Major Rainfall Update: Wastewater Bypass and Localized Flooding

Due to sustained heavy rainfall, flows into the City’s wastewater system are exceeding what the system can safely handle, requiring the use of an emergency bypass at the Main Sewage Lift Station. This bypass results in the temporary release of untreated effluent into the Elk River. This step is only taken when no other option remains to prevent a critical failure of essential wastewater infrastructure and will be stopped as soon as flows return to manageable levels.

City crews have implemented every available mitigation measure, including using vactor trucks to transport excess wastewater to the sewage lagoons for treatment. However, the intensity and duration of the rainfall have pushed system flows beyond what these measures can offset.

The community is also experiencing localized flooding in several areas of town. City crews are working continuously to protect homes and infrastructure. A self‑fill sandbagging station is available to affected residents on Railway Ave. (adjacent to the Operations facility). Teams are also filling sandbags to protect Isabella Dicken Elementary School and homes along 4th Street, where flooding has been extensive.

Residents can help reduce pressure on the wastewater system by eliminating all non‑essential water use and ensuring that sump pumps, downspouts, and perimeter drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer system.