DNR: stay out of streams

Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are encouraging Iowans to stay out of streams until after the waters recede following heavy rainfall and flash flooding that has caused multiple wastewater and manure releases.

While fast stream currents are the biggest risk for people, DNR officials said, high waters also can carry dangerous debris and bacteria.

'For their own safety, we encourage people to stay out of the water until several days after streams return to normal,” said Scott Wilson in the DNR's Spencer field office. 'About 70 wastewater discharges have been reported over the Memorial Day weekend, and the calls are still coming in,” said Wilson, and, with more rain predicted, additional discharges are expected. 'Some cities have reported multiple wastewater discharges, and two have reported stormwater backups into basements,” he added.