On September 18, the DNR Field Office in Manchester was notified by the City of Nashua of a wastewater discharge due a leak in a wastewater force main which runs under the Cedar River.
The discharge was discovered around 8:00 p.m. City officials say actions have been taken to minimize the release from the main. It is estimated nearly 16,000 gallons per day are flowing into the river.
Repairs are underway, and the city hopes to have the issue resolved in the next 24 hours.
Bacteria samples have been collected, and the city has posted signage alerting users to not recreate in affected areas. Any downstream recreational users are asked to use caution and avoid the Cedar River south of the Hwy 346 bridge in Nashua at this time. No dead fish have been observed at this time. The Iowa DNR will follow up with the city for further assessment.