DES MOINES – Heavy rainfall throughout much of the state has overloaded many wastewater treatment systems in Iowa, causing wastewater discharges.
Although heavy rains have diluted the wastewater, people should keep children and pets away from runoff. If contact can’t be avoided, wash hands carefully.
Also, wastewater has discharged from a manhole into Little Storm Lake in the Little Storm Lake Wildlife Management Area after the pumps failed to turn on at a lift station. The discharge ended about 12:20 p.m. today, but hunters and others using the wildlife area should be cautious and stay out of the water for at least 24 hours.