High Water, Levee Pumping Continue In Pike County, Illinois After Heavy Rain

PIKE COUNTY, Ill. — High water remains a concern in Pike County, Illinois, where river communities and farmland behind the Sny Island levee system continue dealing with the effects of repeated heavy rain.

Water has spread into low-lying areas around communities such as Valley City and Florence, while saturated fields and rural roads remain a problem for residents and landowners.

The Sny Island Levee Drainage District says pump stations have been working to move interior rainwater and seep water away from farmland and toward the river. The district covers more than 100,000 acres and includes more than 200 miles of ditches, making drainage a major operation when heavy rain hits the area.

Officials have said the recent stretch of rain forced crews into a round-the-clock response, with pump station engines running to help clear trapped water. Crews are also dealing with debris, ponding, and saturated ground across the district.

Landowners are being asked to report serious ponding, plugged tubes, debris backups, or anything that does not look right.

The district is also asking people to stay off the levees with vehicles. Rutting can create more problems while the levee and drainage system is already under pressure.

Drivers are also reminded to avoid flooded roadways. Even shallow-looking water can hide washed-out pavement or strong current.