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Rains Overflow Sewage-Treatments Systems

200 Fish Dead After Runoff Hits River

POSTED: 3:40 pm CDT August 20, 2007

UPDATED: 10:06 pm CDT August 21, 2007

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Heavy rains in northern Iowa are overflowing sewage-treatment systems and are blamed for at least one fish kill, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

As much as 10 inches of rain fell in Emmetsburg, where the city had bypassed more than 2.7 million gallons into a nearby creek by 12 p.m. Monday because the sewage treatment system got overloaded, according to a DNR news release.

The DNR recommended that those who use private wells get their water tested. Runoff due to excess rain can cause bacteria and other potential contaminants to be washed into wells, the release said.

The DNR and Iowa Department of Public Health said people should avoid flooded areas where bacteria levels could be high. The agencies also recommended that people avoid sewage pumping stations and manholes in which sewer systems are overflowing into the streets or on property, the news release said.

More than 200 fish were killed Saturday because of an open feedlot that resulted in manure and feedlot runoff going into the west branch of the Floyd River about three miles southeast of Sioux Center.

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