By: Jessica Cihacek
jcihacek@kcautv.com
If you take a trip down to a nearby Missouri River boat ramp, you'll hear the sound of the river trickling along its banks and the sound of a sandstorm where several feet of water once stood.
What you won't hear? A long time fisherman's line being cast.
Jerome Hansen says, "I fish all over on the river...not now."
The river level in Sioux City is currently below six feet. Far too low to put a boat in. What's recreationally depressing for Hansen, is getting expensive for the city.
Lower levels mean less pressure, which is what's needed for the city to actually retrieve water from it's underground wells.
Jade Dundas, Sioux City's Public Works Director, says, "Our supply isn't going to be affected, it just maybe costs a little more to get the water out of the ground. We're not in danger at this point, it just brings costs a little higher."
Aside from pumping costs, cleanup costs will most likely also be incurred, as lower levels expose all the trash that typically sits underwater.
