May 7, 2019
Officials in eastern Iowa are warning residents near the Mississippi River about a plethora of safety hazards as record flooding inundates one of the region's most populated areas.
The wastewater treatment plant in deluged Davenport has reached capacity, according to officials, meaning Scott County is pushing sewage into rivers with the approval of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
A news release from the Scott County Emergency Management Agency said the move is necessary to prevent backups in surrounding cities.
"Officials are trying to find other relief mechanisms and will employ them as soon as possible," the agency said.
Until then, residents are encouraged to avoid possibly contaminated water. The county agency also urged people in the area to avoid downed power lines and not use floodwater for drinking, cleaning or cooking.
