U.S. EPA Awards $382,000 for Ottumwa, Iowa, Water Infrastructure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $382,000 to the city of Ottumwa, Iowa, for ongoing construction of a multi-phased combined sewer separation project.

The purpose of the overall project is to eliminate combined sewer overflows on the south side of the Des Moines River in Ottumwa by 2013. Once completed, the project will reduce overflow and, subsequently, basement backups. This area recorded more than 500 basement backups in a recent 10-year period.

EPA Region 7 Administrator John Askew said, "EPA is proud to award the city of Ottumwa with these water infrastructure funds, which will help to prolong the life of existing systems. Water infrastructure is a lifeline for community health and prosperity."

Sewer separation will also reduce the amount of phosphorus entering the Ottumwa Lagoon, which has been identified as impaired by algae, turbidity and chlordane. Phosphorous can cause excessive algae growth, which can impair water quality.

Source: U.S. EPA