Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Services Division

For Immediate Release July 31,
2007

MOTORIST REPORTS WASTEWATER BYPASS IN HIAWATHA

MEDIA CONTACT: Mike Wade at (563) 927-2640
HIAWATHA – A bubbler switch failed to activate pumps at the City of
Hiawatha’s Mitchell Drive lift station, leading to an unknown amount
of untreated wastewater entering a nearby tributary Tuesday.

A motorist notified DNR staff of the bypass around noon Tuesday after
discovering the lift station bypassing to a small stream. The stream,
located north of Boyson Road along Interstate 380, discharges to Otter
Creek, which flows to the Cedar River.

“With the time of the flow to the Cedar River and the dilution
factor, there should be little risk to people recreating in the Cedar
River,” said Mike Wade, an environmental specialist with the DNR field
office in Manchester.

The automatic alarm system at the lift station also failed due to the
switch malfunction. As a result, Hiawatha’s collection system staff
did not know of the bypass until notified by DNR staff. City crews
stopped the discharge before 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Downstream property owners were notified of the discharge by the city.
The city is disinfecting affected areas with lime and collecting water
samples to check for contaminants.

The city is planning to install a new alarm system and is planning to
replace the lift station within two years.

Writer: Holly Williams
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