Eddyville Bypasses Wastewater to Des Moines River Tributary

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

DES MOINES – The city of Eddyville reported that a pump failed at a lift station on the southern edge of town yesterday afternoon. Wastewater was bypassing from the lift station to an unnamed tributary to the Des Moines River, a distance of approximately two miles.

Backup pumps were out for repairs at the time of the failure. The city estimates about 40,000 to 50,000 gallons of untreated wastewater has been released. The city of Ottumwa, which obtains drinking water from the Des Moines River, was notified as a precaution. DNR staff believes there is not an immediate health concern because of high water volume in the river.

The waste water operator expects the repair to be completed today. DNR staff will continue to monitor the situation.

Source: Iowa DNR