare Pumps for Storms

When heavy rains hit Monroe earlier this week, some homes flooded.

Some folks blamed bad pumping systems.

With more rain expected to roll through the Ark-La-Miss, more people could see some of that flooding.

Wednesday morning public works reported over five inches of rain in Monroe.

Three pumping stations had mechanical problems getting water out, and that meant some homes flooded.

And with even more heavy rain coming up, we need to let you know that two pumps still won't be running at full speed.

 The Stubbs Avenue pumps are at 50 percent.

And at Rochelle Avenue, only two of three pumps will be ready for Friday.

But we're told Pope/Westminster should be running at capacity.

Thursday, Public Works showed NBC 10 news what they do to keep you dry.

Water and pumping stations are just another sign you're in the Bayou State.

Thursday, Public Works crews are cleaning out drains, getting ready for upcoming storms.

These workers maintain Monroe's 18 pumping stations.

"Lights, pumps, motors, oil greasing, just a daily routine check of the entire station," said Public Works employee Will Davis.

Monday through Friday Will Davis and his staff go look at every pump station like Rochelle and even check for debris.

"We look at our automatic charger and make sure the voltage, the amp age is up, everything is working, then we'll come back and do an on hands check with the motor, turn on hand an make sure it runs," said Davis.

Employees are required to log and report any problems.

Some people complained to NBC 10 News that they didn't believe the pumps were actually being maintained. 

We inspected the logs and found everything in order.

But that doesn't mean all the pumps are up and ready to go for Friday's heavy rain. 

And it doesn't mean public works found everything ready in the community. 

These tree limbs and this old vacuum cleaner part are just some things public works clear away from pumping stations. The debris can clog drains and even tear up the pumps.

The debris comes from people's yards and homes:  grass clippings, branches, and more.  Monroe Public Works Sewer Manager Charles Westrom says so much debris clogged a grate at the Rochelle Station that the thing actually broke. 

"Most of the pump work that we do in the city is because a piece of debris has come into the network and stopped up and damaged a pump," said Westrom.

Westrom says you can help by cleaning your yard early. 

But that advice may come too late for Friday's heavy rain.

Stubbs Avenue station is only running at fifty percent.

A pump at Rochelle station is also still out, but the two others will be running.

Westrom tells NBC 10 news all other pumps should be ready for the storm

And he says public works will be out in full force taking care of any problems.