JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 9, 2008 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has released a list of 36 drinking water systems that have chronically failed to conduct required bacteriological testing. The department requires all public water systems to test for bacteria at least once a month to verify these systems are providing safe drinking water to the public. While failing to monitor does not necessarily mean that the water is unsafe, routine testing is a crucial part of maintaining a safe water supply.
The vast majority of community and noncommunity public water systems in Missouri comply with all monitoring requirements and meet all drinking water standards. Chronic violators are the exception rather than the rule, as this current list of 36 systems represents only 1.3 percent of the approximately 2,800 public drinking water systems in Missouri.
Bacteriological testing can be the first step in identifying and correcting a problem. The next step is to investigate the cause of any bad samples and perform corrective action, such as disinfecting and flushing the system. When a public water system has a record of both failing to monitor and a history of exceeding contaminant levels, this may raise concerns about the unknown quality of the drinking water.
If a water sample tests positive for total coliform bacteria, further testing is then performed for fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria, which can directly cause gastrointestinal illness. Most samples that test positive for total coliform, test negative for fecal coliform or E. coli.
The total coliform-positive samples that are listed tested negative for fecal coliform or E. coli, unless specifically stated otherwise.
County -- Public Drinking Water System
Barry -- Fuel Express, Office Pub and Steakhouse
Benton-- Grand River Resort, Sun Valley Subdivision
Camden -- Alhonna Resort, Bambooze, Deepwater Inn, Hooligan Bay Resort, Kelly's Landing, Mariner's Pier 31 Yacht Club, Palisades Condo Owners Association, Possum Holler
Dallas -- Ho Humm Campground
Dent -- Teri's Country Home
Franklin -- Charmwood Subdivision, Delta Motel
Greene -- Compass Plaza, Strafford Sports Complex
Jasper -- Royal Oaks Arena
Lawrence -- Baumer's Food Mart
Miller -- Sunset Mobile Home Park
Mississippi -- Merryweather Meadows
Morgan -- The Dummy Restaurant and Bar, Three Pigs Bar B Q and Grill
Nodaway -- Clearmont
Ozark -- Sunburst River Ranch
Pettis -- Meadowlark Acres Mobile Home Park, Renee's North 65 Cafe
Polk -- Time Out Club and Grill
Scott -- Haywood City
St. Clair -- Old Plantation Motel
Stone -- Cross Roads Store, Honey Locust Ridge Subdivision,
Starlight Village, Starrlite Village 4th Addition
Webster -- Tiny's Steak Ranch
These systems' owners have first been sent multiple violation notices in addition to certified letters informing them that chronic failure to monitor is unacceptable. Representatives of the Department of Natural Resources also routinely make on-site inspections and attempt to reach an agreement with the responsible parties to ensure sampling requirements will be met. If these parties continue to fail to comply with Missouri's drinking water law, the department pursues more stringent enforcement action through legal channels.
>> More details on listed violators
For more information, contact the department's Water Protection Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-8309.
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