DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is urging Iowans to avoid floodwaters as wastewater treatment plants have reported discharging untreated or partially treated wastewater.
The recommendation comes as the state has experienced several days of storms and heavy rainfall. Discharges from wastewater treatment plants are generally caused by heavy rain, power outages or storm damage.
Heavy rain can overload underground sewer pipes that carry sewage to treatment plants, according to Iowa DNR. When sewage pipes are overwhelmed, excess water may backup into basements through floor drains.
The Iowa DNR received 44 reports of discharges at water treatment facilities caused by heavy rainfall in the past five days alone. Overall, the department has received 131 reports since April 1.
Iowa DNR staff will continue to monitor flooding and provide assistance to those impacted.
Both people and pets should avoid flooded areas and elevated waterways.
Notably, Des Moines Parks and Recreation has announced several trails are closed due to flooding:
- Bill Riley Trail
- Carl Voss Trail
- Gay Lea Wilson Trail
- Meredith Trail
- Neal Smith Trail
- Trestle Trail
- Walnut Creek Trail
For more information on wastewater discharges and flooding updates, contact your local DNR Environmental Field office. You can find the office for your region here.
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