Some Iowa Streams Recede, Some Still Treacherous

DES MOINES, Iowa, June 29, 2008 (ENS) - Iowa's rivers are in a constant state of change this year with the extreme flooding that began in early June and has continued to date.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has fielded numerous calls about the quality of the water in the rivers due to the different materials and contaminants getting mixed in during the flood.

The unprecedented volume of water in many areas during the flood likely minimized the impact from any chemicals, waste or other toxins mixed in with the water. With the flows slowly returning to normal, any additional sewage or contaminants entering the stream can have a greater impact on water quality, says Nate Hoogeveen, river programs coordinator for the Iowa DNR.

One of many swollen streams in Iowa, this one crossed by US 30. (Photo courtesy Iowa DOT)

Currently, the City of Cedar Rapids is bypassing untreated wastewater directly to the Cedar River until it can get its plant back online. Other communities are in various stages of bypassing semi-treated wastewater due to recent rains.

Callers are also asking about the impacts of contaminants in the water on fish. Nothing in the water is going to hurt the quality or the edibility of the fish. These fish are safe to eat, Hoogeveen says.

Although numerous flooded rivers are dropping back into their banks, challenging or hazardous conditions still exist across most of the state. These conditions include high water with fast-moving currents that result from each new local rainfall event.

What Hoogeveen calls "strainers" have formed from downed trees or logjams, bridges, and trash can trap and drown victims.

Low-head dams that may not have been visible at higher water are re-appearing and are life-threatening hazards.

And in addition, reconfigured river channels are creating unfamiliar and dangerous environments.

The power of moving water can be seen on the Maquoketa River between Backbone State Park and Manchester, which has cut a new channel through woodland, diverting for a mile before rejoining the original channel. Other rivers may have altered channels as well.

"There's no doubt that this has been - and in places continues to be - a catastrophic flood in terms of property and environmental concerns," says Hoogeveen. "Rivers never stay the same, but a number of them are drastically altered after this flood. They will heal themselves over time, but it will take months and years."

Most of Iowa's state parks escaped the flooding with little to no damage and continue to operate under normal conditions. Other parks that experienced flooding are open to camping and other uses.

"We are in full preparation for the July 4 holiday weekend," said Kevin Szcodronski, chief for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau. "We are trying to catch up on routine mowing and other maintenance after all the rains and high water. We are open and our campsites sites for the holiday weekend are filling quickly."

Most of the reservable campsites for the holiday weekend are taken. Campers looking for a first come, first serve site should call the park directly to see what is still available.

There are a few parks that remain closed due to high water or flood damage and will not be available for the holiday. For the most timely information, go to www.iowadnr.gov then click on the State Parks link in the navigation column on the left or call the park directly.

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