Fight over stormwater runoff divides Iowa town

NEWHALL, Iowa (AP) — A controversy over diverting stormwater runoff into the sanitary sewer system is dividing the small Iowa town of Newhall.

The Gazette in Cedar Rapids reports the issue is whether some homes are illegally diverting the water, which means it has to be treated — at extra expense to the city and taxpayers.

It’s illegal under both Iowa and U.S. law to connect groundwater drainage to city sanitary sewers.

Newhall passed an ordinance in 2009 requiring homes to be inspected for improper drainage hookups. The deadline is December 31st.

Some residents worry about the potential costs of any fixes and whether the city will shut off water service to homes that aren’t inspected.