Local business works to combat flooding on the Iowa Great Lakes

OKOBOJI, Iowa (KTIV) – Heavy rains, rising water levels, and strong storms, have battered the Iowa Great Lakes over the last few weeks. And, with more rain in the forecast, lake and river levels are a big concern. One local business has shifted gears away from its normal workload, and toward residents who want to protect their homes.

“We’ve transitioned and adapted to what we need to do here,” stated Mark Petersen, owner of Underwater Solutions.

The team at Underwater Solutions began the season doing weed removal and beach cleanup, as they do nearly every year. But as water levels rose, the company’s services have been essential on land.

The crews at Underwater Solutions have been hard at work filling sandbags and placing them at local residences to help prevent homes from being damaged by the floodwaters. This week, floodwater began creeping out of the lakes, and into local basements. The effect of the heavy rainfall is apparent near the lakes.

“Local residential flooding, street flooding, the lake has definitely come up, and of course, I’m sure everybody has heard by now that the county implemented a no wake law in all of our county,” explained Peterson. “People may not understand it, but if you’re on the water and see the damage that occurs to the shorelines and property that’s on the lake, I think you will understand it a little more.”

If floodwaters are nearing your lake-level property, it is time to take action. Sandbags are available for free to residents of Dickinson County in need. Underwater Solutions advises adding a layer of plastic to your barrier to prevent water from leaking through. They also urge everyone to be mindful of doing heavy labor on a hot day. And finally, know your limits. Peterson wants to remind us of all that it is easier to fill two sandbags than to overfill one and throw out your back.

If you are struggling with the floodwaters, you can find resources below.

• For Dickenson County Emergency Management, follow this link.
• For Underwater Solutions LLC, follow this link.

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