‘It’s devastating’ as Polk County flooding sends water back into Leah Davis’ basement

WINDSOR HEIGHTS, Iowa —

Water being pumped from Leah Davis’ home is nothing new.

Davis said her house flooded last week for the first time since she moved in.

“The biggest issue that we dealt with last week was a flood on Tuesday night from that huge rainfall,” Davis said.

Davis asked that her face not be shown, but the frustration was clear in her voice.

“It’s devastating,” she said.

“I’ve had so many breakdowns. It’s very emotional. I was having anxiety going to bed last night, but everyone was like, ‘There’s no way it’ll happen again.’”

But when Davis woke up Tuesday morning, she found more water in her basement.

“Our sump pump wasn’t working,” she said.

“Now we’ve realized the new water is coming in through the foundation. The ground is just so saturated that there’s nowhere for it to go.”

The flooding is also a concern for Polk County Emergency Management because Walnut Creek and the Raccoon River are high and flowing rapidly.

“There were flash flooding threats, and there continue to be throughout the rest of the week,” Emergency Management Director A.J. Mumm said.

Mumm said the department is reviewing its plans, ensuring resources are readily available and monitoring conditions.

“If we’re prepared and our capabilities allow us to respond to a top-end event, then anything below that is a benefit for us,” he said.