SPENCER, Iowa (AP) — Iowa officials say flooding in northwest Iowa is causing multiple wastewater and manure discharges. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says 18 communities from Alton to Sioux Center have reported discharges from their wastewater treatment plants due to intense rains. Environmental specialist Lois Benson says 26 livestock operations also reported their manure storage systems were overflowing. Most of the discharging livestock facilities are in Lyon, Sioux, O’Brien and Clay counties.

The department is urging residents to stay out of floodwaters. Besides the risk posed by fast currents, floodwaters also carry debris and dangerous bacteria.