July 2, 2026
VIROQUA, Wis. — Heavy rainfall that dumped about 6 inches of rain on Viroqua between July 1 and July 2 led city officials to release approximately 18,000 gallons of wastewater into nearby waterways Thursday to prevent sewer backups in homes and businesses.
The discharge occurred from the Lincoln Street Lift Station between 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m., according to city officials. The wastewater entered waterways that flow into the Bishop Branch of the West Fork of the Kickapoo River.
Officials said the overflow was caused by intense rainfall combined with already saturated soil conditions. The conditions allowed large volumes of rainwater to enter the city’s wastewater collection system, increasing flows beyond normal levels.
Viroqua’s older sewer infrastructure can take on significant amounts of rainwater during major storm events, city officials said. To relieve pressure on the system and avoid sewer backups on private property, the city diverted some wastewater from a lift station and manhole into adjacent storm waterways, which were already carrying high volumes of runoff.
City officials described wastewater releases as a measure of last resort. They said environmental impacts are reduced during heavy rain events because stormwater dilutes the wastewater before it reaches natural waterways.
The city said it is continuing efforts to modernize its wastewater collection system through reconstruction and sewer-lining projects aimed at reducing the effects of severe rainfall. Officials also urged property owners to ensure that only wastewater enters the sanitary sewer system and to disconnect roof drains or other clear-water sources that may contribute excess water during storms.
In addition, the city has implemented a Clear Water Inspection Program designed to reduce the amount of rainwater entering the sewer system. More information is available on the City of Viroqua website.
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