West Burlington, Iowa Faces Sewer Infrastructure Crisis

Aging force main pipeline that serves major institutions and businesses nears critical point, requiring $3 million replacement

Mar. 20, 2026 at 3:48pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

City officials in West Burlington, Iowa say a major piece of sewer infrastructure, a 24-inch force main pipeline that carries 60% of the community's sewage, is nearing the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced. The 2.1-mile pipeline was built in 1984 and is challenging to maintain, with only two working air release valves. The line serves the city's 3,200 residents as well as major institutions and businesses, and the city is seeking $3 million in federal funding for the replacement project.

Why it matters

Replacing aging sewer infrastructure is a critical issue for many municipalities, as failing pipes can lead to environmental damage, public health risks, and disruptions to businesses and institutions that rely on the system. West Burlington's force main serves a significant portion of the community's sewage flow, making its replacement a top priority to avoid potential system failures.

The details

The 24-inch force main pipeline was built in 1984 and is now at the end of its useful life. Maintaining the line is especially challenging because, as a force main, it cannot be shut down for extended repairs. The line has only two working air release valves, far fewer than typically required. The force main serves not only the city's roughly 3,200 residents, but also major institutions and businesses, including a regional medical center, community college, and large retailers.

  • The 24-inch force main pipeline was built in 1984.
  • The pipeline is now at the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced.

The players

Gregg Mandsager

City Administrator of West Burlington, Iowa.

Mariannette Miller-Meeks

U.S. Representative for Iowa's 2nd congressional district, who the city is seeking $3 million in federal Community Project Funding from.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Maintaining the line is especially challenging because, as a force main, it cannot be shut down for extended repairs.”

— Gregg Mandsager, City Administrator

What’s next

For the third year, the city is seeking $3 million in federal Community Project Funding through an application with Mariannette Miller-Meeks to help cover the cost of replacing the aging force main pipeline.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for municipalities to proactively address aging sewer infrastructure, as failing pipes can pose significant risks to public health, the environment, and local businesses and institutions. West Burlington's struggle to fund a major pipeline replacement project underscores the financial challenges many small cities face in upgrading essential infrastructure.