Heavy rain linked to wastewater discharges

DES MOINES – THE Iowa Department of Natural Resources is advising the public to avoid storm waters as recent rainfall has led to unexpected discharges of wastewater.

Since April 1, the Iowa DNR has received reports of 131 discharges at wastewater treatment facilities due to heavy precipitation, with 44 of those being reported in the last five days.

Heavy rain can overload wastewater collection systems, which are underground sewer pipes that carry sewage to a treatment plant. Aging or poorly maintained sanitary sewer systems are particularly vulnerable to influxes of storm water. 

With sewage pipes overwhelmed, excess water has nowhere to go, and can back up into basements through floor drains. Bypassing can lower the water level in the collection system, keeping sewage from backing up into basements, which could present health risks.

It is highly recommended people and pets avoid these areas and stay out of flooded and elevated waterways due to safety concerns.