Cleanup continues for Bettendorf neighborhood - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Cleanup continues for Bettendorf neighborhood

By: Jillian Wilson

jwilson@cbs4qc.com

Residents say it's been a nightmare dealing with flooded basements and destroyed furniture.

But Bettendorf is picking up the tab, and residents say they couldn't be more thankful.

"I don't wish this on anyone. It's really not fun," says Kathy Winters, a Bettendorf resident.

Kathy Winters is just one of twenty eight homeowners who fell victim to the messy main break.

"I was home when it was happening, and I had to call my husband and say I think we have a problem!" says Winters.

It all started yesterday morning when water from a broken pipe spilled into the city sewer system.

Now the city of Bettendorf is saving the day.

"So far the city's been real helpful, so has the water company," says Kurt Whalen, a Bettendorf resident.

The city hired six local contractors to help families evaluate all the damage and clean up their homes.

"I'm appreciative. They are very on top of it right away," says Winters.

But even though the city is replacing damaged carpets and floors, some of the memories can't be replaced.

"My wife is crying over some items she had played with our kids and books she read and they are all gone. I know the neighbor's daughter is really upset she lost a bunch of toys, but you can't replace those things," says Kurt Whalen, a Bettendorf resident.

But residents tell CBS 4, knowing the city has their backs, makes the cleanup a little bit easier.

"We'll see in a couple months how I feel, but right now we're going to be taken care and I think everybody on the street will be," says Whalen.

The neighborhood is on a boil order until midnight tonight. Crews will be out all day today and tomorrow making sure residents are taken care of.