Repairs are underway to a main pipe to the Ottumwa wastewater treatment plant. The pipe burst early Sunday morning, forcing untreated sewage into the Des Moines River. Reporter Mike Buchanan says local residents are be asked to conserve water until the broken 24-inch pipe is fixed.
City officials say the main break does not pose a direct threat to the community’s health or safety. But, residents are being asked to limit household water use and only flush toilets "sparingly." Officials say it still not clear what caused the break or how long the repair might take.