Cedar Rapids Water Pollution Control System Back to Normal

From Cedar Rapids:

WPC Flows Return to Normal

The flows to the Cedar Rapids Water Pollution Control Facility have returned to typical levels given the wet weather conditions.  During the high water event last week, the Cedar Rapids Utilities Department asked customers to “flush wisely” to help reduce the stress on the facility.  Residents can now return to normal sewer usage. “The response from the community was great,” said Steve Hershner, Cedar Rapids Utilities Director.  “We were able to continue our service to the community throughout this flood event without major incident.” 

The Cedar Rapids Water Pollution Control Facility can process up to 136 million gallons of wastewater per day.  As the Cedar River rose, the amount of wastewater entering the plant reached 112 million gallons per day, prompting the request for residents to flush wisely.  The spike in the flows during the event is attributed to inflow and infiltration.  Inflow refers to stormwater entering the sewer system through sump pumps and foundation drains connecting to the sewer system.  Infiltration refers to stormwater or river water entering the sanitary sewer system through cracks or leaks in the pipes. 

The City of Cedar Rapids has multiple sewer repair projects currently underway that will continue to reduce the amount of infiltration into the sanitary sewer system.  Additional projects are in the planning and design stages.To help reduce the amount of inflow entering the sewer system, the City of Cedar Rapids would like to remind residents to check their sump pump discharge system.  Sump pumps should discharge outside the home, not into the sanitary sewer system.