SPENCER, Iowa — The heavy rains and flash flooding throughout much of Iowa has caused so many discharges of toxins into the state’s waterways that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging people to stay out of Iowa’s rivers and streams until the waters recede.

“For their own safety, we encourage people to stay out of the water until several days after streams return to normal,” said Iowa DNR Field Office Three Supervisor Scott Wilson. “About 70 wastewater discharges have been reported over the Memorial Day weekend, and the calls are still coming in.”

While fast stream currents pose the biggest risk for people, high waters can also carry dangerous debris and bacteria, Wilson said. More rain is predicted, and additional discharges are expected.

“Some cities have reported multiple wastewater discharges, and two have reported storm water backups into basements,” said Wilson, who works in the Spencer office. Both the Iowa DNR and the Iowa Department of Public Health have links for people dealing with disasters and flood cleanup.

Some livestock facilities, particularly in northwest Iowa, have received two to four inches or more of rain.

“Most of these facilities are okay, but we are working with a few to stop runoff,” Wilson said.

Animal feeding operations that are discharging or expecting to discharge should contact the local DNR field office. Wilson said the DNR will work with livestock owners to identify solutions and minimize impacts to nearby streams.

Facilities can also call the after-hours DNR emergency spill line at 515-725-8694. The DNR website has more information about spill reporting requirements.