LAKE CITY — Untreated wastewater has reportedly been flowing into Lake Creek, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The ongoing discharge was reported Thursday morning.

Officials said wastewater was overflowing from a manhole on the northwest side of town near the cemetery.

The discharge began late Wednesday night when a pump failed and a pumping station flooded, according to the DNR.

An estimated 5,500 gallons per hour of untreated wastewater is flowing from the manhole to Lake Creek, south of the bridge crossing on Calhoun County Road N37.

Lake Creek runs about four miles downstream to the North Raccoon River.

Officials hope to end the discharge by pumping wastewater to the lagoon.

A portable pump to stop the discharge was to arrive Thursday afternoon.

The DNR recommends keeping children and pets away from the creek for 24 to 48 hours after discharge ends. Downstream farmers should find an alternative source of drinking water for livestock.

The DNR will continue to monitor the situation and provide technical assistance, and consider enforcement action if appropriate.